An online retailer of unique home decor items has a unique company culture. Employees are expected to be creative, to innovate and create change, and to deliver excellent customer service. Customer service associates take new product suggestions from customers and work with designers and production team members to make some of the customer suggestions a reality. As a result, the company is highly responsive to customers, and employees are highly empowered. Which of the following aspects of organizational design would fit best at this company?
A) centralized with a line and staff structure
B) centralized with a matrix structure
C) decentralized with a matrix structure
D) decentralized with a line and staff structure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A decentralized organizational structure with a matrix structure would fit best for this company. This structure allows for creativity, innovation, and customer responsiveness by enabling cross-functional teams to work together on projects and customer suggestions. It also empowers employees by giving them more autonomy and responsibility within their teams. A centralized structure, on the other hand, would limit creativity and innovation by relying on a single decision-maker or hierarchy. A line and staff structure would be too rigid and hierarchical, while a matrix structure provides more flexibility and collaboration.

An Online Retailer of Unique Home Decor Items Has a Unique