SHRM Certified Professional Practice Exam 2026 – All-In-One Resource to Master Your Certification!

A structural change refers to significant modifications within an organization's hierarchy, processes, or overall framework that affects its functionality and operations. A change in the hierarchy in the workplace typically encompasses adjustments in reporting relationships, job roles, and the overall organizational structure, thereby impacting how departments and teams interact with one another. This type of change can have wide-ranging effects, such as shifts in authority and responsibilities, which can lead to improvements in efficiency, communication, and the company's ability to adapt to market demands.

While options like a new manager coming in might suggest a shift in leadership, it does not imply an overarching change to the structure itself. Similarly, slight procedural alterations or certain jobs being removed may affect specific functions or roles but do not fundamentally reshape the organization's framework. Therefore, recognizing that a structural change embodies a comprehensive reconfiguration of the organization is essential for understanding its implications in HR and management contexts.