Specialization

Specialization next to centralization, formalization and hierarchy, is one of the dimensions of the organizational structure. Specialization determines the division of labor between the units and the posts in the organizational structure and the nature and strength of the ties in the work breakdown. Structural specialization is to sort out positions and organizational structure in units according to some criterion, and the connection of homogeneous positions in larger organizational units, such as departments, divisions, strategic business units. Connecting aims to ensure coordination of the different work by submission of joint actions, to common management. It requires creation of specialized procedures and rules of operation but the tasks entrusted to the individual worker should be restricted to perform one function.

Types of specialization

Depending on how activities are grouped within the organization, there are the following types of specialization:

1. functional Specialization (breakdown by function) - consists of grouping activities according to their functions, for example: the manager might organize company by assigning professionals: technical, accounting, human resources and supply to separate departments.
2. Product Specialization (breakdown by product) - grouping activities according to types of manufactured products, such as: employees who deal with each of the major types of products shall carry out their tasks under the leadership of manager, specializing in all things related to its product range.
3. Market Specialization (breakdown by customers) - grouping activities according to common customers, e.g. company can be divided into three sections, serving retail, wholesale customers and institutions. This type of specialization is based on the premise that each customers group has common types of problems and needs, which can best be addressed by specialists.
4. Regional specialization (breakdown by territory) - grouping activities according to geographic regions, e.g.: the West, South West and the East. Each region has assigned own regional sales manager.
5. Specialization on the basis of the process - grouping activities according to the stage in work process or flow of customers. It is used for example in offices, in which to receive a specific service you need to go through several departments.

Organizations currently applies most of above described types of specialization. Today's competitive environment resulted in the focus of management on customers. To better track their needs and be able to respond to changes, a lot of emphasis is put to the specialization based on customers.

Advantages of specialization

• decrease in number of management decisions needed,
• high skill of workers in performing daily tasks,
• minimizing mental effort,
• reduce of the time needed to move from one position to another,
• lower costs of training,
• ability to use specialized equipment.

Disadvantages of specialization

Specialization promotes productivity, however, excessive specialization leads to the creation of the following barriers to growth:

• technology (waste of time formed by frequent transmission of semi-finished products),
• psychological (an increase in the number of errors associated with the monotony of work),
• organizational (increase in the cost of coordination).

See also:

• Specialization strategy

Examples of Specialization

• Division of Labor: This is the most common example of specialization. It involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller and simpler processes and assigning them to individual workers. This makes it easier to measure performance and makes workers more efficient.
• Professionalization: Professionalization involves recruiting and training workers with specialized skills to perform certain tasks. This allows organizations to employ experts in their fields who can provide the highest quality of service.
• Task Specialization: Task specialization involves assigning specific tasks to individual workers or groups. This allows for more efficient workflow and reduces the chances of mistakes.
• Departmentalization: Departmentalization involves grouping together similar tasks and assigning them to departments. This allows for better coordination and communication between different areas of the organization.
• Functional Specialization: Functional specialization involves assigning specific functions to workers and departments. This allows for a clearer division of labor and helps to reduce duplication of effort.

Other approaches related to Specialization

• Division of Labor: Division of labor is a method of organizing work by dividing it into smaller tasks and assigning each task to a separate individual or team. This approach helps to increase efficiency and reduce production costs.
• Job Rotation: Job rotation is a strategy that allows employees to move between different tasks and departments. This can help to create a more flexible workforce and reduce boredom among employees.
• Task Specialization: Task specialization is a strategy that involves focusing on one particular task and mastering it. This can help to increase efficiency and accuracy when performing the assigned tasks.
• Functional Specialization: Functional specialization is a strategy that involves dividing work into functional areas and assigning each area to a team or group of individuals. This approach helps to improve efficiency by allowing individuals to focus on their area of expertise.

In conclusion, Specialization is an important element of organizational structure. It helps to organize work into smaller tasks and assign them to specific individuals or teams. Additionally, other approaches such as job rotation, task specialization, and functional specialization can help to improve the efficiency of the organization.

Specialization — recommended articles

Grouping of posts — Departmentalization — Strategic business unit — Tensor structure — Functional dependence — Functional structure — Network structure — Core process — Principles of scientific management

References

• Mayhew, B. W., & Wilkins, M. S. (2003). Audit firm industry specialization as a differentiation strategy: Evidence from fees charged to firms going public. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 22(2), 33-52.
• Miles, R. E., Snow, C. C., Meyer, A. D., & Coleman, H. J. (1978). Organizational strategy, structure, and process. Academy of management review, 3(3), 546-562.
• Norton, E., & Tenenbaum, B. H. (1993). Specialization versus diversification as a venture capital investment strategy. Journal of Business Venturing, 8(5), 431-442.