The Bolman & Deal Structure article focuses mainly on 6 core structural imperatives. These imperatives include size and age, core processes, strategies and goals, information technology, and the nature of the workplace. Each of these imperatives make up an organization. Depending on the organization, and according to Bolman & Deal, the organization could be loosely structured or tightly structured. Even though these imperatives seem so simple, they make the organization structure so complex. Challenges and tensions are created which affect the structural design. The type of structure an organization uses affects that organization's ability to be successful.
The organization that we chose to elaborate on was the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA was founded in 1906 intending to protect young people from the dangerous and exploitative athletic practices of the time. It consists of multiple organizations to overlook and supervise including 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals. The NCAA has many core processes. An example would include recruitment. When recruiting an athlete, a college scout receives a National Letter of Intent from the distinguished athlete. The athlete participates in the desired sport, receiving instruction on technique, proper form, and other areas of skills. The team also provides study hall as a time to complete homework, and if additional help is required, the team then provides a tutor. The player, after training for years, is then displayed in front of thousands of fans, providing the excitement and talent the individual has learned throughout his/her tenure at the university.
The NCAA has a complex environment- many legal issues constantly surrounding athletes, boosters, scouts, and coaches of what they can/cannot do. Despite formal hierarchy of authority, many personnel are involved in decisions around the country at different institutions.
Some of the strategies and goals that the NCAA strives to accomplish are the pursuit of excellence in both academics and athletics. The NCAA pursues this goal through a network of people, including the example of above (scouts, coaches, tutors). Universities/colleges also provide well-educated professors who help students and student athletes reach their academic potential.
Information technology is another structural imperative. With this imperative, The NCAA markets its programs to TV/cable channels- major tournaments (Bowl Championship Series, March Madness) are almost like holidays to fans. The NCAA also uses live streaming of games via Internet, which is accessible on smart phones, computers, and iPads to provide opportunities to its customers and fans. The widespread use of multiple technologies allows NCAA officials to communicate more effectively and at higher frequencies. This allows the NCAA to be more efficient and flexible in terms of information production.
One last structural imperative is the nature of the workforce. Competitive field allows NCAA to hire highly educated individuals. Membership organization is composed of mainly of four-year higher education institutions and conferences; representatives from these institutions and conferences create NCAA rules and policies. A presidential committee leads each division (DI, DII, DIII): the Board of Directors (DI), and Presidents Councils (DII, and DIII). Representatives from these groups form the NCAA Executive Committee, which ensures each division operates with basic purposes, fundamental policies, and general principles of the league.
Every organization has to make decisions. The decisions made could be small or could be extreme. The NCAA's decision maker is the President and CEO Mark Emmert. Mark Emmert faces tough decisions to make, especially considering the NCAA's budget of $5.64 billion- Employees, fans, and the public want things done certain ways and Mr. Emmert must try to keep everyone happy which is probably one of the most difficult parts about his job. One might ask what else influences the decision making process? The NCAA national office, consisting of paid staff members, assist the membership with the development, interpretation, and enforcement of the rules in intercollegiate athletics. The structure of the whole organization plays a role in basically every aspect in running the company. Because the structure of the NCAA is so tight and defined, a very successful organization is able to remain the head of college athletics.
Kasey Keener & Matt Dovenberg
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