organizational structure

Organizational structure refers to the elements of the organization that serve to give it its form -- structure (formal lines of reporting), processes (managerial) and decision-making mechanisms. The classic form that has come to dominate large business organizations is the multidivisional organization, often referred to as the M-form (See M-form). The structure of the organization is reflective of the theory of the firm (see firm theory of).

Bartlett and Ghoshal propose a need for a new theory of the firm, a ""managerial theory of the firm"" that is more attuned to the premises of the key actors within the firm so as to be able to illuminate the corporate world as seen by managers and encompass the issues that they perceive to be important. See managerial theory of the firm. (Bartlett, 1993).

Intertwined with organizational structure is organizational theory, organization design, and organization types.