Definition of Flat Organizational Structure in Hospitals
Flat organizational structures, commonly referred to as horizontal structures, have few layers or levels of management. Hospitals tend to structure their organizations horizontally instead of hierarchically because flat structures have specific benefits that provide a better fit for this business type.
Other People Are Reading
-
Significance
-
Flat organizations are most suited to a company that has well-trained employees that work more efficiently without multiple managers, and the structure is valuable in the decision-making process (see Reference 1).
Benefits
-
A flat organizational structure encourages employee involvement in decision making, improves communication, increases feedback efficiency, leads to better working relationships between subordinates and superiors and allows for quicker responses to customer concerns (see Reference 1).
-
Function
-
Hospitals benefit from flat structures because doctors are well-trained employees that need to be empowered to make quick decisions due to the unique nature of their job.
Effects
-
Hospitals also reduce their expenses by eliminating the use of middle management; flat structures allow hospital directors or CEOs a greater scope and give doctors increased responsibility and accountability.
Considerations
-
Horizontal structures are most effective and commonly used for smaller companies. This is because flat structures are not often correlated with rapid company growth, something most hospitals do not plan for or experience (see Reference 1).
-
