Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of an operational goal in an organisation?
Which organisational design perspective is characterised by standardisation of rules and procedures?
What is the primary advantage of a matrix grouping approach?
What is the characteristic of a learning organisation that is NOT a characteristic of a hierarchical decision-making structure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of system requires the least resources and horizontal coordination in the ladder of horizontal linkage systems?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of the entrepreneurial stage in the organisational life cycle?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary characteristic of the formalisation stage in the organisational life cycle?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of isomorphism is caused by external pressure to adopt structures, techniques, or behaviours similar to other organisations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the intentional reduction of a company's workforce?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary characteristic of Weber's concept of bureaucracy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the formation of groups or teams with specific objectives or tasks in mind for a short period?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the external sectors with which an organisation will interact to accomplish its goals?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the enduring resource transactions, flows, and links between two or more organisations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the structure and arrangement of different elements within an organisation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the allocation of an appropriate portion of overhead costs to cost units?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Organizational Design
- Key tasks of an organization are captured in operational goals.
- Two major perspectives: Open (flexible, responsive) and Closed (structured, stable).
- Formalization refers to the extent of standardized rules and procedures within the organization.
- Specialization denotes the division of tasks into specific job types.
Organizational Structure
- Organizational configuration is the arrangement of elements within an organization.
- Information systems utilize fewer resources and facilitate horizontal coordination in ladder of horizontal linkage systems.
- Hierarchical decision-making is not a feature of learning organizations.
Characteristics of Learning Organizations
- Prioritizes experimentation and risk-taking.
- Encourages open communication channels.
Matrix Grouping
- Most effective when there are multiple critical outputs, such as product and technical knowledge.
Organizational Life Cycle Stages
- Entrepreneurial Stage: Focuses on product/service creation and market survival; characterized by informal structures.
- Collectivity Stage: Development of clear goals and hierarchy; establishes departments and job assignments.
- Formalization Stage: Implementation of rules and control systems; communication becomes formalized.
- Elaboration Stage: Promotes collaboration and teamwork; involves managerial teams and task forces.
External Influences on Organizations
- Legitimacy: Achieved when actions are seen as appropriate or desirable.
- Mimetic Forces: Result from uncertainty in goals or technology, leading to imitative behavior.
- Coercive Forces: External pressures to adapt behaviors or structures.
- Normative Forces: Push for professional standards and up-to-date techniques.
Bureaucracy and Downsizing
- Bureaucracy requires a defined hierarchical structure and clear regulations.
- Downsizing refers to the intentional reduction of a workforce.
Organizational Domain and Environment
- The environmental field of action, known as the domain, includes external sectors for interaction to meet goals.
- The task environment directly affects organizational goal achievement.
Inter-organizational Relationships
- Represent enduring transactions and links between organizations, addressing resource weaknesses.
- Ecosystem perspective includes both conflict and cooperation in relationships.
- Not all temporary organizations have a parent organization.
Strategic Approaches
- Generalist Strategy: Broad focus catering to diverse segments (e.g., Toyota).
- Specialist Strategy: Niche markets with emphasis on differentiation.
Institutional Theory
- Organizations are substantially influenced by societal norms and expectations.
- Institutions represent socially constructed templates for action shaped by interactions.
Population Ecology
- Examines organizational diversity and adaptation within a population of similar organizations.
- Population refers to organizations with similar activities and resource patterns.
Structural Considerations
- For companies with limited product lines, a functional structure is optimal.
- Information systems have the lowest coordination costs among linkage mechanisms.
- Project-based organizations differ from temporary organizations.
Organizational Efficiency
- Efficiency reflects resource utilization to achieve goals.
- Official goals convey the core values of the organization.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the stages of an organisational life cycle, from the entrepreneurial stage to formalisation. Learn about the key characteristics of each stage and how they contribute to the growth and development of an organisation.
