Structure in Fives: Designing Effective Organizations Review

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(More customer reviews)Mintzberg would have to be one of the most astute writers on business matters I have ever read. Although there are many other fine authors, Mintzberg seems to stand in a class of his own when it comes to discussions of strategy and organisation, and as I am finding out: business education and practical management.
I was awed by his books Strategy Safari and The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning, but, Structure in Fives (Sin5's) (or the more academically oriented reference text from which it derives: 'The Structuring of Organizations') is, arguably, his finest work.
To understand some of where Mintzberg's views in his later works come from, Structure in Fives is the book to read (although I understand he will eventually be putting out an update called Structure in 7's, with the extra 2 "structures" already alluded to in other Mintzberg works).
The core theme of the book is that any organisation is defined by the interaction of two key parameters: the division of labour and the means by which that division of labour is coordinated. An analysis of these interactions result in the discovery of 5 "ideal" organisational configurations which seem to be the building blocks used to "synthesise" all real organisations.
For me, the true power of Mintzberg's logic is reflected, in particular, in two areas, amongst others:
1. He creates a diagramatic representation of an organisation which has been repeated in many of Mintzberg's subsequent works. Those who think that the diagram was of artistic value alone will be pleased to read a logical explanation of the forces which create the structure and how that structure is modified as the forces change their relative contributions. Whatever artistry there is, it is about painting the natural rhythm of logic applied to organisations.
2. The integral relationship between structure and strategy is elucidated with a logic which is difficult to assail. Mintzberg helps you understand that the argument about what follows what: structure or strategy, is a barren one. They are so intertwined, they are indeed two sides of the same coin. To speak about strategy IS to speak about structure, and vice-versa; one cannot exist without the other.
It is a pity I read Strategy Safari and The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning before I read Sin5's. Reading Sin5's first clarifies everything. Indeed, I cannot recommend reading any of Mintzberg's works (on organisation or strategy) without reading Sin5's first (or its more academic precursor). There are quite a few important areas of explanation in Sin5's which are lost in later works as they try to convey the original ideas in summary.
Even more importantly, reading Sin5's will help you understand any other authors' works on organisation and strategy. Sin5's is, arguably, the current benchmark for clarity and depth against which all others are measured - which says a lot given how long ago it was written. None that I am aware of have come close to matching Mintzberg ... yet.
Excellent. Highly recommended.

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