In this context J. Galbraith :
* examines the forces (buyer power, variety, change, and speed) that are shaping organizations.
* presents the organizational design framework in the form of "the star model". In the star model, design policies fall into five categories :
(1) Strategy,
(2) Structure,
(3) Processes,
(4) Rewards,
(5) People.
* looks at policy areas/dimensions that determine the structure of an organization : specialization, shape, distribution of power, and departmentalization.
* discusses the lateral processes as a multidimentional aspects and the ability to be responsive to products, customers, functions, geographies, and work flow processes.
* focuses on three organizational design models : functional integrators, the distributed organization, and the front/back hybrid structure.
* examines virtual corporation as a network of independent companies.
"In conclusion", J. Galbraith writes, "I wish to emphasize once again the role of leader. I see the leader as a decision shaper rather than a decision maker. The decision-shaping role is achieved through the organizational design. The star model provides the management-controlled policies that will influence how others make decisions."
I highly recommend.
See also :
* J. Galbraith - Designing the Global Corporation (2000)
* E. Lawler - From the Ground Up (2000)
* S. A. Mohrman et al - Tomorrow's Organization (1998)