組織構造の2回目は事業部制組織（Divisional Structure）です。
製品種類や事業範囲（地理的範囲）が拡大すると、従来の機能別組織では十分対応できなくなり、「事業部制組織」を導入するケースが見られます。
事業部制組織は、製品や地域といった単位で事業を区分して「事業部」を設け、それぞれの事業部が自らの目標を設定し、利益責任を負う組織構造です。
事業部制組織では各事業部が自律性（Autonomy)を持って活動することから、市場や環境変化に柔軟（Flexible）に対応できること、（事業部を統括する事業部長を）将来の経営者候補として育成できるといったメリットがあります。
一方、事業部がそれぞれ自前の経営資源を持つことから資源の重複(Redundancy）が生じたり、各事業部が自身の目標達成を図ることによって、全社（または企業グループの）全体最適と不整合が生じるといったデメリットも考えられます。
【Introduction】
The divisional structure is organized into separate divisions based on product lines, geographic regions, or customer segments.
The divisional structure is often implemented to address the challenges of functional structures, particularly when dealing with diversity in products, regions, or customer needs.
【Definition of Divisional Structure】
The divisional structure divides business operations into divisions based on units such as products or regions. Each division sets its own objectives and assumes profit responsibility.
Operating as a business unit, each division has its own resources and functions, such as marketing, finance, and operations. This structure allows each division to tailor its strategies to specific markets or products.
【Advantages of Divisional Structure】
There are several advantages to divisional structures.
First, the divisional structure enables companies to adapt quickly to market changes or customer needs, as each division is specialized and agile within its area. This flexibility helps the organization to respond rapidly to external factors, such as new competitors, technological advancements, or shifting customer preferences.
In addition, by giving each division its own management team, the divisional structure fosters leadership and decision-making skills among managers. Division heads operate with a level of autonomy that allows them to gain valuable experience in strategic planning and operations, potentially preparing them for future senior executive roles.
And finally, with each division dedicated to a specific product, region, or customer group, strategies can be more precisely tailored and implemented. This focus can lead to competitive advantages as each division can concentrate on its unique operational needs and strategic priorities.
【Disadvantages of Divisional Structure】
However, divisional structures can have some drawbacks.
First, a main downside is resource duplication, as each division may require similar functions, such as marketing, finance, or IT, which leads to increased operational costs.
Second, divisional autonomy can sometimes result in strategic misalignment. In other words, if divisions pursue their own objectives, the organization’s broader corporate strategy may not be attainable.
Moreover, divisions that operate independently may fail to capitalize on synergies across the organization. For instance, if divisions lack coordination or collaboration, the organization could miss opportunities that would benefit the company as a whole.
The divisional structure is advantageous for large organizations that operate in diverse markets or offer a wide range of products or services. It provides flexibility and supports management development, but also comes with risks, such as resource duplication and potential strategy conflicts.
Striking a balance between autonomy and co-operation is essential to maximize the benefits of this organizational structure.
【英語表現】
▣ concentrate on ～に集中する
Our firm should concentrate on improving customer satisfaction to enhance our reputation.
▣ result in （結果的に）…をもたらす
Effective communication among members can result in greater mutual understanding.
▣ fail to ～し損なう
If our company fails to adapt to market changes, we would lose our competitive edge.
▣ as a whole 全体として
The budget, as a whole, is quite practical.
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