Access the web sites of 3M and Andersen Windows and then answer the following questions:

1. How specialized are the components of each firm, based on the information available at its web site?
2. What form of departmentalization seems to exist at each organization?

Internet Exercise

The Chapter 11 closing case discusses the organizational structure of global food manufacturer H.J. Heinz. The company’s Corporate Profile page is especially helpful. Go to the firm’s web site and view information about the organization’s structure. Then answer the following questions:

1. How would you describe the organizational structure of Heinz?
2. Based on the information at the web site, does Heinz seem to be relatively specialized?
3. Can you determine Heinz’ spans of control, number of organizational levels, type of interdependence, and use of coordination techniques?

Explore Further

Heinz is one of the world’s largest food companies, with operations all over the world and a very diversified food product line. Compare the organization structure which you have discovered at Heinz with the structures of two other food companies, mid-size food producer Vlasic, and specialty food retailer, The Mount Horeb Mustard Museum. What differences do you see in the organization structure of these three firms? To what do you attribute these differences?