A consideration of simple measures and organizational structure.

Organizational structure provides the context in which all other measures (either simple or complex) are generated, developed, set in place, related to each other, interpreted, and acted upon. The focus of this article is on the contextual nature of structure and its influence on organizational assessment and learning. Assessment mechanisms are part of the organization's learning system, whereby it reflects on its actions and alters its notions of how the internal and external world work. An organization's philosophy of rationality is an important part of its structure. Notions of cause and effect and standards of desirable performance are given particular attention. The situations of community mental health centers is examined in terms of structure and environment. Hypotheses are offered regarding what constitutes a healthy organizational structure and management system.