| Mechanistic | Organic |
|---|---|
| Individual specialization: Employees work separately and specialize in one task |
Joint Specialization: Employees work together and coordinate tasks |
| Simple integrating mechanisms: Hierarchy of authority well-defined |
Complex integrating mechanisms: task forces and teams are primary integrating mechanisms |
| Centralization: Decision-making kept as high as possible. Most communication is vertical. |
Decentralization: Authority to control tasks is delegated. Most communication lateral |
| Standardization: Extensive use made of rules & Standard Operating Procedures |
Mutual Adjustment: Face-to-face contact for coordination. Work process tends to be unpredictable |
| Much written communication | Much verbal communication |
| Informal status in org based on size of empire |
Informal status based on perceived brilliance |
| Organization is a network of positions, corresponding to tasks. Typically each person corresponds to one task |
Organization is network of persons or teams. People work in different capacities simultaneously and over time |