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Hierarchical vs. Horizontal Organizations

Jun 3, 2024

Explore the shift from traditional hierarchies to agile, horizontal structures for high performance.

By Howard M. Guttman

Explore the shift from traditional hierarchies to agile, horizontal structures for high performance.

By Howard M. Guttman

Aspect

Hierarchical Organizations

Horizontal Organizations

Top Leader

CEO as Chief Executive

CEO as Chief Enabler

Top Team

Confederation of functions

Union of owners

Leadership

Leader/followers

Leader/leader-player dynamic

Business Teams

Conflict-averse, “me/my-oriented” followers, hesitant to cross boundaries or call out poor performance

Fully engaged, “we”-focused high-performing players, guided by ground rules, adept at conflict management

Line of Sight

Strategically misaligned, given silo orientation

Strategically aligned from vision to operational objectives, from planning to decision making

Decision Making

Positional model that delegates responsibility from the top down

Leveraged model that distributes responsibility across the organization

Accountability

Limited to accountability for own and subordinates’ results

Goes beyond own and subordinates’ accountability to include accountability for peers and leaders

Culture

Values getting along/going along

Values transparency and confrontation

Outcomes

Politics govern

Results rule

Hierarchical versus Horizontal Organizations

by Howard M. Guttman
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