Structuring-By-The-Numbers: A Process for Discovering and Understanding Organizational Structure

Abstract

Structuring-by-the-Numbers is an experiential classroom activity intended to promote understanding of organizational design and structure, particularly in the context of organizational activities and objectives. It provides a forumfor challenging assumptions and conventional wisdom through a sequential, stepped process in which students, with instructor guidance, create an organizational structure in response to a given situation. The activity transforms what is often perceived as pure context, part of the wallpaper, into something that can be seen to have direct relevance to organizational action. Structuring-by-the-Numbers presents an opportunity for the deconstruction of commonly held ideas and models of structure.