Network organization structure

Network organization structure
See also
Levels of the organization Team structure Centralized management Organizational dependence Departmentalization Subsystem Task assignment Grouping of posts Size of the organization

Network organization structure is a way of organizing a group of people, departments, or processes in an organization. It defines who has authority and responsibility, how communication and information flows between groups, and how decisions are made. Network structures provide a way to connect multiple groups in order to share resources, coordinate tasks, and achieve objectives. They are often used to create a decentralized system where each group has its own tasks and decision-making capabilities, but is still connected to the larger network. Network organization structures allow organizations to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better services to their customers.

Example of network organization structure

• Matrix Organization Structure: A matrix organization structure is a type of network organization that combines both functional and product-based departments. This type of structure allows the organization to optimize resources and create a more efficient workflow. Employees can work on multiple projects at once, and the structure allows for more collaboration and flexibility.
• Virtual Organization Structure: A virtual organization structure is a type of network organization in which employees work remotely, often from different locations. This type of structure allows an organization to increase efficiency and reduce costs, as well as access a broader pool of talent. It also allows employees to have more flexibility and autonomy in their work.
• Hub-and-Spoke Organization Structure: A hub-and-spoke organization structure is a type of network organization in which each unit has a specific focus and performs specific tasks. The hub is responsible for coordinating tasks and resources between the units, and the spokes are responsible for executing the tasks. This type of structure allows organizations to increase efficiency and create a more organized workflow.

When to use network organization structure

Network organization structures are a useful tool for organizations of any size that need to coordinate multiple activities or departments. They provide a decentralized system for decision-making, resource sharing, and task coordination. Network organization structures can be used in a variety of situations, including:

• When an organization needs to coordinate activities between different departments or teams, such as in a manufacturing plant or a retail store.
• When an organization wants to share resources across departments or teams, such as IT resources.
• When an organization needs to quickly respond to changes in the market or environment.
• When an organization wants to create a more agile and responsive structure.
• When an organization needs to decentralize decision making and give each team more autonomy.

Types of network organization structure

Network organization structures are an important tool used to create a decentralized system within an organization. They allow groups to share resources, coordinate tasks, and achieve objectives more efficiently. There are several types of network organization structures:

• The matrix structure is a type of network organization structure that combines different functional areas into a unified system. This type of organization structure has multiple layers of management, with decisions made at each layer. It also allows for flexible resource sharing and cross-functional collaboration.
• A decentralized network structure is another type of network organization structure. This structure allows for more autonomy for individual teams, with each team responsible for making their own decisions. This type of organization structure is often used when teams need to focus on specialized tasks and when there is a need for more collaboration between teams.
• A hierarchical network structure is a type of network organization structure that is based on a formal hierarchy. This type of organization structure has a clear chain of command and a top-down approach to decision making. It is often used when there is a need for clear authority and control.
• A hybrid network structure is a combination of different types of network organization structures. This type of organization structure allows for greater flexibility and customization, as it combines different components from different types of structures. This type of organization structure is often used by larger organizations that need to accommodate different departments or processes.

Steps of creating network organization structure

• Identify the goals and objectives of the organization: The first step in creating a network organization structure is to identify the goals and objectives of the organization. This helps to define the purpose and direction of the organization, and will determine the type of structure required.
• Define the roles and responsibilities: Once the goals and objectives have been identified, the next step is to define the roles and responsibilities of each group in the network. This will help to ensure that each group is working towards the same goal and that the network as a whole is working towards the same objectives.
• Establish communication protocols: Establishing effective communication protocols is essential for the successful functioning of a network organization structure. This includes defining how information will be shared among the different groups, as well as how decisions will be made and problems resolved.
• Develop a system for tracking progress: Developing a system for tracking the progress of the organization is also important. This will allow the organization to monitor its progress, identify any areas of improvement, and determine how well the network is functioning.
• Evaluate the network regularly: Finally, it is important to evaluate the network on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that it is functioning as expected and that any changes or adjustments can be made quickly and easily.

Advantages of network organization structure

Network organization structure has numerous advantages, including:

• Increased efficiency by allowing for a decentralized system of decision making and task coordination.
• Enhanced communication and information sharing between departments, allowing for faster and more informed decision making.
• Improved resource utilization, as resources can be shared and managed more effectively across departments.
• Reduced costs due to the elimination of redundant processes and the ability to leverage shared resources.
• Increased flexibility, as tasks can be delegated and adjusted in order to respond quickly to changes in the environment.
• Improved customer service, as each department is able to respond quickly and accurately to customer needs.

Limitations of network organization structure

Network organization structure has many advantages, however, there are also some limitations. The following are some of the main limitations of network organization structure:

• Complexity: Network organization structure can be complex, as it involves many different groups with different roles and responsibilities. This complexity can make it difficult to manage and coordinate tasks and objectives.
• Lack of centralized control: With a network structure, it may be difficult to establish a single point of control or authority. This can lead to problems with communication, coordination, and decision making.
• Expense: Establishing and maintaining a network organization structure can be costly, both in terms of financial and personnel resources.
• Fragmentation: Without a centralized point of control, it can be difficult to keep everyone on the same page. This can lead to fragmentation and inefficiencies.
• Inability to scale: Network organization structures may be difficult to scale as the organization grows. This can limit the organization's ability to grow and expand.

Suggested literature

• Lin, Y., Desouza, K. C., & Roy, S. (2010). Measuring agility of networked organizational structures via network entropy and mutual information. Applied Mathematics and Computation, 216(10), 2824-2836.