Final answer:
Organizations that promote information exchange among previously autonomous departments are referred to as flattened organizations. They promote collaboration and have fewer levels of middle management as opposed to traditional, hierarchical organizations with rigid structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organizations that facilitate the exchange and flow of information among departments that were previously autonomous are known as flattened organizations. This refers to structures that have fewer levels of middle management and promote an environment where a director might solicit feedback from an entry-level employee. In contrast, a traditional organization would typically have a more rigid hierarchy with a clear chain of command, specialized roles and may not be as collaborative.
As businesses adapt to the demands of the information age, where efficiency and collaboration are key, many are moving away from rigid, hierarchical structures and towards more flattened structures that encourage teamwork and collegial relationships among managers and coworkers. This trend is part of a broader move away from the bureaucratic approach, which can often be slow and restrictive, towards more agile and responsive organizational formats.
Despite the need for nimble and less bureaucratic thinking stressed by the changing pace of technology and globalization, large formal organizations like hospitals, schools, and governments can still be hampered by their bureaucratic structures. Thus, understanding the balance between the need for structured bureaucracy and the benefits of flattened organizational structures is crucial for modern organizations.