This paper describes a conceptual framework for a study of work organisational structures in small companies. The goal is to gain a greater understanding of both strategic and unconscious organisational design processes in small companies. The starting point of the analysis is the diffuse and informal 'family' type of work organisation and the step to a more strategic and formal work organisation. The gender theory is used when discussing internal organisational obstacles for growth and organisational forming processes. Gender plays perhaps a more important role in small companies than in large companies. Therefore the small company may have a development quite contradictory to its own sound origins. During the growing process there is a risk that the small company develops a rigid and inflexible organisation based on old gender pattern.