JoHo

The functions of structure are as follows:

1. Structure must support the implementation of strategy. In other words, structure must support achievement of an organisation’s goals.
2. Structure supports defining areas of responsibility, e.g. an organisational chart provides information about who is responsible for what in an organisation.
3. Structure provides control mechanisms. This maintains the unity of purpose of the organisation.
4. Structure is responsible for facilitating the flow production. By creating organisational forms, promoting efficiency, and using the latest technologies, companies facilitate their organisational competitiveness.
5. Structure should promote coordination and information flows. As production tends to flow across the organisation, it is important that the structure facilitates the necessary information flows which support the flow of production.
6. Structure should help to monitor and respond to environmental change. All organisations need to build the capacity to monitor environmental changes within their structure and to respond appropriately to them.
7. Structure supports the maintenance of organisational knowledge and learning. Structure determines how the specialised tasks are coordinated and brought together and information and knowledge distributed.