For more information, see Cummings, L.L. and C.J. Berger. Dimensions of Organizational Structure Organizations may be described along many dimensions. They examined both organizational structure and context. Standardization is the extent to which similar work activities are performed in a uniform manner. Formalization includes the written documentation in the organization.
Centralization determines which hierarchical levels have authority to make decisions.
Hierarchy of authority involves the span of control an organization's members have over other members. Complexity or personnel configuration is the number of activities or subsystems within an organization, such as the deployment of people to various functions and departments. Professionalization is the amount of formal training and education that employees must have. 2 See Daft, R.L. Organizational Theory and Design , 2nd ed. Organizations' contextual dimensions included the following.