Three configurations (Machine Bureaucracy, Missionary and Diversified) are forms of development of the same machine configuration, based on differing co-ordination mechanisma. Mintzberg’s models therefore seem to offer three mainstream structures into which small Organisations evolve as they grow and develop.

The Research is attemting to validate the hypothesis that the divergence into these three main organisational styles is based on the strategic business decisions that determine the nature of the relationship with the customer, and hence the nature of their information processing.

The Machine configuration is common in mass production & mass service businesses. It is efficient, consistent and reliable with highly standardised work processes. It would seem to suit organisations who have adopted a strategy of operational excellence, and whose information processing capacity is dedicated to scale.

The Innovative Adhocracy consists of sets of functional experts deployed in multidisciplinary teams. High technology, frequent product changes, temporary and mammoth projects. It is effective at innovation, and would seem to suit organisations whose strategy is to deliver product or intelectual leadership, and whose information processing capacity is associated with complexity. 

The Professional Bureaucracy organisation is described as a system of pigeonholes within which individuals work autonomously. The prime example is the personal service sector, schools, universities, consulting firms, law and accounting offices. This fits organisations who are intimate with their customers and whose information processing capacity caters for diversity.

Mintzberg, H. (1989). Mintzberg on management inside our strange world of organizations. New York London, Free Press Collier Macmillan.

Henry Mintzberg developed a series of organisational structures that are based on the way in which the various structural components of the organisation are configured and the co-ordinating mechanisms that operate between them. His seven possible configurations make up an organisation lifecycle model.

Most organisations begin life as small scale Entrepreneurial structures created and led by a single leader who directly manages the activities of the organisation. The Political configuration emeges at the end of an organisations life when the co-ordination breaks down.

from Fig 14-3