Case Study: DSS Consulting

DSS Consulting’s first alternative solution is to change from a hybrid organizational structure back to a functional organizational structure because the problems did not arise until DSS made the organizational change. Hybrid departmentation is meant to capitalize on the strengths of other structures while eliminating their weaknesses. However, this is not the case with DSS Consulting as many problems arise after the switch to the hybrid form of departmentation. One of the main benefits of functional departmentation is improved communication between departments, which is one of DSS’s main issues since they changed structures. A transition back to functional departmentation will improve communication within DSS Consulting, eliminate the chaos …show more content…
This is directly related to the missing initiating structure in Meg’s leadership style. Directive leadership solves the lack of involvement Meg provided when Chris Peterson was seeking help. The increase in involvement can guide members with a sense of direction, keeping individuals on track. The last leadership style that is essential for DSS’s success is supportive leadership. Supportive leadership shows that a leader is friendly, approachable, and is genuinely concerned with the interpersonal relationships of the organization’s members. The only con to this alternative is that this process could be costly and time-consuming; however, this alternative will solve the leadership and communication flaws at DSS Consulting. DSS Consulting’s final alternative solution it to keep their hybrid organizational structure and hire a liaison role, set goals, and implement mandatory feedback. Hiring a liaison role will ensure effective horizontal communication. In addition, setting goals and implementing mandatory feedback and performance appraisals will ensure effective vertical communication and force Meg to become a better leader and …show more content…
Communication must be improved horizontally between groups and functional specialists in order for this hybrid structure to be effective. A liaison or integrator’s job is to permanently facilitate coordination and communication within the organization. The liaison role takes care of the issue in the organization regarding horizontal communication. Horizontal communication is information that flows between departments or functional units in a means of coordinating efforts. The other issue that needs to be fixed within the organization is upward communication. Goal setting can take care of the organization’s issue with upward communication because setting goals are vital to a project’s proper completion. If the upper-level management set general, clear, attainable, and measurable goals for project managers, and then the project managers set more specific, effective goals for their group members it ensures the organization’s direction is coordinated throughout all levels of employees. The last issue that needs to be fixed is the upward communication in the organization to ensure employees feel involved and better understand manager’s concerns. This can be fixed by