(Solution) 5C001 AC1.1 Flat Non-Hierarchical Structure and Hierarchical Bureaucratic Structure

Solution

AC1.1 Flat Non-Hierarchical Structure and Hierarchical Bureaucratic Structure

Flat Non-Hierarchical Organisation Structure- This is a structure which has less structural layers of management. The simple structure lead to the communication between the leaders and followers (administration and employees) two-way. According to CIPD (2025a) , decision making is embraced participatorily depending on the input of staff.

Flat Organisational Structure

Advantages and disadvantages with Kirsten’s Ownership

Advantages

Increased employees’ satisfaction- With Kirsten under leadership, the structure was highly appropriate owing to the 42 employees in Calmere House. This is since Kirsten was able to harness participatory leadership by regularly facilitating engagements and two-way communications hence increased staff commitment.
High-level employees’ commitment– Under Kirsten leadership, priority was on employees’ behaviours for guiding their recruitment and qualifications. According to People Management (2019) , the outcome of this was increased employees commitment.

Disadvantages

Inconsistencies and likely compliance challenges- This disadvantage is an attribute of lacking formalised policies hence over-reliance on informal initiatives leading to inconsistent and potential complying challenges.
Delay in making decisions- This disadvantage is informed by the fact that a direct engagement of Kirsten imply slow making of decisions since she would need to be consulted. This is coupled by a family-based business environment hard to scale.

Appropriateness of the Structure

For a flat structure, considering situation in Calmere, it well aligns with their culture/ethics of individualised service provision and empowered human resources. According to Webb (2023), the structure enhance the engagement process of employees hence improved trust-based relations and stable co-existence.

Hierarchical Bureaucratic Structure– This is defined with existence of many managerial layers with power flowing from high-level to low-levels. According to Hong (2021), making decisions is anchored at the top with clearly set legislation, policy and strict-steps guiding practice.

Advantages and disadvantages with Chaffinch Group’s Ownership

Advantages

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