2.1: Problem/Structure Matching

Match problems to be solved with structures of authority.

Other Information:

... we have incorporated network management into the leadership challenges. Networks imply boundaries, and we suspect that the concept of "boundary management" may add an element to this challenge. The idea of matching problems to be solved with structures of authority implies that for some problems, boundaries can be strong and fixed, while for others, boundaries must be permeable. "Managing boundaries" provides a conceptual lens through which we can view decision making and role expectations. An internal organizational analogy may be useful here. In some cases, a department head may draw boundaries rigidly and contrast the department's interests and responsibilities with those of other departments. But on other occasions, the same department may have to drop its defining boundary and adopt a larger or smaller one to address a relevant problem.

Stakeholder(s):

• Managers: The implication here is that managers must exercise judgment about the permeability of the boundaries that define responsibilities and competence.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

Content