Radial structure

Tasks involving work of lot of people involves introducing of the hierarchy and division of labor. Such solutions have appeared for a long time, although they were mostly informal. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that several thousand years ago in the operation as complicated as the mammoth hunt, there was any leaders or coordinators.

If the owner or the leader directly manages subordinates such structure is called radial. This is a typical structure for each young organization. At the same time, it is not possible to keep it, if the organization is growing fast. In such case, it develops to a linear structure or other structural solution. This evolution involves the introduction of the positions of the managers, who handles various activities in place of the owner of company.

Characteristics of radial structure

Undoubted advantage of radial structure is its simplicity. However, this is not the most important criterion for evaluation. The efficiency of this solution is present only in the beginning of the company's business. Maintaining this solution for a period longer than necessary, cause a slowdown in the company's development due to the lack of sufficiently flexible changes and restrictions on communication. Why this happens? Employees in each case must ask the owner, who makes every decision and commands every employee. When the owner goes on vacation or gets ill, the company stops working. Employees do not communicate among themselves in matters related to the implementation of the tasks because there is no such need.

Almost every organization passes through a stage of radial structure. In the case of small family companies it lasts longer and in the case of fast-growing companies it lasts very briefly. Radial structure should not be treated as a viable way to manage the organization, because it can hinder its development.

See also:

• Linear structure

Examples of Radial structure

• An example of a radial structure is an organization that is composed of different departments or divisions that are responsible for different tasks. This type of structure is often seen in large companies where each division is headed by a manager and then further broken down into lower level teams or individuals. For example, a car manufacturer may have a sales division, a manufacturing division, and a marketing division, all of which are responsible for different aspects of the company's operations.
• Another example of a radial structure is a political system. In this type of structure, the head of the government is the center of the structure, with power flowing outward to the various branches of government. For example, the president of the United States is the center of the structure, with power flowing outward to the executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch.
• A third example of a radial structure is a project team. In this type of structure, the project leader is the center of the structure, with power flowing outward to the various members of the project team. For example, a project leader may be in charge of assigning tasks to each member of the team and monitoring their progress. The team members then work together to complete the project.

Advantages of Radial structure

Radial structure is a type of organization, in which the authority is distributed among several individuals in different layers. It is often used in large organizations, when the number of employees is too big to be managed by a single person. The advantages of this type of structure include:

• Improved communication between the different layers of the organization, as everyone has access to the same information and can easily share their ideas with the rest of the team.
• Increased productivity, as the tasks are divided among several individuals, who can work on them in parallel.
• Increased flexibility, as the organization can quickly react to any changes in the environment.
• Higher motivation among the employees, as they have more autonomy and responsibility.
• More effective decision making, as different opinions and perspectives can be taken into consideration.

Limitations of Radial structure

Radial structure is a type of organizational structure that is focused on single leader or key figure. It is often used in small businesses or teams. However, this structure has several limitations that should be taken into account when considering its use:

• It can lead to inefficient decision-making, since all decisions have to be approved by the leader. This can lead to delays in decision-making and can cause problems in times of crisis.
• This structure can also lead to lack of innovation, as all ideas have to be approved by the leader, and they are not likely to take risks and accept new ideas.
• It can also lead to a lack of accountability, since all decisions are made by the leader and there is no one else to blame if the decisions are wrong.
• This structure can also lead to an unhealthy work environment, as employees are not given the opportunity to express their ideas and be creative. This can lead to low morale and decreased productivity.

Other approaches related to Radial structure

Radial structure is a type of organizational structure that is characterized by a lack of centralized authority, which allows for individual members to have a degree of autonomy while they work together on a project. Other approaches related to this type of structure include:

• Cross-functional teams: These teams are made up of members with different skill sets, allowing them to draw on different sources of knowledge and experience to accomplish a common goal.
• Matrix teams: Matrix teams are organized into multiple teams, each with its own specialized area of focus. This allows the team to divide its work into manageable chunks, while still working together as a cohesive unit.
• Self-managed teams: These teams are made up of members who are responsible for managing their own work, with the help of a leader who can provide guidance and support.
• Virtual teams: Virtual teams are made up of members who are geographically dispersed and who communicate primarily through online tools, such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.

In summary, radial structures offer a way for individuals to work together without relying on a centralized authority. Other approaches related to this type of structure include cross-functional teams, matrix teams, self-managed teams, and virtual teams. These approaches all offer different ways of organizing work and allow individuals to work together in a collaborative and productive manner.

Radial structure — recommended articles

Horizontal organization — Horizontal communication — Hierarchical dependence — Organic organization — Functional structure — Distribution of decision-making powers — Linear structure — Bureaucratic organization — Delegative leadership

References

• Tsoukas, H., & Chia, R. (2002). On organizational becoming: Rethinking organizational change. Organization science, 13(5), 567-582.