How Organizations are Structured
Understand organizational design principles and structural options to create agile, efficient structures that support strategic objectives and operational needs.
$229
Total: Course cost
1.5 hours to complete
4 modules
Online - self-paced
Learning modality
Earn a credential
View credential
$229
Total: Course cost
1.5 hours to complete
4 modules
Online - self-paced
Learning modality
Earn a credential
View credential
$229
Total: Course cost
1.5 hours to complete
4 modules
Online - self-paced
Learning modality
Earn a credential
View credential
$229
Total: Course cost
1.5 hours to complete
Duration
Online - self-paced
Overview
Explore how organizational structure influences workflow, decision-making and long-term success. This course introduces a range of structural models—from traditional hierarchies to modern networked organizations—and examines how they support or hinder business processes.
Learners will study the four key principles of effective organizational design and learn how to align structure with strategic goals and operational needs. Through real-world case studies and practical frameworks, participants will understand how factors like job design, resource allocation and current organizational trends impact performance and adaptability.
Key Benefits:
- Distinguish between centralization, decentralization and formalization
- Evaluate departmentalization and matrix structures
- Design structures aligned with organizational strategy
What's Included:
- Edgar Schein’s four common elements of organization
- Comprehensive overview of organizational structure types
- Analysis of factors influencing optimal structure design
- Examination of business growth cycle effects on structure
Create organizational architectures that enable both efficiency and adaptability.
Course Modules
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Certificate program
This course is a part of the following certificate program:
Who this course is designed for
- Operations managers optimizing organizational design
- HR professionals involved in restructuring initiatives
- Business leaders evaluating organizational effectiveness
- Consultants advising on organizational structure decisions
- Entrepreneurs scaling business operations
- Professionals understanding cross-functional collaboration
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Discuss the importance of effective networking and its role in organizational success
- Apply Edgar Schein’s common organizational elements to evaluate structure and design
- Differentiate between major organizational structures, including functional, divisional, matrix, and team-based forms
- Identify key factors influencing optimal organizational design, such as centralization, formalization, and business growth cycles
- Evaluate the benefits of flatter structures and modern forms like network and modular organizations
Instructors
Elizabeth Castillo, PhD
Assistant Professor, CISA - Leadership and Integrative Studies
Arizona State University
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