This PPT slide, part of the 28-slide Greiner Growth Model: Stages of Evolution and Revolution PowerPoint presentation, outlines the second stage of the Greiner Growth Model, labeled "Direction." This phase is characterized by the emergence of capable, directive leadership, which is crucial for companies that have successfully navigated the initial growth stage. It emphasizes that firms typically thrive under the guidance of a competent business manager, who channels employee efforts towards sustained growth.
The content highlights that while directive leadership can effectively harness employee energy, it may eventually become inadequate for managing a more intricate organization. This transition often leads to a "Crisis of Autonomy," where the need for delegation becomes apparent. The slide suggests that many companies respond to this crisis by adopting more decentralized decision-making structures.
Key characteristics of this stage include increased specialization in job assignments and the introduction of a functional organizational structure. This structure separates manufacturing from marketing, which can enhance operational efficiency. The implementation of accounting systems for inventory and purchasing is also noted, alongside the establishment of incentives, budgets, and work standards.
As the organization grows, a hierarchy of titles and positions develops, leading to more formal and impersonal communication. The new leadership, along with their supervisors, takes on the responsibility of instituting direction, which may limit the autonomy of lower-level supervisors, relegating them to functional specialists rather than decision-makers.
Overall, the slide serves as a critical reminder for organizations to balance directive leadership with the need for autonomy and delegation as they evolve.
This slide is part of the Greiner Growth Model: Stages of Evolution and Revolution PowerPoint presentation.
EXPLORE MORE SLIDES FROM THIS PRESENTATION
EXPLORE MORE PRESENTATIONS ON
Maturity Model Growth Strategy Organizational Design Small Business Organizational Structure Leadership Manufacturing
Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.
Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.
Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.
![]() |
Download our FREE Organization, Change, & Culture, Templates
Download our free compilation of 50+ slides and templates on Organizational Design, Change Management, and Corporate Culture. Methodologies include ADKAR, Burke-Litwin Change Model, McKinsey 7-S, Competing Values Framework, etc. |