The Mechanistic Organizational Design: What It Is and How to Use It

The mechanistic organizational design is used to induce individuals to behave in an accountable and predictable manner. On the other hand, the organic organizational design consists of structures that enable people to initiate change, consequently making it possible for them to adapt to changing conditions. The military could adopt the structures contained in the two organizational designs to work towards the adoption of mechanisms needed to face the future uncertainties that characterize the future of the military organization. In this light, it is possible to use the mechanistic organizational design as a foundation needed to understand the environment in which the military operates. For instance, since military professionals have a clear understanding of their internal processes and their chain of command, the leaders can recognize the structures therein, consequently enabling them to comprehend as well as potentially influence the behaviors of their followers. For this reason, the mechanistic organizational design can assist in the creation of standardized parts needed for efficient mechanisms of operation.

The structures contained in the organic organizational design can assist the military to adapt to an unstable environmental condition. It is easy for the military to use this organizational design to adapt to different situations since it is more open and complex. Unless the professionals in the military acknowledge and accept the complexities and variables that affect their organization, they will continue adopting designs that do not fit their purpose. The structure is therefore essential for empowering military officials, consequently enabling them to make informed decisions in the face of a dilemma. In spite of this provision, the military organization is characteristically hierarchical, which would make it difficult for the leaders to implement elements of the organic organizational design. The clear chain of command is a reflection of the rigidity evident in the military.