Basic Dimensions in Organizations

Structural dimensions:Centralization -the extent to which functions are dispersed in the organization, either in terms of integration with other functions or geographically

Formalization - regarding the extent of policies and procedures in the organization

Hierarchy - regarding the extent and configuration of levels in the structure

Routinization - regarding the extent that organizational processes are standardized

Specialization - regarding the extent to which activities are refined

Training - regrading the extent of activities to equip organization members with knowledge and skills to carry out their roles

Contextual DimensionsCulture - the values and beliefs shared by all (note that culture is often discerned by examining norms or observable behaviors in the workplace)

Environment - the nature of external influences and activities in the political, technical, social and economic arenas

Goals - unique overall priorities and desired end-states of the organization

Size - number of people and resources and their span in the organization

Technology - the often unique activities needed to reach organizational goals, including nature of activities, specialization, type of equipment/facilities needed, etc.