A flat organization is a type of business structure that has few or no levels of middle management between staff and executives. This design promotes open communication and collaboration, allowing employees to have more direct access to decision-makers. In a flat organization, roles are often more flexible, enabling teams to work together more efficiently. In this structure, employees typically have more responsibility and autonomy, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and innovation. Companies like Valve and Zappos are examples of flat organizations that emphasize employee empowerment and a strong company culture, fostering a sense of ownership among their staff.