Difference between Tall and Flat Organization Structure

The Difference between Tall (Narrow Span of Control) and Flat (Wide Span of Control) Organization Structure is based on following twelve points:-

1.    Meaning

If the span of control is narrow, then there will be many management levels. That is, there will be many managers. This organization structure is called "Tall Organization Structure".

If the span of control is wide, then there will be fewer management levels. That is, there will be fewer managers. This organization structure is called "Flat Organization Structure".

2. Span of Control

Narrow span of control results in "Tall Organization." Here there are many .managers. Each manager has to manage only few subordinates.

Wide span of control results in "Flat Organization". Here there are few managers. Each Manager has to manage many subordinates.

3. Formal and Informal Relations

In tall Organization Structure. a manager has to manage only a few subordinates. Therefore, the relationship between them will be informal. Personal relationships are possible.

In Flat Organization Structure. a manager has to manage many subordinates. Therefore, the relationship between them will be formal. Personal relationships are impossible.

4. Control of Subordinates

 In Tall Organization Structure, there is a close control because few subordinates, In Flat Organization Structure. There is a loose control because there are many subordinates.

5. Extent of Coordination

In Tall Organization Structure, the coordination is good.

In Flat Organization Structure, the coordination is not so good.

 6. Mistakes

In Tall Organization Structure, there are less mistakes because of close supervision and control.

In Flat Organization Structure, many mistakes may occur because of loose supervision and control.

7. Discipline

In Tall Organization Structure, Good discipline can be maintained because there are few subordinates. In Flat Organization Structure, the possibility of indiscipline exists because there are many subordinates.

8. Cost

 Tall Organization Structure is costly because it has many managers.

 Flat Organization Structure is less costly because it has less managers. 

9. Decision Making

In Tall Organization Structure, Decision making is slow because there are many levels of management.

In Flat Organization Structure, Decision making is quick because there are few levels of management.

10. Guidance to Staff

Tall Organization is suitable for staff that needs detailed guidance.

Flat organization is suitable for staff that needs less guidance and more independence.

11. Pressure on Managers

In Tall Organization, there is less pressure on managers because they have only few subordinates to supervise.

In Flat Organization, there is more pressure on the managers because they have much more subordinates to supervise.

12. Communication

 In Tall Organization, communication may be distorted and delayed because there are many levels of management.

 In Flat Organization, communication will not be distorted and delayed because there are few levels of management.