ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Business Studies => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Business Management => Topic started by: Aqualim on March 15, 2010, 07:31:53 pm

Title: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: Aqualim on March 15, 2010, 07:31:53 pm
Does anyone know what the phrase "<insert company name here> have 'flattened' their management structure"?

I'm thinking it has to do with simplifying the structure?
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: m@tty on March 15, 2010, 07:42:09 pm
It is to do with reducing the number of levels within the structure which, in turn, will increase the 'span of control' of managers -- that is, the number of direct subordinates. It should lead to better, and quicker, communication, as a message has less hands to pass through. Though, at the same time, communication would be hindered by the immense amount each manager has to deal with, as they have a wide span of control.

Having been 6 months since last years exam, I have forgotten the actual definition. Though you should check Shinny's notes, they'll have something on it.
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: Aqualim on March 15, 2010, 07:45:04 pm
Cheers, I did a search for flattened in Shinny's Notes and couldn't find anything. But I'm assuming your right, just now have to come up with two advantages of this
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: m@tty on March 15, 2010, 07:46:51 pm
Ah, I don't have any of my old books anymore...
Hope I'm right, for your sake, but don't be surprised if I'm a bit off.
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: Aqualim on March 15, 2010, 07:49:24 pm
thats alright, I'm sure I'll be atleast closer than everyone else. If they don't have notes on it, they won't attempt it.. pfft
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: shinny on March 15, 2010, 07:52:03 pm
It's on page 7. 'Flat' means the same as 'decentralised' as I've indicated in my notes, and decentralised is a concept that the State should be well familiar with. Surprised that your textbook didn't mention or hint that the two were synonymous.
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: Aqualim on March 15, 2010, 07:57:12 pm
It's on page 7. 'Flat' means the same as 'decentralised' as I've indicated in my notes, and decentralised is a concept that the State should be well familiar with. Surprised that your textbook didn't mention or hint that the two were synonymous.

Actually according to the index, the textbook doesn't even refer to decentralised structure :\ (barille textbook)
Title: Re: 'flattened' management structure
Post by: shinny on March 15, 2010, 08:23:55 pm
It's on page 7. 'Flat' means the same as 'decentralised' as I've indicated in my notes, and decentralised is a concept that the State should be well familiar with. Surprised that your textbook didn't mention or hint that the two were synonymous.

Actually according to the index, the textbook doesn't even refer to decentralised structure :\ (barille textbook)

Pretty sure it'll be somewhere under the 'management structure' chapter. It's something that's been on many exams so I'd be surprised if the Barille book didn't have it.