Functional Structure vs. Divisional Structure: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 15, 2023
A functional structure organizes a business based on job functions, while a divisional structure organizes it around products, markets, or regions.
Key Differences
A functional structure is an organizational model where employees are grouped based on their roles or functions, resulting in departments like marketing, finance, and HR. In contrast, a divisional structure segments the company based on its product lines, geographical markets, or customer types. Each division operates somewhat independently with its resources.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Within a functional structure, individuals with similar skill sets and expertise are grouped together, promoting operational efficiency and deep specialization. However, the divisional structure provides a level of autonomy to each division, allowing for a faster response to market changes or regional needs. This makes the divisional structure particularly useful for large corporations operating in diverse markets or industries.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
One potential drawback of a functional structure is that it can create silos, where communication across functions becomes challenging. In comparison, the divisional structure can lead to duplications as different divisions might have their departments performing similar tasks. Yet, this division-based autonomy can spur innovation and cater better to specific market demands.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
When it comes to adaptability, the divisional structure might have an edge as it allows divisions to pivot based on market demands without affecting the entire organization. Conversely, in a functional structure, making organization-wide changes might be more streamlined but slower, given the need to navigate through various function-based hierarchies.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Ultimately, the choice between a functional and divisional structure depends on the company's size, its goals, and the nature of its industry. While startups and SMEs might lean towards a functional structure for its simplicity, larger corporations with diverse product lines might opt for a divisional approach.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Advantages
Promotes specialization, operational efficiency
Quick response to market, autonomy to divisions
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Potential Drawbacks
Can create silos, slower adaptability
Possible duplications, decentralized control
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Suitability
Often preferred by startups and SMEs
Favored by large corporations with diverse offerings
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Communication Flow
Vertical, within the same function
Often both horizontal and vertical, within divisions
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Nov 14, 2023
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Functional Structure and Divisional Structure Definitions
Functional Structure
Organized by job roles.
The company adopted a functional structure to group employees by their expertise.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Divisional Structure
Quick adaptability to market changes.
Their divisional structure facilitated a rapid response to the changing market dynamics in Asia.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Functional Structure
May create communication silos.
Despite its benefits, the functional structure sometimes impedes inter-departmental communication.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
Divisional Structure
Can lead to resource duplication.
Having a separate HR team for each division in the divisional structure might lead to resource redundancy.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Functional Structure
Promotes deep specialization.
Their functional structure nurtures deep expertise in each domain.
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Oct 31, 2023
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Divisional Structure
Allows autonomy to divisions.
The divisional structure grants each region the freedom to make localized decisions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Functional Structure
Streamlines organization-wide changes.
Thanks to the functional structure, the new policy was implemented swiftly across all departments.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Divisional Structure
Segmented by products or markets.
The corporation's divisional structure revolves around its three main product lines.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Functional Structure
Based on similar skill sets.
The functional structure brings together individuals with similar skills and knowledge.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Divisional Structure
Suited for diverse product lines.
Given their wide product range, a divisional structure made perfect sense for the multinational company.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
FAQs
What are the advantages of a functional structure?
It promotes deep specialization and operational efficiency.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can a functional structure hinder communication?
Yes, it can sometimes create silos, making cross-functional communication challenging.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
What is a functional structure?
A functional structure organizes a company based on job functions or roles.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
How is a divisional structure different?
A divisional structure organizes a company around products, markets, or regions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Why might a company adopt a divisional structure?
To quickly adapt to market changes and grant autonomy to individual divisions.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Which structure is better for startups?
Startups often prefer a functional structure for its simplicity and efficiency.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Why do large corporations lean towards a divisional structure?
To cater to diverse markets, products, or regions with greater autonomy.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is it challenging to implement organization-wide changes in a divisional structure?
It can be, due to the decentralized nature of the structure.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Does a functional structure facilitate faster decision-making?
It might streamline organization-wide decisions but can be slower in cross-functional scenarios.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can divisions in a divisional structure operate independently?
Often, yes, divisions have a level of autonomy to cater to their specific market or product needs.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Can a company switch between these structures?
Yes, companies can reorganize based on changing needs, but such transitions require careful planning.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
How does the communication flow in a functional structure?
It's mainly vertical, within the same function.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
How does a functional structure affect employee growth?
It can nurture deep expertise but might limit exposure to other functions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
In which structure is market adaptability quicker?
Divisional structure, as divisions can pivot based on their specific market needs.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Which structure is more cost-efficient?
It depends. While functional structures avoid resource duplication, divisional structures can be more responsive to market needs.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Do global companies prefer a divisional structure?
Many do, especially if they operate in diverse markets requiring localized strategies.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Which structure promotes innovation better?
Divisional structures might spur innovation by allowing divisions to independently explore novel approaches.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
And in a divisional structure?
It's often both horizontal and vertical, primarily within divisions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can these structures coexist in a hybrid model?
Yes, some companies adopt a matrix or hybrid structure, combining elements of both.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is resource duplication a concern in divisional structures?
Yes, different divisions might have separate departments performing similar tasks.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
