Formulation of Alternatives
Alternative
A functional approach with a
more flat, centralized
structure within the
Abrahams Grocery Store.
Employ a team-based
approach with cross-
functional teams consisting of
employees from the meat,
produce and grocery
departments. The store
manager will be the head.
A divisional, innovative
approach. Store manager will
be the head.
Pros
The consultant recommended that the store
manager be given complete control and
responsibility over store activities, as well as
the meat, produce and grocery departments.
Centralization will accommodate this
suggestion.
A flat structure will reduce the hierarchical
levels and reduce the problem of lack of
collaboration across departments due to
decentralization
Allows for coordination across departments.
Allows for resolution of problems and
misunderstandings across departments.
Will accommodate the recommendation of the
consultant of having a dashed-line
relationship between department managers
and specialists, by collaborative effort.
A more flexible approach, considering that the
innovative approach emerged to meet the
demands of a turbulent environment.
Coordination within divisions.
Cons
One of the disadvantages of functional approach is the
poor communication across functional departments.
This will not solve the issue of having a poor
coordination within the store.
The store manager may experience difficulties in
managing the cross-functional teams since this team-
based approach will have members from different
departments and hence may cause conflicts related to
schedule.
Coordination within divisions are enhanced.
However, coordination across divisions are poor since
individual divisions will mostly focus on their
respective divisions and will care less about other
divisions as long as they are doing their job properly.