Organisational Structure and Change
48 Questions
6 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a disadvantage of mechanistic structures?

  • Enhanced employee autonomy
  • High levels of flexibility
  • Encourages innovation
  • Rigidity and resistance to change (correct)

    • What is one consequence of an ageing workforce for organisations?

  • Decentralization of operations
  • Reduction in work arrangements
  • Requirement to adapt benefit packages (correct)
  • Increased hiring of younger employees

    • Organic structures have higher levels of formalization compared to mechanistic structures.

    False

    Globalisation presents only opportunities for organisations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name a company that successfully utilizes a decentralized organic structure.

    <p>3M</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one industry that struggled with rapid technological advancements.

    <p>music industry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a matrix organization, employees report to both a functional manager and a __________ manager.

    <p>project</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the organizational structure with its characteristic:

    <p>Mechanistic Structure = Rigidity and resistance to change Organic Structure = Flexible and decentralized Matrix Structure = Dual reporting lines Traditional Structure = Clear hierarchy and roles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organisations must adapt to changes in ______ to remain competitive.

    <p>technology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following organisational changes with their drivers:

    <p>Shifting Workplace Demographics = Adjusting work arrangements for an ageing workforce Globalisation = Managing a diverse workforce across cultures Poor Performance = Catalyst for organisational transformation Fluctuations in Market Conditions = Adjusting strategies due to economic changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the advantages of organic structures?

    <p>Conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy might help organisations manage a global workforce?

    <p>Adapting to different cultural contexts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Matrix structures simplify communication within an organization.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rapid growth of an organisation typically requires maintaining the same organisational structure.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential conflict within a matrix organization?

    <p>Power struggles between functional managers and project managers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some of the challenges the airline industry has faced?

    <p>Increased competition, fluctuating fuel prices, reduced demand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does organisational structure primarily help achieve?

    <p>Coordination of work</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Decentralized companies make decisions primarily at higher levels of the hierarchy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main task of organisational design?

    <p>Creating or enhancing the structure of an organisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A ______ structure has several layers of management between frontline employees and the top level.

    <p>tall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is characterized by grouping jobs based on similarity in functions?

    <p>Functional structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Centralization = Decision-making at higher levels Decentralization = Decision-making at lower levels Formalization = Extent of written policies and procedures Mechanistic structure = Highly formalised and centralised structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a ______ structure, there are fewer layers of management and greater self-actualization opportunities.

    <p>flat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mechanistic structures promote greater employee empowerment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the change management process?

    <p>Unfreezing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Providing emotional support is not an important aspect of managing change.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do opinion leaders play in the change process?

    <p>They influence the behaviors and attitudes of others towards accepting change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Employees who participate in planning change efforts tend to have more positive opinions because they feel a sense of ______.

    <p>ownership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following elements of change management with their purpose:

    <p>Building a coalition = Convincing influential individuals about the need for change Publicising success = Sharing results of change to encourage acceptance Creating small wins = Establishing a history of achievable successes Reward change adoption = Encouraging permanent change by recognizing supporters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can management do to help alleviate resistance to change?

    <p>Listen to those who disagree</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Creating a sense of urgency is irrelevant in the change management process.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for leaders to communicate a vision for change?

    <p>It helps employees understand the purpose of the change and reduces discomfort.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recommended approach when implementing changes to reduce resistance?

    <p>Make incremental changes gradually</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Building your credibility has no impact on how likely people are to accept your ideas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you identify to frame your proposal effectively?

    <p>Long-term goals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    People may resist change if it disrupts their daily ______.

    <p>habits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the reasons for resisting change with their descriptions:

    <p>Disrupted Habits = Change interferes with established routines Personality = Some individuals are naturally less open to change Fear of Change = Change often brings uncertainty and fear of the unknown Increased Workload = People may resist if they perceive the change as adding more work</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way to understand why people resist change?

    <p>Ask if they fear change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Involving others in the planning stage can lead to more resistance when implementing changes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you prepare to provide when proposing a change?

    <p>Evidence supporting your proposal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of Polaroid's failure to adapt to digital photography?

    <p>Loss of relevance in the market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Change often leads people to become more receptive to new practices.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which personality trait affects how individuals perceive change?

    <p>Openness to Experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Frequent or poorly managed changes can lead to ________ among employees.

    <p>Change Fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the concepts related to change with their descriptions:

    <p>Disrupted Habits = Discomfort caused by change Fear of Failure = Worry about losing skills Change Fatigue = Exhaustion from frequent change Perceived Loss of Power = Fear of decreased influence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements relates to understanding resistance to change?

