What defines a flat organizational structure?

A flat organizational structure is characterized by having few layers of management between staff and executives. This means that employees tend to have greater access to decision-makers, leading to swifter communication and potentially more empowerment at lower levels of the organization. With three or fewer layers, the structure simplifies internal hierarchies, enabling faster decision-making processes and encouraging team collaboration.

This contrasts with more traditional structures that often have multiple hierarchical layers, which can create bottlenecks in communication and slow down organizational responsiveness. Recognizing this distinction highlights the benefits of efficiency and agility that a flat organizational structure can provide, particularly in dynamic business environments.