Adventure of Strategy

The Managing Partners Forum have launched a new, free service called MPF Pulse, which allows MPF members to canvass each other on management issues. The responses that are received to a question being posed are then posted on their web site.

A recent query that was posted read:

"We are a multi location multi discipline firm and have traditionally run the business by business unit (location) with a strong bond at the top between the business unit managing partners. Each location is a well bonded team having worked together for a long time but they do vary in size considerably the largest being 200+ people and the smallest 30. Each unit is supported by central services covering HR, Finance, IT and Marketing.

I am starting the process of exploring whether the business should be restructured by discipline and would appreciate any feedback from those that have been through the process and the lessons learnt. What I am uncertain about is the potential damage that could result from changing the way the business unit is run and the impact on the authority of the business unit managing partner and whether this is offset by a more focused approach to running the business by discipline. Are there pitfalls, if so what are they and how do I avoid them. Who has authority over the staff location or discipline? If this is a topic that a number of us have an interest in, I would be more than happy to host a dinner to discuss. Any and all assistance would be much appreciated.”

Five responses were received. To read them, click here.