To keep an organization efficient and effective as it grows and becomes more complex, managers must increase coordination among organizational units by using more complex integrating mechanisms. There are several types of integrating mechanisms, including direct contact between managers, task forces, and others. Just as managers must decide on the best way to organize their structuresthat is, choose the structure that allows them to make the best use of organizational resourcesthey also must select the most effective integrating mechanisms for those structures.

In this exercise, you will review the integrating mechanisms used by organizations, determine which mechanism is best suited to various organizational structures, and then match specific companies to their appropriate integrating mechanisms.

Roll over the name of each hypothetical company to read more information on its structure and need for integration. Then, drag the name of the company under its integrating mechanism.

Gondwona, LLC : Has noticed that productivity and performance are highest when individuals from different departments work together throughout the design, production, and rollout stages of new product development.

Beta Corp. : Has found that two of its divisions are having problems with delayed payments from the same few customers. This problem needs to be solved ASAP. Plutone Inc.

Acme Ltd. : Both marketing and R&D have ideas for new products, but there is no real line of communication between the two departments. No one is sure whom to approach in the other department.

Delta Wing Global: Is a huge organization with multiple divisions and doing business in many countries. Due to its structural complexity and global size, the company is suffering from a severe lack of integration.

Plutone Inc : Has a functional structure with just two departments: operations and marketing. It's a new, small company, and everyone knows everyone else.

Roll over the name of each hypothetical company to read more information on its structure and need for integration. Then, drag the name of the company under its integrating mechanism. Gondwona, LLC Beta Corp Acme Ltd. Delta Wing Global Plutone Inc. Direct Contact Liaison Roles Task Forces Cross-functional Teams Integrating Roles & Departments Reset