Organizational structure changes the way that communication and decision-making flow within organizations. Some structures have top-down decision-making, while other structures have more centralized decision-making.

Organizational hierarchy influences how information is disseminated and who is involved in the company's future strategies.

Think about how many steps are needed to be taken to order a pencil in your own organization. This can be an indicator of hierarchy within the organization.

1. What type of structure is your organization you work for operating on? What are some advantages and some weakness associated with this type of structure?

2. Based on the type of organizational structure you work in:

Evaluate how this organizational structure contributes to your/your manager's autonomy, and accountability. How many levels of hierarchy are in your organization and what management skills are required for effective mid-level management? If your organization operates on two levels, evaluate the skills needed by managers operating at the lower level.