UNILAG DLI Seminar Highlights Impact of Organisational Structure on Decision-Making
Dr. Peter O. Olayiwola presented his research on the effects of organisational structure on decision-making quality at the May 2024 seminar series hosted by the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) hosted its May 2024 seminar series, featuring a compelling presentation by Dr. Peter O. Olayiwola, a renowned management scientist. Titled “Effects of Organisational Structure on Quality of Decision-Making in Selected Firms,” the seminar attracted significant interest from both academic and professional communities.
Dr. Olayiwola's presentation delved into his ongoing research, exploring how various aspects of organisational structure—such as structural complexity, structural formality, standardisation systems of control, and centralisation/decentralisation—affect decision-making quality. His findings revealed that the standardisation of control mechanisms significantly enhances decision quality by establishing achievable standards for organisational activities.
The research further indicated that decentralisation allows for quicker service delivery to stakeholders and fosters trust among employees. Conversely, excessive formality and complexity were found to hinder swift decision-making across many organisational operations. Dr. Olayiwola advised banks and manufacturing companies to simplify their structures to empower employees to use their initiatives effectively and to reduce formal communication to enable lower-level managers to make critical decisions.
He also recommended that businesses decentralize their structures to expedite the decision-making process and improve performance. The implementation of standardized procedures to measure performance and promote efficiency was also encouraged. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of top-notch technology to enhance service quality for stakeholders.
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The seminar concluded with a call to action for organizational leaders to adopt less complex structures and reduce formality in communication. This approach aims to facilitate better decision-making and overall organisational performance.
This event highlighted DLI's commitment to fostering continuous learning and professional development by bridging the gap between academic research and practical application. Through these monthly seminars, DLI continues to support the growth and success of staff, students, and the broader community.
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