30 Dec Using that organization

Organizational Hierarchy

Most of us work in organizations that have some hierarchic element; for example, a chief executive with broad responsibility and authority leading some kind of ladder/pyramid structure that includes middle managers with responsibilities for specific functions, products or services, or territories or other market categories. As indicated in the background readings, this hierarchy might be largely horizontal/flat or vertical/long and some crossover relationships are likely, for example, a “budget officer“ from the finance department who is responsible for financial controls in particular territories or product categories.

Week One – Describe organizational hierarchy

• Identify and briefly describe an organization where you have worked or volunteered.

Week Two – Evaluate organizational hierarchies

Using that organization as a reference, reference that experience as well as background readings in addressing these questions:

• What are some positive aspects of organizational hierarchies?

• What are some disadvantages?

Discussion expectations are for students to post each week: a response to the questions posed and at least two or three substantive replies to the contributions of fellow students or the class instructor. “Substantive” implies more than simple agreement or other one-liners: explain your position, offer an example, and at least some external referencing in each module. The best examples of discussion contributions provide some depth – compose a coherent paragraph or two, offer some originality, and demonstrate an understanding of the concepts covered in the module. Proofread what you have written before publishing it.