Summary Notes on Unit 10 - Managing change - flexible organisation

Managing change – flexible organisation 15/11/2022


Flexible organisation – one that is able to adapt and respond relatively quickly to change in
its external environment in order to gain advantage and sustain its competitive position.
 Identify the need for change
 Respond to the necessary change

Flexible organisation is more likely to have adopted a ‘organic structure compared with a
‘mechanic’ structure.


Organic structure:
 Informal
 Flexible and fluid (easy to change)
 Favours verbal communication
 Associated with decentralised decision-making and empowerment
 Find change easier to handle

Mechanistic structure:
 Formal
 Bureaucratic (find it hard to change)
 Formal communication methods
 Associated with centralised decision-making and supervision
 Favours standardised policies and procedures
 Little perceived need to change