Final answer:
Organizational structures define how work is coordinated within an organization, and can range from formal, centralized bureaucracies to flexible, team-based and decentralized structures, adapting to the modern business environment's needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organizational structures are how individual and team work within an organization are coordinated. In the context of the workplace, this coordination can take various forms, such as a hierarchy in bureaucracies characterized by high levels of formalization and a clear chain of authority, or in more flexible and decentralized structures that favor teamwork and low levels of formalization.
Organizational structures enable the arrangement of activities and objects in space and time to accomplish specific functions, which is essential to the operation of societies and institutions.
Modern changes in technology and globalization have catalyzed shifts towards team-based approaches. These involve assembling diverse teams to handle specific tasks and goals. Although team structures are seen as a viable response to rapid changes, they don't always automatically enhance productivity, which remains a topic of active research.
Flat organizational structures are increasingly common, as collaborative work and the sharing of ideas across levels of hierarchy develop in response to a dynamic business environment. This contrasts with traditional organizational structures that place individuals at their base but may be seen as less adaptive to changes.