Organizational Theory Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the Scalar Principle primarily address in an organization?

Horizontal growth and team collaborations

Financial efficiency and budgeting

Employee satisfaction and engagement

Chain of command and vertical growth (correct)

Which of the following best describes a line function in an organization?

Functions that support staff roles

Activities that involve administrative tasks

Functions that oversee financial transactions

Roles primarily responsible for meeting organizational goals (correct)

What is meant by the term 'unity of command' in organizational theory?

Superiors share responsibilities with subordinates

Each subordinate should answer to only one superior (correct)

Team members must have equal authority to avoid confusion

Subordinates report to multiple superiors for better oversight

How do organizations primarily create value according to organizational theory?

Through effective coordination of collective actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a staff function in an organization?

To support line functions in achieving goals Signup and view all the answers

What is the Span-of-Control Principle primarily concerned with?

The number of subordinates a manager oversees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the main focus of Classical Organizational Theory?

Organizational structures should be designed for economic productivity Signup and view all the answers

According to Scientific Management by Frederick Taylor, which of the following is NOT one of the key principles?

Emphasis on low-level job specialization Signup and view all the answers

What does the Functional Principle emphasize in organizational design?

Division of labor based on similar functions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with Scientific Management?

Employees working independently without oversight Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does Classical Organizational Theory make regarding organizational structure?

There is one best structure for accomplishing goals Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of workplace efficiency did Taylor pay special attention to in his studies?

Analyzing physical conditions affecting productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'Taylorism'?

Premise that there is one best way to perform a job Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a disadvantage of a large Span-of-Control?

Difficulty in providing individual attention to subordinates Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Classical Theory, how should authority function?

To ensure cooperation among people with common goals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organizational Theory

An organization is a collective of parts that can’t achieve their goals independently.
An organization creates value or it will fail.
Organizations create value by transforming inputs (raw materials, IT, HR) into outputs (products, services) using processes (machines, computers, KSAOs).
Organizational Theory is a set of propositions explaining how individuals and groups behave in different organizational structures and circumstances.

Classical Organizational Theory

Organizations exist primarily for economic reasons and to achieve productivity goals.
The classical organizational theory focuses on the organization's structure and how to design a system to effectively achieve objectives.
This theory emphasizes a rational and scientific approach to organizing work.
The theory assumes there is a "one best way" to structure an organization to achieve goals.
The basic ingredients of any organization are differentiated activities that are linked, people who perform tasks and exercise authority, and cooperation towards a common goal under a unity of purpose, and authority ensures cooperation.

Classical Organizational Principles

Scalar Principle: Deals with the organization's vertical growth, outlining the chain of command that grows with levels added. Each subordinate should be accountable to only one superior.
Line/Staff Principle: Line functions focus on meeting the organization's core goals, while staff functions support these line functions (e.g., production vs. HR departments).
Span-of-Control Principle: Refers to the number of subordinates a manager is responsible for supervising. Large spans create flatter organizations, while smaller spans create taller organizations.

Scientific Management by Frederick Taylor

Organizations are seen as machines with a focus on improving efficiency.
Scientific principles should be applied to work behavior to increase worker efficiency and productivity.
Basic principles include planning, standardization, specialization, and simplification of work.
Advantages of productivity improvement should go to workers.
Physical stress and anxiety should be eliminated.
Workers should be trained to develop their capabilities.
Traditional boss concepts should be eliminated.
This is associated with high levels of job specialization and standardization.
Taylor conducted time and motion studies and analyzed conditions like temperature and illumination to understand their effects on productivity and efficiency.
The premise of Taylorism is that there is "one best way" to perform a job.
Management gathers data from workers who are in the best position to understand job duties and tasks.
Workers are selected through a scientific process and trained to be more efficient.
Scientific selection, data collection, and training enhance efficiency.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of Organizational Theory, detailing how organizations function and create value. It explores the main concepts of Classical Organizational Theory, focusing on structure, productivity, and the rationale behind organizational design. Test your understanding of how individuals and groups behave within different organizational frameworks.