Review of Planning and developing the company organization structure

Abstract

Reviews the book, "Planning and developing the company organizational structure," by Ernest Dale (1952). This book is the result of a two-year research program sponsored by the American Management Association and designed to emphasize the realities of organization. The research included visits to 40 companies of varying sizes; participation in the work of changing company organizations; examination and analysis of several hundred organization manuals and organization charts; a survey of American and foreign literature on organization; and interviews with many military and industrial thinkers and practitioners on organization. There are two main parts to the book. Part One is entitled "The Dynamics of Organization--A Study of Organization Problems at Various Stages of Company Growth" and is divided into seven sections referred to as the seven stages of company growth: (1) determining objectives and dividing work; (2) delegating responsibility; (3) span of control; (4) the staff assistant; (5) the staff specialist; (6) group decision-making; and (7) decentralization. Part Two is entitled "The Mechanics of Organization" and is divided into 11 sections under such topics as reorganization; timing, defining and constructing the organization; the organization chart; the organization manual; and gaining acceptance. The professional value of this book to psychologists will be limited largely to those who have direct contacts with industry, or who are connected with schools of business, or who have a specific interest in executive activity and organization problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)