Functional vs Divisional Structure. Organizational change.
Prompts:
1. Based on the old organizational charts provided, describe the structures of the Rapid Transit
Operations and the Staten Island Railway, and the strengths and weaknesses of each structure.
2. What advice do you have for the Interim President on how to improve New York City Transit’s
Rapid Transit Operations structure to better accomplish its goals? What factors should be
considered when deciding whether to restructure the Rapid Transportation Operations
structure?
3. The Interim President senses that the organization’s culture has problems, including the
potential for burnout and turnover. How would you help the Interim President understand the
connection between structure and an organization’s culture? (e.g., What would you observe?
Whom would you speak to? What data would you collect? What would you recommend the
NYCT do to change the culture of the agency?)
4. Be sure to take into consideration that the suggested structural improvements in Question A will
help to change the organization’s culture to better meet their goals.
5. Finally, change is difficult in organizations. The Interim President would appreciate your advice
about how to implement any proposed changes, what resistance should be anticipated, and
what can be done to address any resistance.
