Case: How companies organise themselves *

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Flat or Hierarchy: What Works Best?

29-04-2025 392 views 0

How companies organise themselves *

Companies are organised in different ways to achieve their goals.

Some companies have a flat structure with few layers of management, while others have a clear hierarchy with many levels of authority. The structure a company chooses has a big impact on communication, decision-making, and daily operations.

In this assignment, you will explore how companies are internally organised. You will research two different companies – one with a flat structure and one with a hierarchical structure – and find out how their organisation supports their way of working. By making a simple organogram and comparing the two companies, you will gain insight into why structure matters.

Watch and learn

Before you continue, watch these two short videos (in Dutch 🇳🇱).
They explain important basics you will need for this assignment.
It will only take a few minutes — much faster than searching on your own.

Please note: The explanation style may feel a bit slow or formal. We understand it is not the most exciting material, but the information is essential for completing this assignment properly.

Video 1: What is an organogram? (basic structure of a company)

Video 2: What is the difference between line and staff functions? (important roles inside a company)

After watching, you will better understand how companies organise their teams and reporting lines. This will help you to create and explain the organograms in your assignment.

Why this assignment matters

Understanding how a company is organised helps you see how tasks are divided, how teams work together, and how decisions are made. Different structures suit different types of businesses, depending on their size, goals, and working style. This knowledge is important for your future career, whether you work for a small start-up or a large international company.

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economical

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Assignments for students

What to do?

Answer the following questions:

1. Find two examples

1. - Choose two companies: one that you think has a flat structure and one that you think has a hierarchical structure.
  - Give at least two clear examples of how the structure looks and works.
  - If you find a third interesting example, you are welcome to include it for extra depth.

2. Research and sources

1. - Find reliable information about each company’s internal organisation.
  - Use at least two reliable sources to support your findings (one source per company minimum).
  - If possible, use three or more sources for a stronger analysis.

3. Create an organogram

1. - Make a simple organogram for each company based on your research.
  - Show the most important line functions (direct decision-making roles) and, if possible, include staff functions (supporting roles).
  - Use information from your sources to create an organogram that reflects the real organisation as much as possible.

4. Compare and reflect

1. - Compare the main differences between the two structures.
  - How does the structure affect teamwork and decision-making?
  - Which structure do you prefer for a company that needs to make quick decisions? Why?

Guidelines

Answer all questions that are marked as ‘required’ in the Core form.
Answer the questions clearly and in an organised way.
Organograms can be made digitally or neatly by hand.
Be prepared to discuss your findings briefly in class.

Assessment criteria

1. Examples

Pass: Student gives at least two clear examples (one flat, one hierarchical).
Merit/Distinction: Student gives three or more examples and explains them in depth.

2. Research and sources

Pass: Student uses at least two reliable sources to support the findings.
Merit/Distinction: Student uses three or more strong and relevant sources for a deeper analysis.

3. Organogram

Pass: Student provides one simple but correct organogram per company.
Merit/Distinction: Student provides detailed and structured organograms including teams or departments where possible.

Submitting your assignment

After completing your research and creating your organograms, click the Core button in Businessbase. You will be asked to:

Upload or insert your organograms.
Answer the questions based on your findings.

Make sure your work is complete and clear before submitting.

Core assignments for students

Discover whether you master the essence of this case by completing the corresponding core assignments. If necessary, you can share your answers with your teacher or supervisor.

How Companies Organise Themselves

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Your name*

First Last

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Are you responding on own behalf or on behalf of a group (of students)?*

On my own behalf

On behalf of a group (of students)

Enter the first and last names of all group members

1a. First company | Name the company you investigated.*

1b. First company | Describe briefly how this company is organised.*

Use business jargon where possible.

1c. First company | Mention the source(s) you used for your research.*

Be complete.

2a. Second company | Name the company you investigated.*

2b. Second company | Describe briefly how this company is organised.*

Use business jargon where possible.

2c. Second company | Mention the source(s) you used for your research.*

Be complete.

3. Organograms

Upload two files (one organogram per company).

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. file size: 256 MB, Max. files: 5.

3b. Optional: Online file sharing

Share a link to your files. Before submitting, ensure the sharing options are correctly set so the link works properly. Be aware that some links may only be valid for a limited time — check that your link will remain accessible.

4. Compare the two companies*

Describe the main differences between the two structures.

5. Which type of organisational structure would you personally prefer to work in?*

Why? Explain your opinion.

6. Self Assessment | To what extent do you think you have met the requirements of this assignment?*

Tick all that apply.

Select up to 6 choices.

I provided two different companies with clear descriptions.

I used business jargon where possible in my descriptions.

I mentioned complete and reliable sources for both companies.

I uploaded or shared organograms that are correct and based on research.

I clearly compared the two company structures.

I gave a personal reflection on my preferred structure.

Do you want to add any other information, relevant to this assignment? If so, keep it short.

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Case method | Cooperative learning

Concrete, realistic situations are individually analysed; afterwards, the resulting vision is presented and discussed in the group.
The individual’s vision is reappraised after seeking additional information. The different visions are selected and appraised.

Learning discussion (or evaluation or discussion method) | Dialogue

Students learn how to find solutions for themselves (via diagrams, plans, outlines, etc.)
Discussion (individual or as part of a group) about the learning experiences of the student; the teacher acts as moderator and remains in the background. The emphasis is on (learning) how to identify learning moments: what could have been improved and how?

Lecture method | Content-based

Suitable for the structuring information, orientation, establishing links with other subject matter, providing explanations for difficult study material.
Beware of the decrease in learning efficiency 5 minutes after starting.

Edvard Spaapen

Editor of content during development stage