you will evaluate an existing organizational structure. You will recommend structural changes that can help address the organization's concerns regarding collaboration, communication, and autonomy.

Scenario

You work for an organization that has traditionally been very formalized, and managers have had a very broad span of control over direct reports from multiple departments and functions. This worked well in the past; managers were able to oversee a high number of direct reports because there were many rules and regulations dictating how their work should be performed. However, there were downsides. Employee talent was underused, and there wasn't a strong team culture, as most work was done independently according to standard operating processes.

Recently, the organization started shifting to less formalized working structures to support more creative, innovative work and provide employees with more autonomy. While employees are happy with the purpose of these new changes, managers are feeling overwhelmed, and employees are feeling a loss of support. This shift has impacted function-specific work the most because, in the past, managers didn't need to understand in-depth, function-specific tasks, such as the technical aspects of graphic design work or the intricacies of project management. Instead, they had the ability to rely on rules, regulations, and standard operating processes.

You have been asked to collaborate with the human resources department to recommend a new organizational structure. This new structure should address the following goals:

1. Reduce the burden on managers.
2. Improve communication across teams.
3. Enhance support for employees in function-specific tasks.
4. Preserve the autonomy and creativity that employees value in the new working environment.

Your task is to design a structure that achieves these goals. Clearly explain how your proposed changes will address the issues the organization is experiencing while aligning with its long-term vision.