Question 1

Which of the following is the simplest integrating mechanism?
A)Direct contact
B)Task force
C)Liaison role
D)Hierarchy of authority

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

Which of the following is an adaptive function?
A)Sales
B)Engineering
C)Public relations
D)Long- range planning

Accepted Answer

Long-range planning is an adaptive function as it involves anticipating future changes and preparing strategies to adapt to those changes.

Question 3

________is the power to hold people accountable for their actions and to make decisions concerning the use of resources.
A)Function
B)Control
C)Differentiation
D)Authority

Accepted Answer

Authority is the power to hold people accountable for their actions and to make decisions concerning the use of resources.

Question 4

________allows top managers to keep an organization focused on organizational goals.
A)Horizontal differentiation
B)Decentralization
C)Centralization
D)Mutual adjustment

Accepted Answer

Centralization allows top managers to maintain control and focus on organizational goals by concentrating decision-making authority at the top levels of the organization.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a characteristic of an organic structure?
A)Roles are loosely defined.
B)Coordination is achieved through standardization.
C)Integrating mechanisms are complex.
D)Both the informal and formal authority relationships change in response to changing internal conditions.

Accepted Answer

In an organic structure, coordination is typically achieved through mutual adjustment and collaboration rather than standardization, which is more characteristic of a mechanistic structure.

Question 6

________is the extent to which an organization depends on rules and procedures.
A)Socialization
B)Vertical differentiation
C)Formalization
D)Horizontal differentiation

Accepted Answer

Formalization refers to the degree to which an organization relies on rules and procedures to guide behavior and decision-making.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a mechanistic structure?
A)Roles are clearly defined.
B)The information flow is mainly vertical.
C)Complex integrating mechanisms are used.
D)The informal organization is very status conscious.

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic structures typically do not use complex integrating mechanisms; they rely on clear hierarchies and defined roles, with a vertical flow of information.

Question 8

A mechanistic structure is characterized by:
A)a high level of standardization
B)loosely defined rules
C)complex integrating mechanisms
D)decentralization

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic structure is characterized by a high level of standardization, which involves clearly defined tasks, roles, and procedures.

Question 9

Centralization is most effective when an organization:
A)operates in a dynamic environment.
B)has complex environmental forces.
C)operates in a stable environment.
D)operates in a poor environment.

Accepted Answer

Centralization is most effective in a stable environment because decision-making can be streamlined and consistent, without the need for rapid adaptation to changing conditions.

Question 10

________is conformity to specific models-defined by sets of rules and norms-that are considered proper in a given situation.
A)Differentiation
B)Standardization
C)Management
D)Integration

Accepted Answer

Standardization refers to the process of implementing and developing technical standards based on the consensus of different parties, which ensures conformity to specific models defined by sets of rules and norms.

Question 11

When an organization has a high level of formalization, it will generally:
A)promote innovation and flexibility.
B)decentralize decision- making authority.
C)centralize decision- making authority.
D)encourage mutual adjustment.

Accepted Answer

High formalization means that there are detailed rules and procedures in place for decision-making and actions. This often leads to centralization of decision-making authority, as top-level managers are responsible for ensuring that these procedures are followed consistently. Formalization typically reduces innovation and flexibility because of the rigid procedures that must be followed. Mutual adjustment (D) is less likely in a highly formalized organization, as coordination is achieved through rules rather than interpersonal communication.

Question 12

An organic structure is characterized by:
A)loosely defined roles.
B)a high level of standardization.
C)simple integrating mechanisms.
D)centralization.

Accepted Answer

Organic structures are characterized by loosely defined roles, which allow for flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Question 13

IBM experienced coordination and communication problems when it tried to launch OS/2 due to ineffective ________.
A)standardization
B)formalization
C)integration
D)differentiation

Accepted Answer

IBM faced issues with integration, which involves coordinating and aligning different parts of an organization to work together effectively.

Question 14

________structures promote flexibility, so people initiate change and can adapt quickly to changing conditions.
A)Formalized
B)Mechanistic
C)Complex
D)Organic

Accepted Answer

Organic structures promote flexibility, allowing individuals to initiate change and adapt quickly to changing conditions due to their decentralized and less formalized nature.

Question 15

Which of the following structures is most appropriate for an organization that operates in a dynamic environment?
A)Differentiated
B)Systematic
C)Mechanistic
D)Organic

Accepted Answer

An organic structure is most appropriate for dynamic environments because it is flexible, adaptive, and allows for quick responses to changes.

Question 16

A disadvantage of centralization is that:
A)it is hard to predict employees' behavior.
B)top managers may neglect operational decision- making about day- to- day activities such as hiring.
C)top managers may neglect strategic decision- making about future organizational activities such as deciding on which strategy to use to expand globally.
D)it makes coordination difficult.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A disadvantage of centralization is that:
A)it is...

Question 17

A committee is formed to find new ways to recycle cans in a container company. This integrating mechanism is called ________.
A)hierarchy of authority
B)direct contact
C)task force
D)integrating role

Accepted Answer

A task force is a temporary group formed to address a specific issue or problem, such as finding new ways to recycle cans in a container company.

Question 18

If a company desires predictable behavior, it should _________ authority and adopt a(n)________structure.
A)centralize/mechanistic
B)centralize/organic
C)decentralize/mechanistic
D)decentralize/organic

Accepted Answer

Centralizing authority and adopting a mechanistic structure leads to predictable behavior due to clear hierarchies and standardized procedures.

Question 19

________is the process of coordinating various tasks, functions, and divisions to work together and not be at cross- purposes.
A)Subunit orientation
B)Supervision
C)Integration
D)Organizational behavior

Accepted Answer

Integration is the process of ensuring that different parts of an organization work together effectively and are aligned towards common goals.

Question 20

Which of the following integrating mechanisms are listed from simplest to most complex?
A)Liaison roles, direct contact, teams, integrating roles
B)Direct contact, liaison roles, task forces, teams
C)Liaison roles, integrating roles, task forces, teams
D)Liaison roles, integrating roles, teams, task forces

Accepted Answer

Direct contact is the simplest form of integration, followed by liaison roles, task forces, and then teams, which are more complex.

Quiz 4: Basic Challenges of Organizational Design

Which of the following is the simplest integrating mechanism?

Which of the following is an adaptive function?

________is the power to hold people accountable for their actions and to make decisions concerning the use of resources.

________allows top managers to keep an organization focused on organizational goals.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of an organic structure?

________is the extent to which an organization depends on rules and procedures.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a mechanistic structure?

A mechanistic structure is characterized by:

Centralization is most effective when an organization:

________is conformity to specific models-defined by sets of rules and norms-that are considered proper in a given situation.

When an organization has a high level of formalization, it will generally:

An organic structure is characterized by:

IBM experienced coordination and communication problems when it tried to launch OS/2 due to ineffective ________.

________structures promote flexibility, so people initiate change and can adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Which of the following structures is most appropriate for an organization that operates in a dynamic environment?

A disadvantage of centralization is that:

A committee is formed to find new ways to recycle cans in a container company. This integrating mechanism is called ________.

If a company desires predictable behavior, it should _ authority and adopt a(n) structure.

________is the process of coordinating various tasks, functions, and divisions to work together and not be at cross- purposes.

Which of the following integrating mechanisms are listed from simplest to most complex?