There are many different types of organisational structures that companies can employ. Each business employs their own choice of organisational structure. In this article, we’ll be looking at one of the more popular structures among employers: flat culture. With the ever-changing work styles around the world, this is a read you’ll definitely find informative.
If you’re an employee trying to figure out which company culture you may prefer, consider finding out more about flat culture. With a sense of independence and camaraderie, this structure may be perfect for you.
Alternatively, if you’re an employer or business owner wondering which structure you should adopt, keep reading to find out more!
What is flat culture all about?
Organisational structure refers to the way a business conducts itself. Flat culture is a specific style that falls under this category.
A word of caution before we delve into the article. The following mentioned tips and tricks are information that has been generally observed across numerous work sectors. There may be instances in which specific advice may not match or suit what is expected for a specific firm, industry or job role.
As such, this written piece aims to function as a guide and should not be read as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of advice on organisational structures. The best way to find out what may work for your success at work would be by conducting ample research. Browsing through this article could function as the first step you take into exploring different types of organisational structure and which one suits you. After all, you know yourself the best.
Without further ado, let’s get right into the article!
Definition of flat culture
Firstly, what exactly is the definition of flat culture?
Flat culture is an organisational structure with almost no levels of management across different employee levels. This includes the blurring of hierarchical lines between management employees as well as staff level employees.
Flat culture encourages a sense of equality amongst employees. It also motivates everyone to be equally involved in a company’s business performance.
What’s so attractive about flat culture? Why is it becoming more and more popular?
1. Trust is a driving factor
Each of us have a preference when it comes to a company culture that we like. With flat culture, trust amongst employees is a key driving factor.
It is essential for every staff to practise trust amongst one another. After all, it pushes everyone to contribute to the firm.
When companies subscribe to flat culture, ‘managers’ need to trust that their co-workers can make the right decisions. Similarly, it is just as crucial for everyone to believe in their own skillsets when contributing to the team.
If ever unsure, those working in a flat culture firm should be comfortable seeking advice from one another. This should occur without having to worry about who holds seniority or who makes the final call.
In brief, trust needs to be instilled within oneself as well as in one’s co-workers. This will promote a strong foundation of support for every working individual within the organisation.
2. Clear route of communication
What’s another benefit of switching to a flat culture organisational structure? Secondly, the entire communication process gets a lot more streamlined.
Recall those scenarios of miscommunications and misunderstandings? They cease to exist. Or at least, very few arise. Listening can happen a lot more effectively. Additionally, feedback can be given out and received immediately too.
With this company structure, multiple channels of communication get cancelled. There’s no need to check with one tier of management. Or wait for the next one’s approval. Moreover, decisions can be taken collectively. Discussions can be held in one sitting.
When information is shared in such a manner, everyone can clear their doubts on the spot. If someone is unclear, there’s most likely someone else who can clear that doubt immediately.
Fewer miscommunications and misunderstandings arise. Consequently, a clear route of communication is established. Indeed, this saves lots of precious time in the process!
With flat culture, freedom is openly established – across all matters.
With no one hovering over you to call the shots, each employee is free to make his or her own calls. Of course, this freedom comes at higher stakes too. Individuals yearning for this space of freedom should consider joining companies that adopt flat culture work styles.
Next, productivity levels increase when senior management staff don’t helicopter over their employees. With a higher sense of responsibility instilled in each working adult, everyone strives to perform their best at work.
Similarly, the freedom to openly discuss your own ideas is also established in such scenarios. When you don’t have to worry about getting your concepts shot down, more voices get heard. Thus, this promotes the value of creativity at work too.
Is it good for you?
With flat culture employed within a company, organisations have much to gain. Levels of productivity and innovation increase. Value of trust and transparency get established amongst colleagues too.
As with every organisational structure, it is important to evaluate if this specific style may suit the way your company wishes to perform. If you have middle management staff and need several levels of checks and balances, perhaps, flat culture may not suit your firm.
Think, plan and effect change! There’s always room for improvement 🙂
And there you have it – an article detailing on what flat culture is all about. Organisational structures can make or break a business. If you are a business owner or an employer, find one that best matches your organisation’s priorities. If you are an employee, pick one that best meets your working style.
We hope this article has helped provide you with some useful information on the organisational structure of flat culture. We hope you find a company structure that makes your firm a pleasant environment to work in!
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No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
