Open AccessSecondhand Goods, Firsthand Knowledge: An Organizational Structure Exercise At The Local Flea Market
Author(s) -
Monika Renard,
William Ritchie,
Charles J. Fornaciari
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of business case studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2157-8826
pISSN - 1555-3353
DOI - 10.19030/jbcs.v4i7.4793
Subject(s) - organizational structure , flea , market structure , marketing , field (mathematics) , business , knowledge management , industrial organization , public relations , computer science , economics , management , political science , mathematics , ecology , biology , pure mathematics
We developed a unique and enjoyable field trip exercise to challenge students to identify various organizational structures and their properties and dimensions present in the local flea market. Drawing on students review of common organizational structures, i.e., simple, functional, multi-divisional, and network, this exercise requires that individuals or small groups of students visit a local flea market to observe and analyze the numerous organizational structures apparent. Students then use a given report format to identify: the properties of organizations; distinct organizational structures on varying levels of analysis (the market as a whole, areas of specialization, and vendors); and the dimensions seen in organizations (specialization, span of control, formalization, and centralization). In-class discussion of the topic, using discussion questions provided, further clarifies the concepts that students viewed in practice at the flea market.