What is the difference between a mechanistic structure and an organic structure?

The structure of an organisation is an important determinant of how effectively it can both identify the need for change and also respond to the necessary change.

A flexible organisation is one that is able to adapt and respond relatively quickly to changes in its external environment in order to gain advantage and sustain its competitive position.

A flexible organisation is more likely to have adopted what is often referred to as an "organic" structure, as compared with a "mechanistic" structure.

The differences between these two terms are outlined briefly below:

Organic Structures

Characterised by:

Informality

Flexible and fluid (easy to change)

Favours informal (e.g.) verbal communication

Associated with decentralised decision-making & employee empowerment

Find change easier to handle

Mechanistic Structures

Characterised by:

More formality & bureaucratic

Associated with centralised decision-making & supervision

Reliance on formal communication methods

Favours standardised policies and procedures

Little perceived need to change

Greater resistance to change when implemented

An organization’s structure is an important factor in how effectively it will operate. Some businesses are more suited to a hierarchical structure that adheres to rigid guidelines and procedures, while others benefit greatly from a structure that allows for free-flowing ideas and linear communication styles. The mechanistic organizational structure uses a top-down approach to management, while organic organizational structure uses a more flexible management style.

Mechanistic Organizational Structure

The mechanistic organizational structure is the most common business structure and is typically used in a manufacturing environment. This type of organizational structure is bureaucratic, which means it employs a highly centralized authority figure. A set of formal procedures, functions and processes are implemented throughout the organization under a mechanistic organizational structure.

In this type of organization, employees tend to work separately on their own tasks, which are handed down through a chain of command. Company-wide decisions are left to employees who reside at the top of the hierarchical chain and communication is passed from the top down. Written communication tends to dominate within this type of structure.

An organizational chart in the mechanistic organizational structure would typically include the Chief Executive Officer, executives, supervisors, managers and support personnel. Individual specialization is prominent among employees at every level within this structure. An organization is typically made of a network of positions based on an employee’s specialization within the company. Usually, each person handles one task within the network of business functions.

Within this structure, employees have little daily interaction with members of the structure’s upper executives. Those upper-level employees normally hold tight control over the employees below them, outlining processes and rules that must be adhered to throughout daily business operations.

Organic Organizational Structure

An organic organizational structure is a flat organization that allows for horizontal communications and interactions and is more suited to creative businesses. This type of organizational structure is decentralized, giving employees at all levels a chance to participate in business-related decision making.

Businesses with an organic structure often encourage group participation and the sharing of work responsibilities. Communication channels are open to employees, managers and business owners and contact between all levels of employees usually occurs on a regular basis. Lower-level employees tend to have more face-time with executives than in a mechanistic organization. The type of communication most often used in organic structures is verbal.

The flat nature of organic businesses allows this type of organizational structure to be more flexible to change if needed. Employees take part in a joint specialization based on the jobs at hand, providing expertise on a wide array of functions within the business. Status is tied to the perceived intelligence and aptitude of the employee rather than their position within the company. In an organic structure, the business is made up of a network of people or teams who work together in varying capacities to achieve the goals of the business.

Every organization has a system that defines how it conducts certain activities, allocates tasks, and so on. This system is known as an organizational structure. Every organization chooses a structure that fits its operations and goals. Two such organizational structures are the organic model and the mechanistic model. 
 

A mechanistic model of organizational structure is one where there is a standardized control system and centralized format of decision-making. Organizations that are highly bureaucratic in nature are said to follow a mechanistic organizational structure. They are the perfect fit for companies that work in a simple environment that doesn't undergo many changes. Such organizations are highly hierarchical in nature as well.  
 

As opposed to the mechanistic model, an organic organizational structure is more simple and more flexible. They are highly decentralized and have a low degree of formality associated with the activities. They are more or less boundariless in nature and work excellently for organizations that work in a turbulent and dynamic environment. 

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