Getting your Structure Right

Abstract

The analogy that an organisation structure is like a suit of clothes is apt. Not only does it suggest the necessary individuality of “fit”, it also indicates something of the inevitability of change over time. As with a suit, where wear and tear and fashion are relevant indicators of the need for change, so it is with organisations. To those who might query the need to draw this analogy, it is worth pointing out that many organisational problems arise simply because the comparisons are ignored. Just as there are no suits which will fit everybody, so are there no organisation structures which can be applied universally. Then in the same way as the suit bought ten years ago would not meet the buyer's needs today, yesterday's organisation structure is unlikely to meet today's needs.

Citation

Farmer, D. (1981), "Getting your Structure Right", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, Vol. 11 No. 2/3, pp. 62-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb014492