A Reappraisal of Automotive Management and Organizational Deployment

Abstract

Previous published work traced the evolution of one company's organization from the traditional hierarchical structure to the deploy ment of multi-functional teams. The present paper reviews the five-year experiment in the light of persistent senior and middle manage ment ambivalence, despite demonstrable and quantifiable performance gains. It is concluded that the relentless move towards a polyarchical organization is irreversible and will receive further reinforcement from the wider appreciation of information technology. This must lead to a new generation of managers better equipped to handle the complex interaction of 'networking ', and more in tune with the culture and values of multi-functionalism. Transparency of data and performance will aid this shift. The transition is unlikely to be quick or easy and will demand stamina and consistency of purpose from the highest levels of the organization.