Marketing Services for the New Organizational Structure

Two trends in organizational structures warrant a reexamination of the ways that marketing services companies (Marketing, Advertising, Promotion, Public Relations, etc.) are asked to support the objectives of their client organizations. The first trend is the "flattening" of many organizations as layers of management are cut in an attempt to reduce overhead. However, there is seldom a concurrent reduction in projects with the result that the remaining managers must accomplish virtually all the previous tasks with a diminished staff. The second trend is an attempt to develop a competitive edge by refocusing the mission of the organization. Total Quality Management (TQM), task teams, and a new focus on customer service are examples of recent attempts to redefine the real goals of an organization and align employees behind the new goals. In this article the authors argue that a new structure in marketing services companies is needed to serve the new organizational structure. This new structure more nearly mirrors the client organization by encompassing multitude disciplines and operating with a lean organization of experienced professionals. The advantages are the same as those that lead to changes in the client companies; lower overhead, greater alignment along disciplines, and a competitive edge for clients.