We have been told that organizational structure and strategy are two critical components that every business must manage and manage well if they are going to be successful.
1. Why is organizational structure an important topic for strategists to understand? What role does structure play in strategy? What is the impact of structure on strategy? What is the impact of strategy on structure?
2. What do you believe will be the greatest structural challenges for organizations as they more forward in the 21stcentury? Explain what problems these challenges will create for an organization? Discuss how an organization should respond to these challenges structurally?
3. How has the globalization of business changed our perspectives on organizational structure? What has caused this change in perspective? Why is this relevant?
4. If vertical integration offers a firm more control and the opportunity to retain more of the profits from the sale of a product, then why are most firms eschewing vertical integration? How can you overcome these obstacles and monetize vertical integration?