    <p>Listening to naysayers can improve the change process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Involving employees in planning change initiatives can lead to increased resistance.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was developed by Kurt Lewin in the 1950s to understand change?

    <p>Lewin's Three-Stage Model of Planned Change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Organisational Structure and Change

    • Organisational structure defines how individual and team work are coordinated within an organisation.
    • Structure specifies reporting relationships, formal communication channels, and how individual actions relate.
    • Organisational design is a key management function involved in creating or enhancing organisational structure.

    Centralization

    • Centralization describes the degree to which decision-making authority is concentrated at higher levels.
    • Centralised companies make decisions at higher levels of the hierarchy.
    • Decentralised companies make decisions at lower levels, closer to the issue.
    • Centralisation can improve efficiency in stable environments.
    • Decentralisation improves employee empowerment and speeds up decision-making.

    Formalization

    • Formalization describes the extent to which an organisation's policies, procedures, job descriptions, and rules are written and explicitly articulated.
    • Formalised structures use written rules and regulations to control employee behaviour.

    Hierarchical Levels

    • Tall structures have many layers of management between frontline employees and top-level management.
    • Greater supervision and monitoring of employees limit opportunities for advancement.
    • Flat structures have few layers of management.
    • Greater need satisfaction and self-actualisation but may lead to role ambiguity.

    Departmentalization

    • Functional structures group jobs based on similarity in functions, effective for organisations with a limited number of products and services.
    • Divisional structures group departments based on unique products, services, customers, or geographic locations.
    • More agile and better suited for organisations with diverse product lines operating in turbulent environments.

    Mechanistic Structures

    • Mechanistic structures are highly formalised and centralised.
    • Characterised by many written rules and regulations, formal communication channels.
    • Employees have clearly defined roles.
    • Advantages: efficiency, suitable for new businesses
    • Disadvantages: rigidity, resistance to change, inhibits entrepreneurial action.

    Organic Structures

    • Organic structures are characterised by flexibility, decentralisation, and low levels of formalisation.
    • Communication is fluid and flexible; broader job descriptions.
    • Employees are encouraged to perform duties based on organisational needs.
    • Advantages: conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher job satisfaction.

    Matrix Organisations

    • Combine aspects of traditional functional structures with product structures.
    • Employees report to both a functional manager (e.g., marketing, finance) and a project/product manager.
    • Aims to balance functional specialisation and product focus.
    • Advantages: enhanced information flow and collaboration, faster response times.
    • Disadvantages: potential for conflict, role ambiguity.

    Boundaryless Organisations

    • Organisations that eliminate traditional barriers between departments and the external environment.
    • Modular organisations: outsource non-essential functions, focus on core functions.
    • Strategic alliances: collaboration between companies.
    • Breaking down internal barriers: creating a more collaborative work environment.

    Drivers of Organisational Change

    • Changing demographics: Shifting age, composition, and expectations of the workforce.
    • Rapid technological advancements: Adapting to evolving technology.
    • Globalisation: Managing diverse institutional environments and managing international workforces.
    • Fluctuations in market conditions: Adapting to economic changes and competition.
    • Organisational growth: Accommodating expansion.

    Resistance to Change

    • Disrupted habits: change disrupts routines and creates discomfort
    • Personality differences: some individuals resist change more than others.
    • Uncertainty and fear of the unknown: change brings feelings of uncertainty, anxiety.
    • Fear of failure: resistance from employees fearing negative impact.
    • Personal impact: resistance when the change perceived as negatively affecting people.
    • Change fatigue: excessive change leads to cynicism and burnout.
    • Perceived loss of power: resistance from those whose power may diminish in the new systems.

    Executing Change

    • Continuing support: Management should provide continuing support to employees during and following a change.
    • Creating small wins: creating small successes during the change effort to increase the likelihood of acceptance
    • Eliminating obstacles: management should identify and remove obstacles to ensure a smooth transition
    • Publicizing success: showcasing the positive outcomes.
    • Rewarding adoption: rewarding people who embrace the change
    • Embracing continuous change: establishing feedback loops for continuous learning and improvement.
    • Listening to those who disagree.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Foundations for Business Successes PDF

    Description

    Explore the concepts of organisational structure, centralization, and formalization through this quiz. Understand how these elements impact decision-making and employee empowerment within different levels of management. Test your knowledge on how these factors contribute to the effectiveness of organisational design.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser