Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Going Flat: Pursuit of a Democratic Orga...

Parmar, Bidhan L.,...

Case

Going Flat: Pursuit of a Democratic Organizational Structure

Parmar, Bidhan L.; Abell, Julia

OB-1041 | Published August 14, 2012 | 7 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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A 2010 MBA graduate explored her options for full-time employment. She found Ethical Business Company (EBC) and was instantly intrigued. Not only did the company consult on many of the ethical issues that were important to her, but it also had a flat organizational structure. Although it was a riskier choice than going with a larger and more established firm, she was excited about being able to use her skills in direct interaction with clients and senior executives, rather than having them hidden beneath multiple layers of hierarchy. But after three weeks at EBC, she wonders if a flat structure is right for all companies and all employees or if there are certain companies and people who fit better in the hierarchy more than others.