Question 1

Work specialization is also known as division of labor.

Accepted Answer

Work specialization and division of labor refer to the same concept of dividing tasks and responsibilities among different individuals or groups in an organization.

Question 2

The strength of the functional structure is that it focuses on results because managers are responsible for what happens to their products and services.

Accepted Answer

In a functional structure, the organization is divided into departments or functions (e.g., marketing, finance, HR) focusing on specific tasks or processes, rather than on results or products and services. Responsibility for products and services typically lies within a product-based or divisional structure, not a functional one.

Question 3

The more the decision-making power of lower-level employees, the more decentralized the organization is.

Accepted Answer

Decentralization refers to the delegation of decision-making power to lower levels of the organization, hence, the more decision-making power given to lower-level employees, the more decentralized the organization becomes.

Question 4

All other things unchanged, the narrower the span of control, the more efficient the organization is.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. A narrower span of control can result in micromanagement and increased bureaucracy, which can lead to inefficiencies in communication, decision-making, and productivity. A wider span of control can allow for more autonomy and flexibility in the organization. However, the optimal span of control varies depending on the specific organization and its goals.

Question 5

A simple structure is characterized by low spans of controls and high formalization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A simple structure is characterized by low...

Question 6

Managers today continue to see work specialization as important because it helps employees be more efficient.

Accepted Answer

Work specialization allows employees to focus on specific tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Managers still value this approach in certain industries and job roles.

Question 7

Once an organization grows past a certain size, the impact of size on organization structure strengthens.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Once an organization grows past a certain...

Question 8

Given other things unchanged, managers with well-trained and experienced employees can function well with a wider span of control than those with a less talented workforce.

Accepted Answer

Well-trained and experienced employees can work more independently and require less supervision, allowing a manager to oversee a larger number of employees.

Question 9

An organic organization is low in centralization.

Accepted Answer

Organic organizations rely on empowerment, self-management, and cross-functional teams, which reduce the need for centralized decision-making and formal structures.

Question 10

In divisional structures, the parent corporation typically acts as an external overseer to coordinate and control the various divisions of the organization.

Accepted Answer

In divisional structures, the parent corporation oversees and coordinates the different divisions, providing guidance and resources to ensure they operate effectively within the overall mission and strategy of the organization.

Question 11

Customer departmentalization works well because it emphasizes monitoring and responding to changes in customers' need.

Accepted Answer

Customer departmentalization involves organizing employees based on the specific needs and requirements of different types of customers. This allows for a more focused approach in monitoring and responding to changes in customers' needs, therefore enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.

Question 12

Today's organizations mostly rely on strict rules and standardization to guide and regulate employee behavior.

Accepted Answer

Today's organizations increasingly emphasize flexibility, adaptability, and employee empowerment, moving away from strict rules and standardization to accommodate the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the modern business environment.

Question 13

In highly formalized organizations, employees have more discretion in how they do their work.

Accepted Answer

In highly formalized organizations, tasks and procedures are standardized and tightly controlled, leaving less room for employees to exercise discretion in how they carry out their work.

Question 14

Organizational structure is defined as the formal arrangement of jobs within an organization.

Accepted Answer

Organizational structure refers to the way in which an organization arranges its tasks, roles, and responsibilities into a hierarchical framework. This framework defines the formal relationships and connections between different job positions within the organization, and helps to establish clear lines of authority and communication for decision-making and coordination.

Question 15

Employee empowerment gives employees more authority to make decisions.

Accepted Answer

Employee empowerment involves giving employees more control over their work and decision-making processes, which can help to increase job satisfaction and productivity.

Question 16

Organizational structure is the degree to which standardized procedures are in place in an organization.

Accepted Answer

Organizational structure refers to the way in which the roles, responsibilities, and authority are arranged within an organization, not specifically to the degree of standardized procedures.

Question 17

An organic organization strictly adheres to the chain-of-command principle and has a small span of control.

Accepted Answer

An organic organization is characterized by a flexible and adaptive structure with decentralized decision-making and a wide span of control. It emphasizes teamwork and collaboration rather than strict adherence to a chain-of-command hierarchy.

Question 18

Innovators need the efficiency, stability, and tight controls of the mechanistic structure.

Accepted Answer

Innovators thrive in an organic structure that allows for flexibility, creativity, and experimentation. Mechanistic structures are designed to maximize efficiency, minimize waste, and maintain tight control over processes, which can hamper creative thinking and innovation.

Question 19

At one end of the spectrum, organizations can be absolutely centralized, while at the other end, they can be completely decentralized.

Accepted Answer

The answer of At one end of the spectrum, organizations...

Question 20

The chain of command is a principle that states that a person should report to only one boss.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The chain of command is a principle...

Quiz 11: Basic Organizational Design