How to Build an Organizational Structure for a House

In business, an organizational structure is a framework that lists the responsibilities of individuals working in the company. This concept can help you develop a structure for your home, but in a different manner. An organizational structure for your home creates defined tasks for everyone in the family. This structure can pay handsomely because you won't be responsible for every task in your home.

Instructions

1. List everyone's strengths on a piece of paper. Your spouse may be better at money, so paying bills would be one of his tasks.

2. Write a group of responsibilities for each person in the house, including your children. Divide tasks by rooms in the house or types of tasks.

3. Create a schedule of daily, weekly or monthly tasks. This adds a schedule to your structure, letting everyone know the expected time to complete tasks.

4. Divide decision-making tasks between you and your spouse. For example, purchasing cleaning materials can be your wife's responsibility, while you make the family's menu.

5. Give tasks to your children. Small tasks can help kids feel involved in your home's organizational structure. For example, folding laundry, sweeping floors or clearing the table are simple tasks for children.

6. Create a controlled environment and don't let things get out of hand. Tasks should not take so long to complete they run into other goals within the structure.

Tips & Warnings

• Include some fun in your home's organizational structure. Try letting your children pick a movie one night a week or a place to eat. This can act as a reward for completing tasks in the structure.

• Too much organizational structure can result in a militaristic-style home, and should be avoided.

References

• Business Dictionary: Organizational Structure
• STC WVC: Tips for Organizing and Managing Your Life: Self/Home/Work