Critically discuss the extent to which an organisations structure not Essay

Critically discuss the extent to which an organisations structure not only shapes its culture, but also its ability to transform itself - Essay Example Notwithstanding the fact that the influence of organisational structure on culture and transformation has been overlooked in many studies and practical management of businesses, there exists a rather important interconnection between these aspects of an organisation (Strandgaard & Sorensen, 1990). However, it may be quite a difficult task to distinguish an organisation’s structure and culture since structure always operates within business culture, implying culture and structure are quite intertwined. Therefore, this paper explores the assertion that the structure of an organisation not only influences its culture but also its ability to incorporate and manage changes. While culture refers to the umbrella issues and manner/patterns in which an organisation operates, structure refers to the infrastructures, methods, and practices therein. The structure of an organisation thus helps ensure that its culture is practised and run efficiently and consistently. Given this important role of structure in shaping an organisation’s culture and ensuring cultural consistency and efficacy, establishing good structures should be the hallmark of every organisation (Newman, 1996). Structure therefore not only influences and shapes organisational culture but it is also an integral part of the culture. The culture of an organisation is also a responsibility of its structure, which relates and deals directly with the settings of an organisation’s culture (Strandgaard & Sorensen, 1990). For instance, cultural issues in an organisation such as the workings of the management, employees’ responsibilities and the handling of disputes and complaints ar e all directly tied to its structures and how they work. The main way in which structure affects organisational culture is through the role of structure in interconnecting the different groups/teams in an organisation hence enabling them to work smoothly to realise