Problem:
Organizational structure often determines employee level of involvement in decision making. Greenwald (2008) identifies the locus of initiative as the liberty of lower-level people to initiate action or make suggestions to superiors. Another way to describe this function within the organization is top-down or bottom up management. Greenwald (2008) identifies membership organizations as being typically bottom up. An example of bottom down management are employees who are represented by a union and pay dues to receive direct services. Union members have some input in organization decisions. Greenwald (2008) states membership organizations depend on the desires of their members. Community-based organizations(CBOs) promote the betterment of the communities they serve. Wal-Mart and many other organizations have social responsibility initiatives to provide community giveback. Examples of these initiatives include employing individuals from the community and educational support through grants and scholarships. Greenwald (2008) CBOs continuously encourage representation of lower-level community residents to participate in organizational decisions. In contrast top-down management decisions are directives and guidance provided from the higher levels of management with no little to no input from lower-level employes. Organzations with several levels of hierarchy encourage open door policies (Greenwald, 2008).
Reference:
Greenwald, H. P. (2008). Organizations: Management without control. Sage Publications.