Which organizational structure is less likely to be effective during a crisis due to its decision-making style?

Committee organizations are typically characterized by decision-making processes that involve multiple members working together to achieve consensus. While this collaborative style can be beneficial for fostering diverse perspectives and thorough discussions, it can be a disadvantage during a crisis. In urgent situations where swift and decisive action is necessary, the deliberative nature of committee decision-making can lead to delays.

Decision-making in a committee often involves lengthy discussions and the need to reach a consensus among various stakeholders. This can hinder the ability to respond quickly to immediate threats or rapidly evolving situations. In contrast, other organizational structures, such as line or line-and-staff organizations, tend to have clearer hierarchies or designated decision-makers, allowing for more rapid responses when time is of the essence in a crisis.

While matrix organizations can present challenges due to their complexity, they often allow for flexibility and quicker access to resources and expertise, which can also be critical during times of crisis. Therefore, the inherent nature of committees makes them less suited for effective crisis management compared to more streamlined decision-making structures.