An investigation of the role of organizational structure on employee performance: the case of Bonakude Consulting.

Abstract

Organizational structure is a common foundation that can be a source of primary output. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of organizational structure in the performance of employees of a consulting firm, Bonakude. Understanding the role of structure in employee performance is important because it allows organizations to make strategic decisions that help them cope with the changing business environment. The study adopted a qualitative methodological approach using non-probability purposive and snowball sampling procedures to select a total sample size of nineteen participants from the target population of thirty-two, all based at Bonakude Durban Office. The email interviews provide a detailed account of a specific phenomenon and an individual's reality. The participants’ responded in their own time and space, giving the participants’ plenty of opportunity to respond to the questions. The research's goal and objectives were clearly explained through email, with information sheets being sent to all participants. Prior to receiving questions through email, the researcher supplied participants with informed consent letters, which they signed. The researcher analyzed the data using thematic analysis which is the qualitative method to analyze and report on the themes within the data. Thematic analysis was appropriate to this study because of its nature in identifying and understanding the knowledge and experience of the participants through examining the patterns present within the data According to the findings of the study, the organizational structure affects the performance of employees; a poor organizational structure result in low productivity, and demotivated staff, it affects worker morale, which affects their performance. Findings also revealed that a good organizational structure improves employee performance and stimulates people to work hard, leading to increased output. Therefore, management must obtain the skills to create organizational structures capable to improve staff morale. The study concludes that organizational structure has a significant effect on employee performance hence it is vital for organizations to pay attention to how they are structured. This study contributes to the existing literature in the field of organizational structure effectiveness. The study results are based on a practically evaluated current existing organizational structure.