In today’s business world some organizations have been shaking things up and moving to new and different organizational structures. Some organizations are adopting flatter structures where lower level employees are more easily able to introduce innovative ideas and connect with other employees across the organization. While this sounds great in theory a lack of clearly defined chain of command can cause problems and confusion for some workplaces. It is worthwhile to examine your local government’s organizational structure as it might not be facilitating the creativity and innovation that your local government and community needs.

            Deciding what type of organizational structure best fits your local government and community’s needs will take some examination critical thinking. It is important to keep your goals in mind during this process. Just because Google has a flat structure and they seem to be turning out impressive products and services and it seems to be in vogue in the private sector doesn’t mean that a completely flat structure will be a change for the best for your local government. On the other hand your local government’s current organizational structure could be outdated as technology and emerging best practices are changing the world of local government everyday! If you don’t examine the possibilities you might be missing out on contributions from employees and new and exciting ways that your organizational structure can improve service delivery.

If your local government already has a creative or unconventional organizational structure share it with us on the Knowledge Network! We are always looking to spread ideas throughout the local government community and we need your help so please contribute today!

Additionally check out these resources for more information and ideas on changing your local government’s organizational structure.

• “Re-sizing Local Government After the Recession” If you haven’t considered the changes you will need to make in your local government’s organization now is the time.
• “How to Practice Disciplined Innovation: Lessons from Jim Collins Great by Choice” Discover how you can increase innovation in your local government by making some organizational changes.
• “Reshaping Local Government Organization: An Interview with Kevin Bruny, Chief Learning Officer, Chesterfield, VA” 4 Big questions to think about when reshaping your local government’s organizational structure.
• “Rethinking Community: Organizational Reset” This is a case study from the Village of Wellington, FL about how they were able to successfully change their organizational philosophy over five years amid significant budget cuts.
• This is a sample request for qualifications for an organizational assessment that local governments can use when looking for consultants to aid them in analyzing and changing their organizational structure.
• “Report and Recommendations Regarding a New Organizational Structure for the Police and Fire Departments” is a report on police and fire department structures that looks at possible consolidation opportunities.
• “Improve Your Organization’s Performance Right Now!” is an insightful article from PM Magazine that cites organizational structure as one of the ways you can increase the performance of your local government.

Best,

Robin Saywitz

ICMA Knowledge Network Intern

rsaywitz@icma.org