The formal structure found in most organization charts is often only a moderately accurate representation of how things actually work. Effective managers not only need to understand the official roles and responsibilities in the organization, but they also need to recognize the informal networks that can help (or hinder) task accomplishment.
Understanding how the different part of your organization fit together can help you more effectively apply some of the other competencies that you are studying. For example, with regard to organizing information flows, understanding the overall organization structure will help you identify where you should seek information, as well as where you should send information.
With this mind, obtain a copy of an organization chart for your employer. If you are not currently employed, find a copy that of a healthcare organization of your choice. Study the chart and, based on what you see, identify the organization and analyze what the structure of the organization suggests as you answer the following questions:
Identify and describe your selected organization. What parts of the organization seem central to the organization? Why? Are there any central divisions or units that might be in competition for the same customers? If so, identify them. Choose one central and one supportive unit represented in the organization chart. Based on what you see in the chart. what power differences would you expect to see when comparing the two units? Why would you expect to see these differences? Advertisement?
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