Both Walmart and Amazon believe the future lies in a combination of stores and online retailing. In recent years, Walmart has built up its online business into a thriving retail entity. Meanwhile, Amazon, once an online-only business, has started building convenience stores, pick-up locations, and grocery stores. By expanding domains, both organizations are better able to compete head-to-head.
Do you agree or disagree that the best way for an organization to cope with a complex environment is to develop a complex structure rather than keep it simple and uncomplicated? Why?
How can environmental complexity lead to organizational complexity?
Looking at Amazon’s growth – which structure would you expect? (i.e., functional, divisional, geographic, matrix, virtual network, or holacracy). Would you expect the same of Walmart? Why?
Requirements for Post (50 points):
– At least 250 words (20%; 10 points)
– Correct spelling and grammar (10%; 5 points)
– Usage of theory from text in your reasoning and recommendations (70%; 35 points)
– Additionally, you are not required to comment on another students post but I highly recommend engaging in liking and commenting with value added ideas and reasonings. It’s always good to get others perspectives and input. Remember you get out of this class what you put into it.
Please use the power points attached to answer.
