Active learning ideas
Organisational Structures looks at how businesses are organised internally, focusing on the hierarchy, span of control, and chain of command. Students compare tall and flat structures and explore how these choices affect communication and decision-making. For Year 11, this is a key part of understanding how large organisations like the NHS or a local startup function differently.
Activity 01
Organise the class into a 'Tall' structure (many levels) and a 'Flat' structure (few levels). Pass a complex instruction from the 'CEO' to the 'Worker' to see which structure gets the message most accurately and quickly.
What is a tall versus flat organisational structure?
Activity 02
Groups are given a case study of a company that is 'delayering' (removing middle management). They must list the benefits for the business and the drawbacks for the employees, then present a balanced verdict.
How does the chain of command affect decision-making?
Activity 03
One student tries to manage 15 'employees' (peers) on a task, while another manages only 3. They discuss the stress levels, quality of work, and the level of 'micromanagement' experienced in each scenario.
What is the impact of delayering on a workforce?
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 leadership, but with fewer levels of middle management. Using an 'organogram' drawing activity helps students see that authority still exists even when the 'distance' between the top and bottom is shorter.
Tall structures are always bad.
Tall structures provide clear promotion paths and close supervision, which is vital in high-risk industries like nuclear power. Peer-to-peer discussion about 'which structure would you want for a pilot training school' helps students see the value of hierarchy.
Methods used in this brief
Recruitment and Selection
This topic covers the recruitment process, from identifying a vacancy to selecting a candidate. Students will compare internal and external recruitment methods.
8 methodologies
Motivating Employees
Students will explore financial and non-financial methods of motivation. They will understand the benefits of a motivated workforce to a business.
8 methodologies
Training and Development
Students investigate the importance of training employees. They will evaluate the benefits of on-the-job versus off-the-job training.
8 methodologies