Active learning ideas
Organisational Structures looks at how a business organises its people to achieve its goals. Students compare tall structures (many layers of management) with flat structures (few layers) and learn key terms like span of control, chain of command, and delegation. This topic is central to understanding how communication and authority flow through a company.
Activity 01
The class physically arranges themselves into a 'Tall' structure and then a 'Flat' structure. They pass a message from the 'CEO' to the 'Worker' to see how speed and accuracy of communication change between the two models.
What is a chain of command?
Activity 02
Groups are given a list of tasks for a busy manager. They must decide which tasks can be delegated to subordinates and which must stay with the manager, justifying their choices based on the 'span of control'.
How do tall and flat organisational structures differ?
Activity 03
Students discuss whether it is better for a manager to have 3 subordinates or 15. They share the pros and cons of each, focusing on the level of supervision versus worker independence.
Why might a business choose to delayer its structure?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
A 'Flat' structure means there is no boss.
A flat structure still has a hierarchy, just fewer levels. There is still a clear chain of command. Using a 'human org chart' activity helps students see that authority still exists even in simpler structures.
Delegation means the manager has less work to do.
Delegation is about developing staff and improving efficiency, but the manager remains responsible for the outcome. Peer discussion about 'accountability vs. responsibility' can help clarify this subtle point.
Methods used in this brief
Recruitment and Selection
This topic covers the process of attracting and selecting the right employees. Students will analyse the use of job descriptions, person specifications, and different interview methods.
8 methodologies
Motivating Employees
Students investigate the importance of motivation in the workplace and the methods used to achieve it. They will evaluate both financial and non-financial methods of motivation.
8 methodologies