At the May edition of the monthly seminar series organised by the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), an astute management scientist, Dr Peter O. Olayiwola made a thought-provoking presentation titled “Effects of Organisational Structure on Quality of Decision-Making in Selected Firms.”
Drawing keen interest from both academic and professional communities, the seminar navigated the nexus between organisational structure and decision-making. It was a presentation of an on-going research by the speaker, Dr Olayiwola, aimed at examining the combined effects of organisational structure (i.e., structural complexity, structural formality, standardisation system of control and centralisation/decentralisation etc.) on the quality of decision making.
Dr Olayiwola’s study showed that standardisation of control mechanism significantly contributed to the qualities of decisions in the sample organisations examined in the course of the research. This, he noted, was responsible for the set achievable standards for activities within the organisation.
The study also ascertained that decentralisation of decision making allows quick deliveries of services to stakeholders and build trust among the employees. Additionally, it highlighted that formality and complexity must be minimized to allow for quick decision making in many areas of an organisation’s operations.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for managements of banks and manufacturing companies to ensure that their organizational structure are less complex to make it easy for employees to use their initiatives. The presenter also asserted that managements of banks and manufacturing companies should reduce the formality in their communication to allow lower-level managers to make more and important decisions.
He recommended that business organizations should endeavour to decentralize their structures to fast-track decision making process and enhances performance. Institution of standardised procedures to measure performance and promote efficiency in corporate organizations was also encouraged. Dr Olayiwola charged business organizations toalso ensure that top-notch technology is provided to enhanceservice quality to stakeholders.
Ultimately, the audience got a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact organizational structure can have on the decision-making process and overall organizational performance.
This seminar, just like others held by the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), UNILAG, underscored the Institute’s commitment to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development.
By providing an avenue for knowledge sharing presentations and inviting industry experts to share insights, the DLI monthly seminar series aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, and thus continue to support the growth and success of staff, students and the larger community.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
Photographer: Samuel Dosumu
Article Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photo Editor: Boluwatife
