Organizational Structure and Job Design Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the process of entrusting work to others by giving them the right to make decisions and take action called?

  • Delegation (correct)
  • Decentralization
  • Centralization
  • Specialization

    • Decentralization refers to the concentration of authority for decision-making at the top levels of an organization.

    False

    What is the primary effect of task specialization on job design?

    It increases the focus on specific tasks.

    High specialization leads to job ______ where work procedures are standardized and tasks are well-defined.

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

    Match the following job designs with their characteristics:

    <p>Job Simplification = Narrow job scope with standardized tasks Job Enrichment = Increases variety and responsibility Job Rotation = Regularly shifts employees between different tasks Job Enlargement = Expands tasks within the same role</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major trend affecting organizational structures in the modern marketplace?

    <p>Wider spans of control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Shorter chains of command make organizations more hierarchical.

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

    Name one type of organizational structure discussed.

    <p>Functional, Divisional, Matrix, Team, Network, or Boundaryless</p> Signup and view all the answers

    More _____ and empowerment is a trend in modern workplaces.

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

    Match the following organizational trends with their descriptions:

    <p>Shorter chains of command = Streamlined structure with fewer management levels Less unity of command = Use of cross-functional teams and multiple supervisors Wider spans of control = Managers oversee more employees with less supervision Decentralization = Distribution of decision-making closer to the operational level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organizational structure is characterized by teams made up of employees from different functions?

    <p>Cross-functional teams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Decentralization refers to consolidating all decision-making authority at the top levels of management.

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

    What organizational trend allows employees to report to more than one manager?

    <p>Less unity of command</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential advantage of job simplification?

    <p>Easier and quicker training of workers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Job rotation increases task variety by having workers stay in the same job position.

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

    What is the main difference between job enlargement and job enrichment?

    <p>Job enlargement adds tasks at the same level, while job enrichment adds tasks at a higher level with more depth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of enhancing a job's content vertically is known as __________.

    <p>job enrichment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Job Enlargement = Adding tasks at the same level to increase variety Job Rotation = Shifting workers among different job assignments Job Enrichment = Adding higher-level tasks to a job for more depth Horizontal Loading = Increasing task variety without changing job level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Vertical loading in job design refers to adding lower-level tasks to a job.

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

    How can jobs be enriched?

    <p>By expanding their content vertically and increasing opportunities for satisfaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the core job characteristics that contribute to job enrichment?

    <p>Salary increase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Vertical loading refers to giving tasks that are below an employee's current skill level.

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

    What is one potential disadvantage of a compressed workweek?

    <p>Increased fatigue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a compressed workweek, a full-time job is completed in less than ______ days of 8-hour shifts.

    <p>5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alternative work arrangement allows employees to have control over their daily work hours?

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

    Match the following alternative job arrangements with their descriptions:

    <p>Compressed Workweek = Full-time job in fewer than 5 days Flexible Hours = Employee choice in work hours Job Sharing = Two employees share a full-time job Telecommuting = Working from home</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Core time refers to the hours when employees have the flexibility to determine their work schedule.

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

    Name one benefit of having flexible hours.

    <p>Allows employees to manage personal and family responsibilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary benefit of flexible working hours?

    <p>Greater employee autonomy in scheduling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Job sharing involves splitting a full-time job between two or more individuals.

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

    Name one advantage of telecommuting.

    <p>Increased productivity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Part-time work is defined as work done on any schedule less than the standard _____-hour workweek.

    <p>40</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of telecommuting?

    <p>Feelings of isolation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Work sharing allows employees to increase their work hours to avoid layoffs.

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

    What is one reason organizations implement flexible working hours?

    <p>To attract and retain employees with non-work responsibilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    • Organizations are changing their structures and work arrangements.
    • Current trends include shorter chains of command, less unity of command, wider spans of control, more delegation/empowerment, and decentralization.

    Success Criteria

    • Key abilities for success include analyzing current organizational structure trends and explaining various alternative job arrangements.

    Review

    • Students were asked to draw 6 types of organizational structures: functional, divisional, matrix, team, network, and boundaryless.
    • Shorter Chains of Command: The line of authority linking employees to higher-level management is being streamlined by eliminating unnecessary management layers. Flatter organizational structures are now more common and seen as an advantage.
    • Less Unity of Command: Employees may report to more than one supervisor (often in cross-functional teams), involving multiple tasks, and horizontal structures.
    • Wider Spans of Control: Managers now often supervise more employees, with less direct supervision and more delegation.
    • More Delegation and Empowerment: Managers are giving employees more responsibility and authority to make decisions, increasing employee accountability.
    • Decentralization: Decision-making authority is diffused across various levels of the organization, not just concentrated at top levels.

    Specialization

    • Task Specialization: The degree to which a worker concentrates on specific tasks. More specialized jobs have less variety.
    • Job Simplification: High specialization, involves standardized procedures focusing on well-defined highly specialized tasks. These often have a narrow job scope.
    • Potential Benefits of Job Simplification: Easier/quicker training, less supervision of employees and easier to replace. Workers develop expertise in repetitive tasks.
    • Potential Disadvantages of Job Simplification: Low job satisfaction, higher absenteeism/tardiness, and worker boredom.
    • Job Rotation and Job Enlargement (Moderate Specialization): Increases task variety by shifting workers among different jobs or combining tasks within a job. (horizontal loading)
    • Job Enrichment (Low Specialization): Builds more opportunities for satisfaction by expanding the job's content vertically (more depth of responsibility). Emphasizes the scope and depth of the job.

    Alternative Job Arrangements

    • Compressed Workweek: Full-time work completed in fewer days than a standard workweek. Benefits include more leisure time, lower commuting costs, and potential for improved performance; disadvantages include increased fatigue, family/scheduling difficulties.
    • Flexible Hours: Flexible work scheduling allows for employees to tailor job hours, with core times they must be at work. This can appeal to those with family or other responsibilities.
    • Job Sharing/Work Sharing: Splitting a full-time position among multiple employees. Often a controversial measure and can be used as a means to avoid layoffs. A controversial measure used as a means to avoid layoffs.
    • Telecommuting/Work-at-Home: Some work can be performed remotely. Benefits include freedom from commuting constraints, increased productivity, and distractions; disadvantages include potential for overwork, difficulty separating work/life, and supervising remote employees effectively.
    • Part-Time Work: Employees work on schedules with fewer than 40 hours per week, and may not be considered full-time staff.
    • Contingency Workers: These individuals supplement the main workforce and are hired temporarily or on a contract basis.

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    Related Documents

    Organizing Trends In The Modern Marketplace PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on organizational structures, job design, and management concepts. This quiz covers key terms and trends such as decentralization, task specialization, and team-based structures. Explore how these elements impact modern workplaces and decision-making processes.

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