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What is the primary function of organizational structure?
What is the primary function of organizational structure?
Which of the following captures one characteristic of an effective organizational structure?
Which of the following captures one characteristic of an effective organizational structure?
What determines the span of control within an organization?
What determines the span of control within an organization?
What aspect is NOT typically considered when analyzing organizational structure?
What aspect is NOT typically considered when analyzing organizational structure?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting organizational structure?
Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting organizational structure?
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What is a common type of organizational structure?
What is a common type of organizational structure?
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Which of the following statements about span of control is true?
Which of the following statements about span of control is true?
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What defines an organization?
What defines an organization?
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What is a primary benefit of having an organizational structure?
What is a primary benefit of having an organizational structure?
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Which characteristic is essential for an effective organizational structure?
Which characteristic is essential for an effective organizational structure?
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What defines a bureaucratic organizational structure?
What defines a bureaucratic organizational structure?
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What is a disadvantage of the bureaucratic structure?
What is a disadvantage of the bureaucratic structure?
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Which of the following best describes a line or hierarchical structure?
Which of the following best describes a line or hierarchical structure?
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What does the term 'unity of command' refer to in an organizational structure?
What does the term 'unity of command' refer to in an organizational structure?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an effective organizational structure?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an effective organizational structure?
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In terms of organizational structures, what does flexibility refer to?
In terms of organizational structures, what does flexibility refer to?
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What is a primary advantage of flat organizational structures?
What is a primary advantage of flat organizational structures?
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What disadvantage is associated with flat organizational structures?
What disadvantage is associated with flat organizational structures?
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Which characteristic best describes a functional organizational structure?
Which characteristic best describes a functional organizational structure?
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What major issue can arise from a flat organizational structure in a larger organization?
What major issue can arise from a flat organizational structure in a larger organization?
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In a functional organizational structure, decision-making is typically characterized as:
In a functional organizational structure, decision-making is typically characterized as:
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What is a potential consequence of having too few managers in a flat organizational structure?
What is a potential consequence of having too few managers in a flat organizational structure?
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Which of the following is NOT a feature of flat organizational structures?
Which of the following is NOT a feature of flat organizational structures?
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Which of the following statements about flat structures is true?
Which of the following statements about flat structures is true?
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What is defined as the number of subordinates controlled directly by a superior?
What is defined as the number of subordinates controlled directly by a superior?
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Which factor indicates the ability and capacity of a leader to manage subordinates?
Which factor indicates the ability and capacity of a leader to manage subordinates?
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How does the degree of centralization or decentralization affect span of control?
How does the degree of centralization or decentralization affect span of control?
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Which factor is likely to enhance the span of management as it provides rules and procedures for work?
Which factor is likely to enhance the span of management as it provides rules and procedures for work?
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What pattern of interaction can reduce the workload of managers and increase their span of control?
What pattern of interaction can reduce the workload of managers and increase their span of control?
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Which of the following describes a narrow span of control?
Which of the following describes a narrow span of control?
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Which of the following is an advantage of a traditional organizational structure?
Which of the following is an advantage of a traditional organizational structure?
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What is a disadvantage associated with tall organizations?
What is a disadvantage associated with tall organizations?
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Which aspect of management involves how efficiently trained subordinates influence their manager's ability to oversee them?
Which aspect of management involves how efficiently trained subordinates influence their manager's ability to oversee them?
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In a traditional organizational structure, who primarily makes the decisions?
In a traditional organizational structure, who primarily makes the decisions?
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What communication method can significantly impact a manager's span of control?
What communication method can significantly impact a manager's span of control?
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How does a tall organization affect managerial control?
How does a tall organization affect managerial control?
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What is a potential negative effect of having many hierarchical levels in an organization?
What is a potential negative effect of having many hierarchical levels in an organization?
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Which feature is NOT typically associated with a traditional organizational structure?
Which feature is NOT typically associated with a traditional organizational structure?
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What is a benefit of having a clear career and promotion path in an organization?
What is a benefit of having a clear career and promotion path in an organization?
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Why might a traditional organizational structure not be suitable for large organizations?
Why might a traditional organizational structure not be suitable for large organizations?
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Study Notes
Organizational Structure
- Organizational structure is a formal decision-making framework dividing, grouping, and coordinating job tasks within an organization.
- It is essential for clarifying member responsibilities and enabling managers and workers to focus on their roles.
- Significant importance includes facilitating coordination and preventing overlapping functions, enhancing overall efficiency.
Characteristics of Effective Organizational Structure
- Simplicity: Structure allows for straightforward understanding and processes.
- Flexibility and Continuity: Adaptable to changes while ensuring stability.
- Clear Line of Authority: Each member knows their responsibilities and chain of command.
- Proper Delegation of Authority: Distributing decision-making appropriately across different levels.
- Unity of Command: Ensures no conflicting instructions arise from multiple superiors.
- Minimum Managerial Levels: Streamlined hierarchy enhances communication and decision-making.
Types of Organizational Structures
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Bureaucratic Structure:
- Pyramidal, hierarchical, and centralized, with specialized roles and routine tasks.
- Advantages: Suitable for large groups performing routine work with quick order transmission.
- Disadvantages: Resistance to change and potential for autocratic leadership styles.
-
Line or Hierarchical Structure:
- Simplest form, with authority flowing vertically from top to bottom.
- Advantages: Easy to establish and adapt; clear career paths and authority.
- Disadvantages: Slow decision-making and communication, potential for nepotism.
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Tall Organization:
- Features many management levels leading to taller structures with small control areas for managers.
- Advantages: Improved discipline and performance; more time for planning.
- Disadvantages: Communication delays; costly with limited freedom for subordinates.
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Flat Organization:
- Fewer management levels, allowing for broader control and empowerment of employees.
- Advantages: Cost-effective with quick decision-making; better communication.
- Disadvantages: Risk of loose control; potential poor performance in larger organizations.
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Functional Structure:
- Groups employees by specialty or skill, centralizing decision-making at the top.
- Representation of various departments essential for goods or service production.
Span of Control
- Defined as the number of subordinates directly managed by a superior.
- Factors influencing span of control include:
- Capacity of the superior, including leadership and communication abilities.
- Capacity of subordinates, as their training affects management effectiveness.
- Nature of work, varying management requirements depending on task complexity.
- Degree of planning involved in processes.
- Communication techniques impacting management efficiencies.
Types of Span of Control
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Narrow Span of Control:
- Each manager supervises few employees, creating a lengthy chain of command.
- Contributes to closer supervision but may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
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Description
This quiz explores the significance of organizational structure in a workplace. It highlights how clear responsibilities enhance effective management and coordination of activities while preventing overlapping functions. Discover how organization shapes efficiency and accountability.
