Exploring the implementation of Hierarchical and Hybrid structure: a case study in an insurance agency in Kuching.

• Main Author: Tay Liang, Howe
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English; English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS) 2020
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General); QA76 Computer software
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/33331/1/Tay%20Liang%20%2824%20pgs%29.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/33331/4/Tay%20Liang%20%28fulltext%29.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/33331/

The purpose of this study is to explore whether hierarchical or hybrid structure is more suitable to be implemented in Insurance Agency, Kuching. This study was conducted in qualitative approach. A case study was used by collecting data through semi-structure interview among the five insurance agent in Insurance Agency that located in Kuching, Sarawak. The results obtained through the research, it indicated that the advantages of hierarchical structure included: collective decision-making, fast information flowing speed, and guidance from top management. Next, the results also showed that hierarchical structure consists the disadvantages of having high power distance, adhered rules of control, extended the waiting time for requesting permission and easily generating the issue of bias. Apart from that, this research also discovered the advantages of hybrid structure which is improving the workforce performance, developing the workforce potential, decentralizing the decision making and providing more freedom to insurance agents. Even though, the research found out that hybrid structure consisted the disadvantages of having loose and organized team, easily generating conflict and ambiguity, and lack of standardization, implementing hybrid structure in insurance agency was still beneficial more to the overall operation in insurance agency. Lastly, this study discussed about the implication and contributions to body of knowledge, insurance agency and HR practitioners and giving recommendation for management system and future researchers. Based on the result obtained, this research can be concluded that hybrid structure was more suitable to be implemented in insurance agency compared to hierarchical structure.