Nicolas S. Majluf

Feature Article—Organizational Design: A Survey and an Approach

The purpose of this paper is to review the major concepts underlying the proper design of an organizational structure for a business firm. It provides a review of the various managerial processes to support decision making in an organization. It discusses the major organizational archetypes (functional, divisional, and matrix organizational forms); presents a brief historical overview of various organizational theories; and finally concludes with recommendations of steps to be undertaken in the design of an organizational structure.

Corporate Strategy: The Core Concepts

In a formal strategic planning process, we distinguish three perspectives — corporate, business, and functional. These perspectives are different both in term of the nature of the decisions they address, as well as the organizational units and managers involved in formulating and implementing the corresponding action programs generated by the strategy formation process.