Organizational Structure

1. Organizational Structure

2. Introduction • Human nature breaks things into smaller, more manageable parts. By breaking large groups into smaller component groups while giving them a definite structure, the fire department can communicate and provide services effectively. IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

3. Scalar Structure • Organizational principle dating back to the Roman Empire • Organizes members by a number of criteria • Education level • Length of service • Experience • Job Description • Use of paramilitary terms IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

4. Organizational Relationships • Defined in a fire department by the use of scalar organizational structure • What does your chart look like? CHIEF Centralized at top and decisions are directed through the middle down to the base of the department Allows for information to be transmitted up and down in the pyramid MIDDLE LEVEL MGT FIREFIGHTERS IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

5. What’s the Difference? • Pure form of scalar structure does not allow for the chain to be broken • Military • Evolved form; allows for cross communications with some decisions made at an intermediate level • Within staff functions; fire prevention IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

6. Line and Staff Functions • Line Function • Those activities associated with operations • Company Officer • Staff Function • Those activities concerned with administration & providing assistance to line personnel. • FPO • Training Emergency Operations Non-emergency IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

7. What About Today’s Fire Service • Is the line between line and staff clearly defined or is it not as easy to see? • Consolidation of divisions • Combination of functions • Regional approaches to these positions IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

8. Typical Approaches to Department Operations Upper management delegates implementation of a decision to staff who then deals directly with line personnel. IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

9. Advantages Good for procedures Quick and direct Eliminates mid-staff Deal direct with line to implement decisions made by upper management Disadvantages Doesn’t work well for policy matters Causes a break in unity of command Results depend on attitudes of those involved Staff Direct Implementation IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

10. Typical Approaches to Department Operations Staff officer directly advises the company officer, who then advises the company. Staff typically is still responsible for success or failure. IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

11. Advantages Company officer is trained by knowledgeable staff member Trained company officer is better prepared to lead his company Disadvantages Staff keeps authority to correct, which could cause problems between staff and company officer Staff Direct Advice IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

12. Typical Approaches to Department Operations Line and staff work together to make and implement decisions IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

13. Advantages Line and staff have equal input Disadvantages Results will depend upon a cooperative attitude between line and staff personnel. Mutual Line/Staff Overlap IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

14. Typical Approaches to Department Operations Company Officer provides information to staff officer. Example: personnel evaluations IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

15. Advantages Promotes interaction between line and staff positions Allows line input into decision making process Disadvantages Line keeps authority to correct implementation May cause tension between staff and firefighters if line officer is left out. Line Advice to Staff IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

16. Centralized and Decentralized Authority • Authority defined; • legal responsibility of an individual to make and implement decisions for which that individual is held accountable. • Centralized Authority • Decisions are made by 1 person at the top • Decentralized Authority • Decisions made at lower level and are reported through the structure IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

17. Company Organizational Structure • Company structures are more flexible than departmental • Company Officer must know how the company fits into the department • Choice of the appropriate structure for the task at hand • Several styles may be employed during the course of a shift Situational Leadership IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

18. Flat Company Structure Company Officer deals directly with the firefighters on a one-on-one basis. Chain of Command Unity of Command IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

19. Advantages Direct flow of information from Company Officer to each company member Good for independent tasks Simple to organize and implement Disadvantages Poor for complex tasks Span of Control in question Some problems between company members may arise Flat Company Structure IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

20. Scalar Company Structure Arranged by: Seniority Experience Training Informal Leadership Principles will be used. Department may dictate this arrangement IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

21. Advantages Ideal for emergency operations Span of control is manageable Info. is centralized Functional Chain of Command is maintained Unity of Command Disadvantages May bog down routine work May make individual initiative difficult Info. may be distorted through levels Promotes static organizations Scalar Company Structure IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

22. Circular Company Structure • All company members share in decisions Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Company Officer IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure

23. Advantages Great for problem solving Increase personal commitment because they provide more feedback on tasks Disadvantages Input/feedback process makes structure slow Too time consuming for most emergency situations Minor details may get too much attention May cause side-taking Circular Company Structure IFCF - Mgt 1 - Org. Structure