Module 3 discussion
Organizational
Hierarchy
Most of us work in organizations that have some hierarchic
element; for example, a chief executive with broad responsibility and authority
leading some kind of ladder/pyramid structure that includes middle managers
with responsibilities for specific functions, products or services, or
territories or other market categories.
As indicated in the background readings, this hierarchy might be largely
horizontal/flat or vertical/long and some crossover relationships are likely,
for example, a “budget officer“ from the finance department who is responsible
for financial controls in particular territories or product categories.
Week One – Describe organizational hierarchy
• Identify and briefly describe an organization where you
have worked or volunteered.
Week Two – Evaluate organizational hierarchies
Using that organization as a reference, reference that
experience as well as background readings in addressing these questions:
• What are some positive aspects of organizational
hierarchies?
• What are some disadvantages?
Discussion expectations are for students to post each week:
a response to the questions posed and at least two or three substantive replies
to the contributions of fellow students or the class instructor. “Substantive” implies more than simple
agreement or other one-liners: explain your position, offer an example, and at
least some external referencing in each module.
The best examples of discussion contributions provide some depth –
compose a coherent paragraph or two, offer some originality, and demonstrate an
understanding of the concepts covered in the module. Proofread what you have
written before publishing it.
