Hi there! I hope that you are all well.
Who says that we don’t have open miracles in our time? Most synagogues seem to run without any organizational structure whatsoever. Yet, they still seem to run. The proper organizational setup could impact the efficiency and development of your synagogue in significant ways. Here are some basic organizational arrangements:
1) Centralized Organization: AKA centric organization. All staff authority is vested in the office of the chief administrator. There is little or no participation on the part of other staff, volunteers or workers. The goals are usually imposed from on top with little pushback from those below . With time this form of governance becomes oppressive.
2) Nonorganization: AKA balagan. In this system there is no central line or authority. Each staff member relates to each other equally. There may be some advisers, but usually that is not the case. They each do their own thing. Often, it becomes a dog-eat-dog environment.
3) Matrix Organization: There is clear leadership, but leadership is delegated downward through a structured organizational matrix. This style encourages worker initiative and creativity. It fosters a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
What type of organization are you a part of?
See you around,
Shlomo Einhorn
Rabbi of West Side Institutional Synagogue - www.wsisny.org
Director of WINGS – A OU Synagogue Consulting Group – http://www.ou.org/synagogue_services/wings
Email: wings@ou.org
