Question 1

SCENARIO 13-3 You are interested in explaining the different types of organizational designs to students of basic management.These students need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each structure as well as the structure's characteristics.
You describe the virtues of standardization.The structure that you are most likely describing is the

Accepted Answer

Standardization is a characteristic of bureaucracy, which is a highly structured, formalized organizational design. Bureaucracy is known for its consistency, efficiency, and clear roles and responsibilities. However, it can also be criticized for being slow to respond to changes and for stifling innovation.

Question 2

SCENARIO 13-4 After extensively researching both traditional and new design options for organizational structures, you have decided that one of the designs developed since the early 1980s is probably the most appropriate for your newly formed organization.
You have eliminated horizontal, vertical, and external barriers.You are operating as a

Accepted Answer

The best choice would be a boundaryless organization as it eliminates all vertical, horizontal and external barriers. It is a structure that is flexible and adaptable to change, with a focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing. This type of structure promotes communication and innovation, which can be valuable for a newly formed organization.

Question 3

Don can't believe how progressive his new company is.It tries to eliminate the chain of command, have limitless spans of control, and it replaces departments with empowered teams.This is known as what type of organization

Accepted Answer

The organization described is boundaryless, as it eliminates the chain of command, has empowered teams instead of departments, and has limitless spans of control. This type of organization is characterized by flexibility, collaboration, and a focus on the customer rather than internal structure.

Question 4

Which of the following problems is most likely to occur in a matrix structure

Accepted Answer

In a matrix structure, employees usually report to multiple managers, which can result in conflicting directives. This can cause confusion and frustration among employees, leading to a decrease in productivity and effectiveness.

Question 5

Emilio's company is very innovative and seeks to defeat its competition by introducing a steady stream of new products.The best organizational structure for this company would likely be

Accepted Answer

An organic structure is characterized by flexibility, lateral communication, and decentralized decision making. These features are beneficial for a company like Emilio's, which focuses on innovation and needs to be able to quickly adapt to changes in the market. Additionally, a decentralized structure allows for more creativity and ingenuity among employees, which can lead to a higher volume of new product ideas.

Question 6

Which term refers to how an organization transfers its inputs to outputs

Accepted Answer

Technology refers to the tools, techniques, and processes an organization uses to convert inputs into outputs.

Question 7

SCENARIO 13-3 You are interested in explaining the different types of organizational designs to students of basic management.These students need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each structure as well as the structure's characteristics.
You have just described a structure that is flat, has little formalization and is fast, flexible, and inexpensive to maintain.This is the

Accepted Answer

The description matches the characteristics of a simple structure, which has low formalization, a flat hierarchy, and is fast, flexible, and inexpensive to maintain. It is also advantageous for small businesses or startups.

Question 8

Lea's company pursues a strategy of cost minimization, but it has not been succeeding.Its structure is quite loose, informal, and decentralized.A better organizational structure for it might be

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic structure is characterized by a high degree of formalization, centralization, and standardization of tasks, which would be necessary for effective cost minimization. A more formalized structure would also provide greater control and accountability while reducing ambiguity and uncertainty. Organic and matrix structures are typically more flexible and suited for innovative or rapidly changing environments. Simple and imitation structures are not well-suited for larger organizations and may not provide the necessary level of structure and coordination.

Question 9

SCENARIO 13-4 After extensively researching both traditional and new design options for organizational structures, you have decided that one of the designs developed since the early 1980s is probably the most appropriate for your newly formed organization.
Your new organization is looking to network with a variety of independent companies so that you can share skills, costs and access to other markets.The most appropriate structure is probably the

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization is designed for organizations that rely heavily on networking with external parties to achieve their goals. Since the new organization is looking to network with a variety of independent companies, a virtual organization would be the best fit. In a virtual organization, the core business functions are outsourced or contracted out to other independent companies or individuals, allowing the organization to share skills, costs, and access to other markets, as desired in the scenario.

Question 10

If you wanted to outsource many of the functions that are currently performed within your organization, which organizational structure would make the most sense

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you wanted to outsource many of...

Question 11

A small core organization that outsources major business functions is known as a(n)________ organization.

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization is a small core organization that relies on outsourcing major business functions. This allows the organization to remain lean and flexible, focusing on its core competencies while outsourcing other tasks to expert contractors or partners.

Question 12

Which strategy emphasizes the introduction of major new products and services

Accepted Answer

The strategy that emphasizes the introduction of major new products and services is innovation. This involves investing in research and development to create new and innovative products that can potentially disrupt the market and create a competitive advantage for the company. Cost-minimization focuses on reducing costs and improving operational efficiency, while imitation involves copying what competitors are already doing. Organic and mechanistic refer to different organizational structures and do not relate to product strategy.

Question 13

Changes in corporate strategy precede and lead to

Accepted Answer

Changes in corporate strategy often require changes in an organization's structure in order to effectively implement the new strategy. For example, if a company shifts from a functional to a product-based structure, this would require significant changes in the organization's structure.

Question 14

SCENARIO 13-3 You are interested in explaining the different types of organizational designs to students of basic management.These students need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each structure as well as the structure's characteristics.
The structure that is used in hospitals, universities and entertainment companies is the

Accepted Answer

Matrix structure is commonly used in hospitals, universities and entertainment companies because it allows for efficient use of resources and expertise. This structure combines functional and product-based divisions which allows for flexibility and adaptability to changing demands. However, it can also lead to confusion and conflict between employees who have dual reporting responsibilities.

Question 15

Which organization is opposite to the typical bureaucracy that has many vertical levels of management and where ownership of the means of production is an example of control

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which organization is opposite to the typical...

Question 16

Which structure breaks down departmental barriers and decentralizes decision making to the level of the work team

Accepted Answer

A team structure breaks down departmental barriers by bringing together individuals from different departments or functions to work on a common goal. It also decentralizes decision making to the level of the work team where members are empowered to make decisions and solve problems independently.

Question 17

An organization that seeks to eliminate the chain of command, have limitless spans of control and replace departments with empowered teams is the

Accepted Answer

The boundaryless organization seeks to eliminate traditional boundaries and hierarchies, allowing for horizontal and vertical collaboration and communication. This includes eliminating the chain of command, having broader spans of control, and empowering teams to make decisions instead of relying on departments or individual managers. The other choices either still have some form of hierarchy or departmental structure (such as the matrix organization and simple structure) or primarily focus on virtual communication (such as the virtual organization).

Question 18

Todd works for a manufacturer that outsources all of its production to another organization for cost reasons.This is an example of what kind of organization

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization is one that outsources most or all of its production processes to other companies, relying on external partnerships to conduct business operations.

Question 19

SCENARIO 13-4 After extensively researching both traditional and new design options for organizational structures, you have decided that one of the designs developed since the early 1980s is probably the most appropriate for your newly formed organization.
You wish to outsource many of the functions that are usually performed internally.You have chosen to operate your business as a

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization is a structure in which many of the functions and activities are outsourced and performed by individuals or groups outside of the company. This structure allows for greater flexibility and reduced costs, as the company can scale its resources up or down as needed without committing to permanent employees or infrastructure. Additionally, advances in technology allow for seamless communication and collaboration, making it easier for remote teams to work together effectively. Therefore, a virtual organization seems to be the best choice for outsourcing many functions in a newly formed organization.

Question 20

An organization's environment represents

Accepted Answer

The environment of an organization includes all elements outside the organization that can potentially affect its performance, operations, or survival. This encompasses competitors, regulations, market trends, and other external factors.

Quiz 13: Organizational Structure