Discussion 1: "The Nature of Organizational Structure."

Please respond to the following:

• Discuss how managers use organizational structure as a managerial tool.

• Describe the three primary forms of organizational structure: functional, divisional, and matrix, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Discussion 2: "Organizational Issues."

Please respond to the following:

o Discuss the organizational characteristics that arise during the four stages of organizational growth. When comparing the characteristics of a company in Stage I with those of the same company in Stage IV (after years of steady growth), is anything important lost? Explain.

o Discuss the key steps in the process of making the transition from an entrepreneurship to a professionally managed firm. Of the key steps in this process, which is the most difficult? Why?