Difference Between Tall and Flat Organisation Structure

The Difference Between Tall (Narrow Span of Control) and Flat (Wide Span of Control) Organisation Structure is based on following twelve points :-

1. Meaning

If the span of control is narrow, then there will be many management levels. That is, there will be many managers. This organisation structure is called "Tall Organisation Structure".

If the span of control is wide, then there will be fewer management levels. That is, there will be fewer managers. This organisation structure is called "Flat Organisation Structure".

2. Span of Control

Narrow span of control results in "Tall Organisation." Here there are many managers. Each manager has to manage only few subordinates.

Wide span of control results in "Flat Organisation". Here there are few managers. Each manager has to manage many subordinates.

3. Formal and Informal Relations

In Tall Organisation Structure, a manager has to manage only a few subordinates. Therefore, the relationship between them will be informal. Personal relationships are possible.

In Flat Organisation Structure, a manager has to manage many subordinates. Therefore, the relationship between them will be formal. Personal relationships are impossible.

4. Control of Subordinates

In Tall Organisation Structure, there is a close control because there are few subordinates.

In Flat Organisation Structure, there is a loose control because there are many subordinates.

5. Extent of Coordination

In Tall Organisation Structure, the coordination is good.

In Flat Organisation Structure, the coordination is not so good.

6. Mistakes

In Tall Organisation Structure, there are less mistakes because of close supervision and control.

In Flat Organisation Structure, many mistakes may occur because of loose supervision and control.

7. Discipline

In Tall Organisation Structure, Good discipline can be maintained because there are few subordinates.

In Flat Organisation Structure, the possibility of indiscipline exists because there are many subordinates.

8. Cost

Tall Organisation Structure is costly because it has many managers.

Flat Organisation Structure is less costly because it has less managers.

9. Decision Making

In Tall Organisation Structure, Decision making is slow because there are many levels of management.

In Flat Organisation Structure, Decision making is quick because there are few levels of management.

10. Guidance to Staff

Tall Organisation is suitable for staff that needs detailed guidance.

Flat organisation is suitable for staff that needs less guidance and more independence.

11. Pressure on Managers

In Tall Organisation, there is less pressure on managers because they have only few subordinates to supervise.

In Flat Organisation, there is more pressure on the managers because they have much more subordinates to supervise.

12. Communication

In Tall Organisation, communication may be distorted and delayed because there are many levels of management.

In Flat Organisation, communication will not be distorted and delayed because there are few levels of management.