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Introduction to Organisation Design

Build the Foundations of Strategic Structure

Gain practical insights into how structure shapes performance, supports strategy, and fosters employee agency.

Organisation Design is no longer just about reshuffling boxes on an org chart. It is a strategic, evidence-based discipline that shapes how organisations perform, innovate, and adapt. This foundational programme offers a broad and practical introduction to the principles and practices of Organisation Design – positioning it as a key organisational capability.

 

At the intersection of Organisation Development and strategy, Organisation Design empowers HR professionals, consultants, and business leaders to align structure with strategy, enhance agility, and build more purposeful organisations. This course explores both macro- and micro-structural components and guides participants through a comprehensive (re)design process applicable across sectors and industries.

Format: 3 x Full day workshops (Face-to-Face) or 6 x Half day workshops (Online)

Cohort: 6–15 participants

Issue(s) being solved

  • Misalignment between organisational structure and strategic goals
  • Inefficiencies and bottlenecks caused by outdated or unclear design
  • Lack of internal capability to lead or support (re)design processes
  • Challenges in creating employee engagement, ownership, and clarity in roles
  • Inability to adapt to rapid change and shifting priorities within the organisation

Organisational Benefits

  • Improved alignment between strategy, structure, and people
  • Increased agility and responsiveness to change
  • Clearer role definitions, accountability, and decision-making authority
  • Reduction of duplication, waste, and inefficiency
  • Empowerment of HR and OD professionals to guide design conversations with confidence

Key Elements

  • Creative Dialogue and Peer Learning: Dynamic group learning enhances conceptual understanding and practical insight.

  • Pre-Reading and Assignments: Participants prepare reflections based on their organisation’s current structure and design needs.

  • Design Process Application: Hands-on practice using frameworks to explore structure and redesign.

  • Toolkits and Frameworks: Practical models for diagnosis, analysis, and redesign (e.g., Stanford and Mintzberg frameworks).

  • Facilitator Feedback and Support: Expert-led feedback on proposed design challenges and insights.

Topics Covered

  • Foundations of Organisation Design and its place in OD and Strategy
  • Triggers and conditions that necessitate structural redesign
  • Meta-structures and design choices (e.g., functional, matrix, networked)
  • Naomi Stanford’s Organisation (Re)Design Process
  • Micro-structural elements – job design, linking mechanisms, roles
  • Future-fit design and creating adaptability through structure
  • Feedback mechanisms, measurement, and review of structural effectiveness

Program Details

  • Format: Face-to-face workshops (3-days) or online workshops (6 half-days)
  • Support: Includes peer coaching, facilitator feedback, and Open-AI support.

 

This schedule balances creative focus with time for reflection and real-world application.

Other areas of expertise

Find out More – Book a free 1-hour Consultation

Talk to an expert about your organisation’s strategic needs.

Engage in thought-provoking discussions on leadership, teams, strategy and organisational development with industry experts and peers. Expand your insights, challenge perspectives, and be part of the dialogue shaping the future of work.