The way in which companies build their management structures needs to be fundamentally changed, according to a Bahrain-based business consultant.

“I believe that the time is right to consider these structures in terms of ‘bare necessities’, looking at which functions are essential to the profitability of the business,” said Dr. Joe Dunn.

Dr Dunn shared his insights about the changing nature of the work environment and how changing management structures within organisations can improve the productivity and morale of those involved, at the second meeting of the BBBF’s Organisational Effectiveness Group, recently. 

“Many functions can be re-engineered to allow them to provide support to the workforce without the tendency towards central ‘dictatorship’ that people sometimes experience,” he said.

Dr Dunn outlined approaches taken by organisations such as Google and Ikea which have successfully flattened their organisational structures. He also highlighted work he recently undertook with an international oil company in Yemen where this new approach has improved profitability and brought about considerable cost savings as well as improving staff morale.

“This special interest group is focused on how to improve organisations and to make them better places to work including how to make them more productive and profitable and we welcome anyone to attend who has an interest in learning from others or who has ideas to share” said Jill Boggiss, BBBF Organisational Effectiveness group head.

BBBF, formed in 1995, promotes trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain in a non-discriminatory, non-political and non-profit making manner. – TradeArabia News Service