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Structures for nonhierarchical organizations
Author(s) -
O'Neill Barry
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830290107
Subject(s) - organizational structure , knowledge management , knowledge organization , hierarchical organization , organizational architecture , point (geometry) , computer science , function (biology) , tree (set theory) , distribution (mathematics) , management science , business , process management , mathematics , engineering , management , economics , mathematical analysis , geometry , evolutionary biology , biology
Nonhierarchical organizations avoid the disadvantages in traditional organizations arising from the superior‐subordinate relationship and from the unequal distribution of information in the group. They are discussed from the point of view of: (1) coordination of some members by others, (2) efficient communication, (3) rational assignment of subtasks to parts of the organization, and (4) possibilities for organizational growth. Tree‐shaped (hierarchical) organizations are popular because they allow these functions to be performed by a single structure, so that each function promotes the effectiveness of the others. A nonhierarchical organization with this advantage can be designed based on finite geometrical spaces. This paper deals with decision making at the level of the organization.