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Questions and Answers
What is the main characteristic of a matrix organizational structure?
What is the main characteristic of a matrix organizational structure?
What is a disadvantage of de-layering in an organizational structure?
What is a disadvantage of de-layering in an organizational structure?
What is the primary purpose of de-layering in an organization?
What is the primary purpose of de-layering in an organization?
In terms of decision-making authority, what distinguishes a centralized organizational structure?
In terms of decision-making authority, what distinguishes a centralized organizational structure?
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What differentiates a line manager from a staff manager in an organizational setting?
What differentiates a line manager from a staff manager in an organizational setting?
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What is the distinguishing feature of a decentralized organizational structure?
What is the distinguishing feature of a decentralized organizational structure?
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What characterizes a line manager in an organization?
What characterizes a line manager in an organization?
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Which statement best describes the concept of centralization in organizations?
Which statement best describes the concept of centralization in organizations?
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What could be a potential drawback of implementing de-layering in an organization?
What could be a potential drawback of implementing de-layering in an organization?
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What is one of the main purposes of de-layering in an organization?
What is one of the main purposes of de-layering in an organization?
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In an organizational context, what does decentralization refer to?
In an organizational context, what does decentralization refer to?
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Which type of organizational structure focuses on organizing by products or services offered?
Which type of organizational structure focuses on organizing by products or services offered?
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What is the primary disadvantage of de-layering in organizational structures?
What is the primary disadvantage of de-layering in organizational structures?
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In organizational structures, what is the main purpose of de-layering?
In organizational structures, what is the main purpose of de-layering?
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What is a key characteristic of a line manager in an organization?
What is a key characteristic of a line manager in an organization?
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When a company is centralized, decision-making authority is primarily held by:
When a company is centralized, decision-making authority is primarily held by:
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What distinguishes a staff manager from a line manager within an organization?
What distinguishes a staff manager from a line manager within an organization?
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In the context of centralization and decentralization, which of the following best describes decentralization?
In the context of centralization and decentralization, which of the following best describes decentralization?
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Study Notes
Organizational Structures
- Matrix structure combines two types of organizational structures, generally by product and by function.
- In a matrix structure, each product has a team of employees, and the product manager gets input and approval from functional managers.
- Employees have multiple superiors, reporting to both product manager and functional manager.
Business Organizational Chart
- The business has four levels of hierarchy.
- The managing director has a span of control of four.
- Each functional director controls a supervisory team and has a span of control of two functional supervisors.
- Functional supervisors are responsible for each function and have a span of control of five members in their staff.
Business Structure
- The business has a flat or horizontal organizational structure due to only four levels of hierarchy and a short chain of command.
- It is structured by function, with four clear functional areas, each having a director who reports directly to the managing director.
Types of Managers
- A line manager has authority to make decisions and bears responsibility for the outcomes.
- A staff manager communicates decisions made by a line manager without responsibility for those decisions.
Centralization and Decentralization
- Centralization is the concentration of decision-making in a single authority, usually senior management.
- Decentralization is when decision-making is distributed among different levels of an organization.
De-layering
- De-layering is the removal of levels of hierarchy from an organization's structure.
- Its main purposes are: reorganizing the organizational structure, downsizing, reducing bureaucracy, reducing costs, improving communication, and improving efficiency.
- A possible disadvantage of de-layering is that it can lead to problems associated with wide spans of control.
Organizational Structures
- Types of organizational structures include: by hierarchy, by function, by product, by region, and matrix.
Matrix Structure Features
- Span of control ranges between two (each functional director) and five (each functional supervisor).
Project-Based and Shamrock Organizations
- A project-based organization is a type of organizational structure.
- A Shamrock organization is a type of organizational structure that distinguishes between core, contracted out, and peripheral functions.
Factors Influencing Organizational Structure
- Factors that influence the decision about the structure of an organization include: type of organization, business objectives, potential growth, nature of the market, and external factors.
Appropriate Organizational Structure
- The most appropriate structure for a business is that which best helps it achieve its objectives.
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Description
Test your knowledge on organizational structures and matrix management by taking this quiz. Understand how different types of hierarchy, function, product, and region come together in a matrix organization. Practice drawing organizational charts to represent complex business structures.