Organizational and business model of Italian Banks

Il capitolo analizza, attraverso un'analisi empirica di tipo qualitativo, i principali modelli organizzativi e di business delle banche italiane e dei gruppi bancari italiani. The aim of this chapter is to describe the organisational models that banks adopt for their operations in the banking market and in the various areas of business. The analysis of organisational models discusses large banks; medium-sized banks; and smaller independent banks organised into consortia and networks. The chapter consists of three main parts. The first one introduces and describes Italian banks’ organisational models from a theoretical point of view, with the aim of outlining the main strategic options available (diversification vs. specialisation) and the models adopted by large, medium sized, and small banks. In the second part we then move on to illustrate the organisational models implemented by Italian banks to cover the principal strategic areas of business (retail, corporate, investment, and private). The final part of the chapter analyses the network organizational model used by the mutual banks, which increases the scope and efficacy of the operations of Italy’s more than 400 banks in this category and makes them, as a body, a major player within the Italian banking system.