113.1 Organizational Terms ELM53

113.1 Organizational Terms

1. Activity — a group of related (but possibly heterogeneous) tasks that constitute an easily defined operation or service which may be performed by an employee or group of employees.
2. Function — a principal method of devising work. A function may be a single activity, but is more commonly a group of related activities placed together under one responsibility. Functions are categorized as major or minor as follows:
1. Major function — a group of activities that has a direct impact on the overall mission of the Postal Service.
2. Minor function — a group of activities that has an indirect impact on the mission of the Postal Service.
3. Organizational structure — the formal relationship that:
1. Reflects the organizational units within a given group and the pattern of work to be accomplished by the employees in the organization;
2. Delineates responsibilities and reporting relationships; and
3. Creates a rational division of work.

The organizational structure should respond to the needs of the organization and foster the achievement of its objectives. When there is a basic change in the amount or kind of work to be done or in the assignment of the work to the positions involved, the organizational structure should be changed.

4. Organizational unit — an entity in which the necessary activities are divided into segments small enough to be managed or supervised by one person. An autonomous unit operates under a manager with the discretionary decision-making responsibility (see 113.3).
5. Program — a specialized, continuing endeavor consisting of a group of selected projects and activities related to one another within a major function.
6. Staffing — the number and types of positions within an organization, typically determined by criteria, guidelines, and standards.