The machine

organisation
(Bureaucracy)

Main characteristics
O
O
O
O
O
O

Large operating size

Highly specialised jobs
Routine tasks
Standardisation
Formal action planning
Vertical centralisation of control (decisionmaking)

Work environment and nature

of the business
The structure is found in older and more
mature organisations
O that perform in a simple and stable
environment.
O

e.g. government agencies, service firms,

automobile companies

Evaluation
Advantages
O Efficiency
O Precision
O Speed
O Continuity
O Reduction of material
and personal cost
Best structure for
mass production and
consistent output

O
O
O

Disadvantages
Rigid structure makes
the organisation less
able to adapt to changing
conditions
Problems with the
synergy of humans and
machines appear
Destruction of the
meaning of work
Structure can hinder
creativity and innovation

References
O

Mintzberg, H. 1979. The structuring of organizations. Prentice-Hall.

12manage. 2013. Organisational Configurations (Mintzberg). [online].

Available from:
http://www.12manage.com/methods_mintzberg_configurations.html

Mindtools. 2013. Mintzbergs organisational configurations. [online].

Available from:
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_54.htm

Lindsay Sherwin. [no date]. Mintzbergs Model. [online]. Available from:

http://www.lindsaysherwin.co.uk/guide_managing_change/html_change_strategy/07_mi
ntzberg.htm