WORK SPECIALIZATION :
Work Specialization, also known as division of labor, refers to the degree to which tasks necessary to achieve organizational objectives is divided into various jobs. Work specialization allow managers to break complex tasks into smaller, more precise tasks that individual employees can complete. Each worker is trained on how best to perform a specific task. Over time, that worker becomes proficient and effective at performing that task.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN GOOGLE AND KFC IN WORK SPECIALIZATION :
Both companies group the employees according to the job they are supposed to do. Employees are divided into teams and roles they are supposed to do. In KFC, at the operational level, staffs are divided into two: The Customer Service team and The Food Service Team. The preceding concerns with the satisfaction of customers while the latter deals with the preparation of meals.In Google, work is also divided into Teams. There are many Teams in Google from Engineering and Design to Sales Operations. The initial deals with the development of Technology while the second sets the business direction and ensures it runs smoothly.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GOOGLE AND KFC IN WORK SPECIALIZATION :
Google uses a matrix organizational structure with a degree of flatness. The company’s structure has 3 main characteristics in which employees are grouped: 1. Function-based 2. Product-based 3. Flatness.
In terms of function, the company has Sales Operations Teams, an Engineering & Design Team, and a Product Management Team etc . Google also uses product to group employees, for example, in developing Nexus devices and its fiber business. Flat organizational structure means that the employees can report directly to the CEO without bypassing middle management. KFC uses hierarchy to group employees. The following diagram shows the management hierarchy chart.
EFFECTIVENESS :
Work specialization has helped both companies to complete work faster and more efficiently. The division of labor into several small tasks ensures employees to complete their work in time. In KFC for example, work specialization is implemented in such a way that the cashier takes the order the chef prepares the food as the branch manager supervises the whole process. This ensures work is running smoothly and quickly.