Principles of Organization Quiz

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Questions and Answers

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.

False

What are field function employees primarily responsible for?

Achieving the organization's primary objectives

A 'broad' control span encompasses up to _____ employees.

15 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of employees with their roles:

Field function employees = Responsible for achieving primary objectives Staff function employees = Assist and oversee field employees Superiors = Manage subordinates' workload Workers = Execute production tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a narrow control span?

Includes many subordinates Signup and view all the answers

The classical approach to organizational theory is still fully relevant today.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of staff function employees?

Support field function employees Signup and view all the answers

Which management style does R. Likert consider the most optimal?

Democratic Signup and view all the answers

According to R. Likert, group decisions are not important in an organization's structure.

False Signup and view all the answers

What term does R. Likert use to describe employees who fulfill both leadership and subordinate roles?

linking pins Signup and view all the answers

The ____________ approach questions the principles of classical theory and focuses on empirical methods.

humanistic Signup and view all the answers

Which management style is NOT a part of R. Likert's four forms of management?

Participative Signup and view all the answers

Match the following management styles with their characteristics:

Authoritarian-exploitative = Top-down decision making with little employee input Democratic = Full sharing of ideas and contributions from all levels Consultative = Involvement of subordinates in the decision-making process Authoritarian-paternalistic = Leader makes decisions with limited employee consultation Signup and view all the answers

R. Likert's concept suggests that authoritarian organizations rely on a democratic approach.

False Signup and view all the answers

What concept introduced by D. McGregor contrasts two types of managerial assumptions regarding employees?

Theory X and Theory Y Signup and view all the answers

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.