The Times 100 Business Case StudiesEdition 15 Factors affecting organisational structure The Forestry Commission local authorities and communities Over 3.000 employees work in research. education and recreation Typical roles include Research Scientist.Introduction to the Forestry Commission Aims to ensure British forests contribute positively to protecting the environment A government department responsible for managing the national forests Manages over 820. Sustainability Officer or Educational Communications . timber production.000 hectares of UK woodlands Plants more than 17 million trees per year Works with landowners. businesses. The importance of woodlands Offer an environment for enjoyment Forestry Commission manages woodland walks. outdoor events. leisure activities Provide a sustainable resource for the future Trees and forests help to address climate change Carbon is absorbed by trees as they grow Reduces carbon emissions in the atmosphere Forestry Commission’s projects Identify current knowledge and provide ideas for improving impact on climate Inform people about of the importance of forests . government departments Geography – e.g.Organisational structure Organisations may be arranged by: Product – e.g. department stores Function – e. by regions Forestry Commission is: overseen by Board of Commissioners with committees for England. Scotland.g. Wales Board level ensures consistency and economies of scale for whole of Britain Regional committees allows for local decision making Advantages are: . top layers have greater authority than lower Long chain of command and narrow span of control Tighter control but less opportunity for creativity Fewer layers with larger spans of control Shorter chain – gives quicker communication Requires people to be able to take responsibility Flat structure .Types of organisational structure Hierarchical structure Several layers of management . allows quick response and flexibility Allows people to work creatively and respond to events Depends on the capabilities of the people involved .Types of organisational structure Matrix structure Highly appropriate for project work Brings together people with relevant skills and expertise from different areas to fulfil project Efficient . share ideas . educational communications Matrix structure used for key projects Organisation’s culture and values Forestry Commission emphasises team working People are encouraged to take decisions.Factors affecting choice of structure Organisational objectives Forestry Commission operates with a flat structure Centralised for country-wide decisions Decentralised for management of local issues E. on climate change.g.