SBenegaL

Category: Integration

  • Horizontal Integration

    In the last byte, we looked at vertical integration linkage. In today’s byte, we look at the horizontal integrator mechanisms.

    As mentioned earlier, horizontal integration mechanism provides the communication and coordination that is required across the different jobs and departments in the organization. The need for such horizontal linkages increses as the complexity of the organization increases. When built into the organization, the forms these linkages could take forms like liason roles, task force, integrator positions and teams. 

    Liason roles is created when a person in one department has the responsibility to coordinate with the other department. Task force are temporary committees composed of representatives from multiple deparments and focus on solving specific problem.
     
    The strongest means of horizontal integration is through teams.
     
    Note that these linkage mechanisms vary from organization to organization, as well asaa within the same organization. A simple observation is that the flatter the organization, the more necessary are horizontal mechanisms.
     
    We next look at the various dimensions of org design.

  • Vertical Integration

    In the last byte, we began our discussion on integrations and the role it plays in an organization. In today’s byte, we look at vertical linkages.

    Vertical linkages as mentioned earlier used to integrate activities up and down the organizational chain of command. Many structural devices can be used to achieve vertical linkages viz – hierarchical referrals, rules and procedures, plans and schedules, positions added to the structure of the organization, and management information systems.

    The vertical lines on an organization chart indicate the referral up and down the organization. While work is delegated down the organization chart, when an employee has a doubt he refers up to the chart for consideration and resolution.
     
    The various vertical integration linkage mechanism help the manager have a wider span of control. The employee handbook, procedures etc reduce the demand on the manager’s time to focus each employee  and could choose to manage only in exceptional situations.
    For a greater understanding, one would need to think of each linkage mechanism.

  • Integration

    In the last  byte, we looked at complexity and the relationship the different differentiation. In today’s byte, we look at integration.

    Integration refers to the process of coordinating the different parts of an organization.
     
    The purpose of any integration mechanisms are designed to achieve unity among individuals and groups in various jobs, departments, and divisions in the accomplishments of organizational goals and tasks.
     
    One could understand the role of integration to be that of maintaining a equilibrium in the dynamic state of affairs – a condition in which all the parts of the organization are inter-related and balanced.
     
    We could achieve this through two broad ways:
    1. Vertical linkages
    2. Horizontal linkages
    Vertical linkages are used to integrate activities up and down the organization’s chain of command. Horizontal integration mechanisms provide the communication and coordination that is necessary for linkages across jobs and departments in the organization.

  • Differentiation and Integration:Definition

    In the last byte, we began our discussion on the larger concept of organizational design and structure. In today’s byte, we define the concepts of differentiation and integration.

    Definitions:
    • Differentiation is the process of deciding how to divide the work in an organization
    • Integration is the process of coordinating the different parts of an organization
    Differentiation is the design process of breaking the organizational goal into tasks and integration is the design process of linking the tasks together to forma a structure that supports goal accomplishments.
     
    These two processes are really the key to designing the organization successfully. Organization structure helps prevent chaos through an orderly set of reporting relationships and communication challenges.
     
    An understanding of the key design processes and organizational structure helps an individual understand the larger working environment and may prevent confusion in the organization.This organizational structure and the underlying components are represented through an organizational chart.