Final answer:
Small colleges often feature a flat organizational structure that promotes open communication, teamwork, and decentralization, with fewer levels of management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Small colleges, like Shorter College and Berry College in Rome, Georgia, typically have a flat organizational structure. This type of structure is characterized by having fewer levels of management and a broad span of control, which implies a more decentralized approach to management. In a flat organization, it's common for a director to directly seek feedback from an entry-level employee, encouraging open communication and fostering a collegial atmosphere.
The shift towards teamwork and away from traditional hierarchical structures has become more prominent in recent years. Employees are expected to form collegial relationships with their managers and co-workers, which supports the idea of collaboration and collective decision-making. This directly reflects the principle of a flat organizational structure, where all members of the organization are encouraged to contribute their perspectives and expertise.