Optimizing Task Grouping in Bottom-Up Organizational Design
Defining Single Tasks: Grouping Operations (LCU)
In the context of bottom-up design (organizational design from the ground up), the phase of grouping elementary operations into human tasks (LCU – “man-task”) is critical. The selection of operations to be combined into an individual task must follow technical, organizational, and human-centered criteria. Operations are generally grouped when they meet the following conditions:
Form a Complete Functional or Logical Unit
Operations that together produce a clear and autonomous result, meaningful to the person performing them. This enhances understanding and gives the work a sense of purpose.
Can Be Effectively Managed by a Single Person
The individual should be capable of performing all the operations within their physical, technical, and cognitive capacities, without being overloaded or overly dependent on others.
Allow for Efficient Internal Coordination
The grouped operations should follow a logical and synchronized sequence, enabling one person to plan, control, and adjust their own work without interruptions or conflicts.
Promote Autonomy and Motivation
The task should provide the worker with a certain degree of autonomy, variety, responsibility, and feedback, in line with the principles of job enrichment.
Minimize External Interferences
Operations should be grouped so they can be carried out without constant external interventions or waiting periods, enabling continuous and smooth execution.
In summary, operations should be grouped in a way that creates a coherent, executable, and meaningful unit from both a technical and human perspective—optimizing efficiency without sacrificing work quality or worker satisfaction.
Prioritizing Task Groupings in Bottom-Up Design
In the context of bottom-up design, where the process starts from elementary operations to build tasks (LCU) and then broader structures, some groupings take priority over others based on technical, organizational, and human criteria. Priorities are defined by considering both system efficiency and worker well-being.
Higher-Priority Groupings:
Technically Necessary Groupings for Process Continuity
Priority is given to operations that, if separated, would cause interruptions, delays, or loss of efficiency. For example, tasks that require continuous use of a machine or monitoring of a production flow.
Groupings That Ensure Autonomy and Task Control
Priority is given to grouping operations that allow the worker to plan, execute, and verify their task relatively independently. This enhances motivation, engagement, and work quality.
Groupings That Form a Complete Logical or Functional Unit
Operations that, when combined, make sense as a whole—either due to a shared objective or because they represent a full stage of the process. This gives meaning to the work and helps the worker understand its impact.
Groupings That Reduce External Coordination Complexity
Groupings that reduce the need for constant communication with other people or departments are prioritized, making task execution smoother and less dependent on external factors.
Groupings That Offer Variety and Support Worker Development
Whenever possible, tasks that include a diversity of operations (to avoid monotony) and allow skill development are prioritized, promoting continuous improvement and job satisfaction.
In summary, priority is given to groupings that ensure technical continuity and efficiency, allow autonomy and control, form a logical and meaningful whole, reduce external dependencies, and promote the human and professional development of the worker.