Differentiation and Integration:Definition

In the last byte, we began our discussion on the larger concept of organizational design and structure. In today's byte, we define the concepts of differentiation and integration.

Definitions:

• Differentiation is the process of deciding how to divide the work in an organization
• Integration is the process of coordinating the different parts of an organization

Differentiation is the design process of breaking the organizational goal into tasks and integration is the design process of linking the tasks together to forma a structure that supports goal accomplishments.
 

These two processes are really the key to designing the organization successfully. Organization structure helps prevent chaos through an orderly set of reporting relationships and communication challenges.
 

An understanding of the key design processes and organizational structure helps an individual understand the larger working environment and may prevent confusion in the organization.This organizational structure and the underlying components are represented through an organizational chart.