The Times 100 Business Case Studies

Edition 15
Factors affecting organisational structure

The Forestry Commission

Introduction to the Forestry Commission

Aims to ensure British forests contribute positively to protecting the environment A government department responsible for managing the national forests

Manages over 820,000 hectares of UK woodlands Plants more than 17 million trees per year Works with landowners, businesses, local authorities and communities

Over 3,000 employees work in research, timber production, education and recreation

Typical roles include Research Scientist, Sustainability Officer or Educational Communications

The importance of woodlands

Offer an environment for enjoyment

Forestry Commission manages woodland walks, outdoor events, leisure activities

Provide a sustainable resource for the future Trees and forests help to address climate change

Carbon is absorbed by trees as they grow Reduces carbon emissions in the atmosphere

Forestry Commissions projects

Identify current knowledge and provide ideas for improving impact on climate Inform people about of the importance of forests

Organisational structure

Organisations may be arranged by:

Product e.g. department stores Function e.g. government departments Geography e.g. by regions

Forestry Commission is:

overseen by Board of Commissioners with committees for England, Scotland, Wales

Board level ensures consistency and economies of scale for whole of Britain Regional committees allows for local decision making

Advantages are:

Types of organisational structure

Hierarchical structure

Several layers of management - top layers have greater authority than lower Long chain of command and narrow span of control Tighter control but less opportunity for creativity Fewer layers with larger spans of control Shorter chain gives quicker communication Requires people to be able to take responsibility

Flat structure

Types of organisational structure

Matrix structure

Highly appropriate for project work Brings together people with relevant skills and expertise from different areas to fulfil project Efficient - allows quick response and flexibility Allows people to work creatively and respond to events Depends on the capabilities of the people involved

Factors affecting choice of structure

Organisational objectives

Forestry Commission operates with a flat structure

Centralised for country-wide decisions Decentralised for management of local issues

E.g. on climate change, educational communications

Matrix structure used for key projects

Organisations culture and values

Forestry Commission emphasises team working People are encouraged to take decisions, share ideas