Differences between mechanistic organizations and organic organization structures

A bureaucratic, hierarchical organizational structure known as a mechanistic organization has a centralized authority, codified processes and procedures, and specialized functions (Plunkett et al., 2013). Due to their typical simplicity, these organizations are straightforward to manage and organize. But dealing with quick changes is difficult for mechanistic organizations. Organizations with organic structures, on the other hand, are adaptable and can quickly and effectively adjust to changes. Additionally, the organic businesses have few layers or divisions of administration, few specialized functions, and decentralized power or decision-making. The following paragraphs explain several aspects of mechanical and organizational structures that are explored in this essay.
Mechanistic and biological organizing systems differ in specific ways that make them to differentiate the two structures. One of the main differences is in the manner the employees from both structures carry out their duties. In mechanistic structure, workers are assigned tasks or duties, which they perform individually and separately (Plunkett et al., 2013). On the contrary, white-collars in organic structures share inputs and embrace teamwork in various tasks, hence little job specialization. The second main difference is in the communication process. In a mechanistic structure, communication is primarily between supervisors and managers and is only extended to the executives. Therefore, mechanistic organizations have little daily interactions if any. On the other hand, organic organizations have an open communication, which takes place between managers, executives, and hired hands. Lastly, unlike organic structures, mechanistic structures are characterized by strict operating standards or company policies and a lot of documentation.

Both mechanistic and organic structures are affected by the environmental changes equally. However, organizational structures with rigid frameworks such as mechanistic organizations are likely to experience such changes late compared to organic structures. Plunkett, Allen, & Attner (2013) postulate that the rate at which organizations accommodate the natural alterations is mainly attributed to flexibility. The other important factor that determines how environment translate into an organizational structure is the manner in which the authority operates. For instance, unlike mechanistic structures that have a centralized authority, organic organizations are fast to adjust the ecological modifications that critically determine their operations and success.

Unlike organic organizations, the mechanistic structures face challenges in reacting quickly to the turbulences that are frequent and are due to some hyper-change or hyper-competition. According to Corallo, Passiante, & Prencipe (2007), since the mechanistic organizations have formalized procedures and strict policies, they tend to first justify the products and their position to the clients instead of changing the quality or process quickly towards the market reactions. It is contrary to the organic organizations, which easily affect changes in the company’s parameters to respond to the external market forces.

The current environment is rapidly modifying following the technological advancement in various fields ranging from production to management. Such hyperactive surroundings are attributed to the fast alterations in both the customer’s requirements and the marketplace. Consequently, businesses need to adapt quickly to avoid potential huge business and commercial losses – large-scale adopters are likely to face the high competition and still survive in the market. Therefore, organic organizational structures are more suitable to the current local and global market conditions due to their flexible nature (Corallo et al., 2007).

In conclusion, the different structures and characteristics in mechanistic and organic organizations determine their operations in the market. The current environment is technology-oriented and thus the need for firms to have flexible structures that can respond quickly and accommodate organizational success. While organic structures are far the most suitable, mechanistic structures are not outdated or out of reference as they still suit particular businesses such as vehicle manufacturers.



References

Corallo, A. Passiante, G., & Prencipe, A. (2007). The digital business ecosystem. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Plunkett, W.R., Allen, G., & Attner, R.F. (2013). Management: Meeting and exceeding customer expectations (10th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.