Based on a sample of 187 Portuguese and Spanish companies, we investigated the possible existence of a structural deficit, which may act as a barrier to these companies' productivity and competitiveness. The prevalence of small and medium-sized companies, characterised by a familiar management that is autodidact, might create barriers to an organising will and is keeping many companies tied to a pre-organizational state. In the context of an environment that is becoming increasingly complex, volatile and hostile, it could be expected that these companies would be adopting more flat and flexible organizational structures. Contrary to expectations, the results show that these companies have been reinforcing their organizational structure. If this structural gap exists, then its elimination will be essential to drive these companies into the competitive route.
organizational structure; environment
