3 Pros and Cons of Moving to a Small Organization

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your career. But before you jump to a small organization, make sure you know what to expect.

28 June 2011

While many big organizations are known for their project management prowess, making the switch to a small or medium-sized organization may suit certain project professionals.

Before making the leap, though, consider these pros and cons for a smooth transition:

1. Small organizations can be more flexible…

Most small companies aren’t constrained by the same rigid project management practices found at many large organizations, says Albert Sarvis, PMP, assistant professor of geospatial technology and IT project management at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.

Naturally, the smaller the organization, the more nimble, adept and agile it can be. The university, for example, uses project management to create degree programs, departments, curriculums and events, but isn’t tied to stringent rules.

“We have things crop up at the last minute, but we’re able to respond more quickly to new initiatives and new projects,” says Mr. Sarvis. “We’re not bound by company standards or practices.”

But many lack structure.

Some small organizations don’t have even the most basic support systems. And that means you may have to do without the project templates to which you’ve grown accustomed, says Mr. Sarvis.

At the university, he says, “we don’t have the time or budget to do all the extra steps that a larger company would require. That’s challenging because the standards that larger companies have set up are actually quite helpful.”

“If you come from a larger organization where you’ve been well supported as a project manager with administration and an overarching project management office (PMO), appreciate that you probably won’t have all of that at a smaller organization,” adds Peter Taylor, PMP, Coventry, England-based author of The Lazy Project Manager. “The culture is more likely to be hands-on and do-it-yourself.”

2. Small organizations may offer more leadership opportunities…

Without a large corporate hierarchy, project professionals may have a chance to take on greater responsibilities, such as instituting a PMO.

“You could be, with your experience, in a very influential position in a smaller company and perhaps move up the organization much faster,” Mr. Taylor says.

Small businesses may also allow you to make more of an impact and build your decision-making ability, adds Tres Roeder, PMP, founder and president of Roeder Consulting, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. 

“Those interested in expanding their role can have real responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the business,” he says.

But they’re less risk-tolerant.

In smaller organizations, the projects may be shorter and lower in value, Mr. Taylor says. That doesn’t mean they aren’t as critical, however.

“The consequences of failure are probably higher in smaller organizations because larger organizations are better able to absorb failures, delays and exposure to risk,” he says.

3. Workplace politics in small organizations are less prominent.

Loyalties to specific teams or divisions can sometimes create conflict at large firms. But at small organizations where teams and divisions may not exist, teams tend to work together as a whole.

“There’s much more of a project team feeling,” Mr. Sarvis says. “In my experience, the vision and goal for the organization is much clearer and better shared.”

Executive leaders are more likely to be an active part of the team, too, so access is less of an issue.

“You’re more likely to have your voice heard by key people in the organization,” Mr. Roeder says. “If you have direct access to the CEO, you can communicate with them directly about what’s working and what isn’t working, and they can do something about it.”

But there may not be a defined career path.

Large organizations with established project management processes usually have a career framework for their project professionals. Small organizations may not have that luxury.

"In a small company, you may not have a clearly defined career ladder or clearly delineated positions to rise into,” says Mr. Sarvis. “You just have to focus on getting the job done."

Large organizations certainly come with their advantages. But for project professionals looking for a more flexible project environment to grow their careers, it may be time to think small.