Question 1

Which of the following is an advantage of geographic departmentalization?

Accepted Answer

Geographic departmentalization allows organizations to physically locate unique resources closer to customers in different regions, reducing transportation costs and improving customer service.

Question 2

In a decentralized organization,workers closest to problems are authorized to make the decisions necessary to solve the problems on their own.

Accepted Answer

In a decentralized organization, decision-making authority is delegated to lower levels of the organization, allowing workers closest to the problem to make decisions without needing approval from higher-ups.

Question 3

Which of the following is an advantage of matrix departmentalization?

Accepted Answer

Matrix departmentalization allows companies to manage complex tasks more efficiently by breaking them down into smaller, specialized teams. This type of structure is particularly useful for large organizations with diverse products and services or those involved in multiple simultaneous projects. Cross-functional interaction is actually promoted in matrix structures, which can lead to increased communication and collaboration. While there may be some costs associated with locating resources closer to customers, this is not necessarily a primary advantage of matrix departmentalization.

Question 4

The primary disadvantage of customer departmentalization is:

Accepted Answer

Customer departmentalization can lead to duplication of resources because each department may require its own set of resources to cater to its specific customer group.

Question 5

Which of the following best defines staff authority?

Accepted Answer

Staff authority refers to the right to advise but not command others who are not subordinates in the chain of command. This means that staff authority figures provide guidance and support to those in positions of authority, but they do not have the power to give direct commands to other individuals. Option A describes line authority, which involves the right to command immediate subordinates in the chain of command. Option C describes production activities, which involve creating or selling a company's products. Option D describes staff activities, which support line activities but do not directly contribute to creating or selling a company's products.

Question 6

Bridget's Gifts,a greetings and gifts store in Janville,has four departments: flowers and soft toys,cards and e-cards,metal collectibles,and photo albums and scrapbooks.These departments are responsible for producing their own products.This scenario is an example of _____.

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of product departmentalization because the organization is divided based on its product lines or departments. Each department is responsible for producing its own products, indicating the use of product departmentalization.

Question 7

Working relationships between modular organizations and outside companies tend to be more stable and longer lasting.

Accepted Answer

Modular organizations typically partner with outside companies for specific projects or tasks, resulting in a more focused and defined working relationship. This often leads to clearer expectations and streamlined communication, contributing to greater stability and longevity in the relationship.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true of functional departmentalization?

Accepted Answer

Functional departmentalization groups together employees with similar skills and expertise, allowing for work to be done by highly qualified specialists. This enhances efficiency and effectiveness in performing specialized tasks.

Question 9

The chain of command clarifies which task has to be performed by whom.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The chain of command clarifies which task...

Question 10

_____ is a method of subdividing work and workers into separate organizational units that take responsibility for completing particular tasks.

Accepted Answer

Departmentalization is the method of dividing an organization into separate units based on the tasks they perform. This ensures that each unit is responsible for completing a particular set of tasks, which leads to specialization and increased efficiency.

Question 11

The primary advantage of matrix departmentalization is that a high level of coordination is not required.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. The primary advantage of matrix departmentalization is the high level of coordination it allows between functional departments and project teams. This coordination is necessary for the success of complex projects and can lead to more efficient use of resources and improved decision-making.

Question 12

The third transfer that occurs with delegation is that a manager gives a subordinate full authority over the budget,resources,and personnel needed to do a jo
B.

Accepted Answer

The third transfer in delegation is typically the transfer of accountability, not full authority over budget, resources, and personnel.

Question 13

_____ is a management principle that workers should report to just one boss.

Accepted Answer

Unity of command is the management principle that workers should report to just one boss to prevent confusion, conflict, and inefficiency. This ensures that employees have clear direction and accountability for their work. Line authority refers to the authority given to a manager to direct the work of subordinates, staff functions are support roles that assist line managers, and task identity defines the extent to which a job has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Question 14

Which of the following is an advantage of product departmentalization?

Accepted Answer

Product departmentalization allows managers and workers to specialize in one area of expertise, which can lead to greater efficiency and expertise in that particular product.

Question 15

Empowerment can lead to changes in organizational processes because meaning,competence,impact,and self-determination produce empowered employees who take active rather than passive roles in their work.

Accepted Answer

Empowerment provides employees with a sense of meaning, competence, impact, and self-determination, which leads to active participation in their work and can result in changes in organizational processes.

Question 16

Danielle is a receptionist at Stanlam Corp.In addition to her daily tasks,Courtney,Danielle's boss,asks her to prepare financial statements for a few small companies Stanlam owns.This is an example of job rotation.

Accepted Answer

Job rotation involves moving employees through different roles within the organization to broaden their skills and knowledge. In this scenario, Courtney is asking Danielle to take on additional responsibilities that are not related to her current role as a receptionist. This is not considered job rotation, but rather an expansion of Danielle's job duties.

Question 17

Which of the following is an advantage of unity of command?

Accepted Answer

Unity of command prevents confusion and conflict for employees who may receive conflicting orders from multiple superiors. Having a clear chain of command helps to ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and can complete tasks efficiently without confusion.

Question 18

Empowering workers means permanently passing decision-making authority and responsibility from managers to workers.

Accepted Answer

Empowering workers involves giving them the power and responsibility to make decisions regarding their work, rather than solely relying on managers to make these decisions.

Question 19

A virtual organization is an organization that outsources noncore business activities to outside companies,suppliers,specialists,or consultants.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A virtual organization is an organization that...

Question 20

Staff functions are activities that directly contribute to creating and selling a company's products,whereas line functions are activities that support staff functions.

Accepted Answer

Staff functions refer to support activities such as HR, accounting, and IT, while line functions are the core activities that produce and sell the company's products or services.

Quiz 9: Designing Adaptive Organizations