A conventional structure is a type of organizational structure that follows a hierarchical model, with clear lines of authority and a defined chain of command. This type of structure is typically found in large, bureaucratic organizations, such as government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
In a conventional structure, there is a central authority figure, such as a CEO or president, who has ultimate decision-making power. Below this figure are various levels of management, each with their own areas of responsibility and levels of authority. For example, a CEO might be supported by a team of vice presidents, who are responsible for specific departments or functions within the organization. These departments might be further divided into smaller teams or units, with each unit having its own leader or manager.
One of the key features of a conventional structure is the clear division of labor. Each level of the hierarchy has a specific set of duties and responsibilities, and employees are expected to perform their duties according to these expectations. This helps to ensure that work is completed efficiently and effectively, as everyone knows their role and what is expected of them.
Another key feature of a conventional structure is the emphasis on formal rules and procedures. These rules and procedures help to ensure consistency and fairness within the organization, and provide a clear set of guidelines for employees to follow. This can be especially important in large organizations, where there may be many different departments and teams working together towards a common goal.
While there are certainly benefits to a conventional structure, it is not without its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms of this type of structure is that it can be inflexible and slow to adapt to change. Decision-making can be slow, as it often requires input from multiple levels of management before a decision can be made. Additionally, employees may feel disconnected from the larger goals of the organization, as they are focused on their specific tasks and may not have a sense of how their work fits into the bigger picture.
Overall, a conventional structure is a well-established and widely-used model for organizing large organizations. While it may not be suitable for every type of organization, it can be effective in providing clear lines of authority, a clear division of labor, and a sense of consistency and fairness within the organization.
