ORGANIZATIONS OF THE FUTURE

Abstract

Theory of organization is permanently searching for new forms of business organization. The article reviews main trends of changes in the concept of management in 21st century and identifies forthcoming types of organizations that better suit modern system of management. The traditional forms of organization, which are linear functional, divisional, are replaced by new types of organization, some of them are well known, other are still being developed. For instance, team structure is characterized by flexibility, autonomy of decision making, independence (possesses wide spectrum of experts capable to decide complex problems). Virtual organization ensures integration of process of joint development, manufacturing, commercialization, service with business partners, creates temporary alliances, develops contract relations among the participants, widely uses modern information and communication technology, and owns joint assets. Entrepreneur type of organization structure, characteristic of diversified companies, focuses on profit centers, has entrepreneurial clusters, plain structure and flexibility. So called unlimited organizations extend their borders via open information exchange with the partners, by allowing access to internal computerized management systems etc. The article also refers to idealistic (missionary) organizations, suggested by Henry Minzberg, and to living company concept, developed by Arie de Geus.