Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the principle of 'subordination of employees' refer to?
What does the principle of 'subordination of employees' refer to?
- Employee satisfaction levels
- The organization's financial performance
- The benefits of teamwork in organizations
- The hierarchical structure of the organization (correct)
According to classical theory, each subordinate should report to multiple superiors.
According to classical theory, each subordinate should report to multiple superiors.
False (B)
What are field function employees primarily responsible for?
What are field function employees primarily responsible for?
Achieving the organization's primary objectives
A 'broad' control span encompasses up to _____ employees.
A 'broad' control span encompasses up to _____ employees.
Match the following types of employees with their roles:
Match the following types of employees with their roles:
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a narrow control span?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a narrow control span?
The classical approach to organizational theory is still fully relevant today.
The classical approach to organizational theory is still fully relevant today.
What is the primary role of staff function employees?
What is the primary role of staff function employees?
Which management style does R. Likert consider the most optimal?
Which management style does R. Likert consider the most optimal?
According to R. Likert, group decisions are not important in an organization's structure.
According to R. Likert, group decisions are not important in an organization's structure.
What term does R. Likert use to describe employees who fulfill both leadership and subordinate roles?
What term does R. Likert use to describe employees who fulfill both leadership and subordinate roles?
The ____________ approach questions the principles of classical theory and focuses on empirical methods.
The ____________ approach questions the principles of classical theory and focuses on empirical methods.
Which management style is NOT a part of R. Likert's four forms of management?
Which management style is NOT a part of R. Likert's four forms of management?
Match the following management styles with their characteristics:
Match the following management styles with their characteristics:
R. Likert's concept suggests that authoritarian organizations rely on a democratic approach.
R. Likert's concept suggests that authoritarian organizations rely on a democratic approach.
What concept introduced by D. McGregor contrasts two types of managerial assumptions regarding employees?
What concept introduced by D. McGregor contrasts two types of managerial assumptions regarding employees?
Study Notes
Principles of Organization
- Subordination of Employees: This principle emphasizes a hierarchical structure with clear lines of authority.
- Each employee reports to a single superior, promoting efficiency and accountability.
- Employees at higher positions bear greater responsibility for achieving organizational goals.
- Field and Staff Work Principles: Distinguishes between employees who directly contribute to primary objectives (field) and those who support these operations (staff).
- Field functions examples: factory production workers.
- Staff function examples: finance, legal, and human resources departments.
- Control Span: Defines the number of subordinates supervised by a leader.
- A narrow span signifies a few subordinates (around 2).
- A broad span involves a larger number of subordinates (up to 15).
- A narrow span results in a taller, more vertical organization structure, while a broad span leads to a flatter, horizontal structure.
- Limitations of Classical Theory:
- Although widely adopted, classical theory has limitations as it oversimplifies organizational complexity.
- Its principles are often seen as outdated in today's dynamic business environment.
Humanistic Approach
- Focus on Empirical Evidence: This approach emphasizes real-world organizational observations and experience.
- R. Likert's Management Theory: Proposes four distinct management styles:
- Authoritarian-exploitative: Based on power and control, aligns with classical theory.
- Authoritarian-paternalistic: Offers some concern for employees, still rooted in classical principles.
- Consultative: Encourages employee input and suggestions.
- Democratic: Fosters collaborative decision-making, participative leadership, and shared responsibility.
- Likert advocates for democratic management as the most effective model.
- Linking Pins: Key individuals who simultaneously act as leaders and subordinates within a hierarchical structure.
- Function as connectors between different levels of an organization, promoting communication and shared understanding.
- D. McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y:
- Offers a critique of classical theory, suggesting two contrasting views of human nature in organizations.
- Theory X emphasizes control and extrinsic motivation, while Theory Y focuses on self-direction and intrinsic motivation.
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Description
Test your understanding of key organizational principles, including subordination of employees, field and staff work distinctions, and control span. This quiz explores how these concepts impact efficiency and structure within an organization.
