Question 1

The key to organizational success is finding the one best organization design to fit all problems and opportunities.

Accepted Answer

There is no one best organization design that fits all problems and opportunities. Different situations require different organizational designs and the key to success is being able to adapt and change the organizational design as needed to meet the current needs and challenges of the organization.

Question 2

In a network structure,the entire system suffers if one part of the network breaks down or fails to deliver.

Accepted Answer

In a network structure, all parts of the network are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that if one part fails, it can have a domino effect on the entire system, resulting in a negative impact on the overall performance of the network. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 3

The potential disadvantages of the network structure are due primarily to the demands of flexibility in responding to changing conditions,having fewer full-time employees to help build the supervisor's managerial empire,and the need to operate across great distances.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The potential disadvantages of the network structure...

Question 4

Tom Burns and George Stalker found that the mechanistic organizations thrived when the environment was unstable and changing because it provided a necessary counterbalancing sense of order.

Accepted Answer

Tom Burns and George Stalker found that organic organizations, not mechanistic ones, thrived in unstable and changing environments because they are more adaptable and flexible, which is necessary for coping with rapid changes.

Question 5

A bureaucracy is a form of organization based on logic,order,and the legitimate use of formal authority.

Accepted Answer

A bureaucracy is a type of organizational structure that operates under clear rules and regulations, hierarchical authority, and standardized procedures in order to achieve efficiency and rationality. It is typically used in large organizations such as governments and corporations.

Question 6

Team members' effective utilization of the time they spend together is independent of the quality of their interpersonal relations,group dynamics,and team management.

Accepted Answer

There is a strong correlation between positive interpersonal relations, effective group dynamics, and strong team management with the effective utilization of time. When team members have positive relationships, trust and respect each other, and communicate effectively, they are more likely to work together efficiently and effectively, which leads to better use of time. Good team management ensures that everyone is aligned with the goals, roles, and responsibilities, and manages conflicts effectively, which also helps with time management. Therefore, the quality of interpersonal relations, group dynamics, and team management have a significant impact on how the team spends its time.

Question 7

In addressing the potential disadvantages of team structures,managers should manage time effectively but need not promote effective interpersonal relations,group dynamics,and team management.

Accepted Answer

Managers should not only manage time effectively but also promote effective interpersonal relations, group dynamics, and team management in order to address potential disadvantages of team structures. Building a positive team culture and encouraging open communication can help mitigate conflicts and improve overall performance.

Question 8

A virtual organization is a special form of a boundaryless organization.

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization is a type of boundaryless organization that is primarily or entirely composed of geographically dispersed individuals, groups, or entire business units that are linked together through the use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) to achieve common business objectives.

Question 9

Key requirements for a boundaryless organization are the absence of hierarchy,empowerment of team members,technology utilization,and acceptance of impermanence.

Accepted Answer

These key requirements are essential for a boundaryless organization to function effectively.

Question 10

Boundaryless organizations eliminate internal boundaries among parts and external boundaries linking with the external environment.

Accepted Answer

Boundaryless organizations aim to eliminate internal boundaries within the organization and external boundaries that link the organization with its external environment. This helps to facilitate communication, collaboration, and innovation within the organization, as well as greater responsiveness to changes in the external environment.

Question 11

Boundaryless sourcing refers to the contracting of business functions to outside suppliers.

Accepted Answer

Boundaryless sourcing refers to an approach where companies remove the traditional boundaries within the supply chain, allowing for a more integrated and collaborative relationship among suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, rather than simply contracting out business functions.

Question 12

The advantages of network structures include
a)staying cost competitive through reduced overhead and increased operating efficiency,and
b)operating with fewer full-time employees and less complex internal systems.

Accepted Answer

Network structures allow for greater efficiency and cost savings through reduced overhead and a more streamlined internal system, which can lead to operating with fewer full-time employees.

Question 13

A clear-cut division of labour,a strict hierarchy of authority,formal rules and procedures,and promotion based on competency are features that characterize bureaucracy.

Accepted Answer

These are the key features of bureaucracy.

Question 14

Network organizations own only the support functions and outsource core functions.

Accepted Answer

Network organizations outsource support functions and focus on owning and managing core functions.

Question 15

Network structures consist of a central business core that that is linked through networks of relationships with outside contractors and suppliers of essential services.

Accepted Answer

This statement correctly describes the basic concept of network structures, which are commonly used in modern business organizations. The central core of the network represents the main focus of the organization's operations, while the various relationships and connections with external partners help to facilitate efficient and effective business processes. Overall, network structures are designed to promote collaboration, flexibility, and innovation within organizations by leveraging the strengths of multiple partners and stakeholders.

Question 16

Due to the absence of structural barriers,boundaryless organizations have few communication and coordination problems.

Accepted Answer

While boundaryless organizations may have fewer structural barriers, communication and coordination can still be problematic due to the lack of clear boundaries and established roles and responsibilities.

Question 17

Organizations face widely varying problems and opportunities that affect how they are structured and managed.

Accepted Answer

Each organization faces unique challenges and opportunities based on factors such as industry, size, location, and internal culture. These factors can influence how the organization is structured, how decisions are made, and how resources are allocated. Therefore, organizations do face widely varying problems and opportunities that affect how they are managed.

Question 18

Organizational design is the process of choosing and implementing organizational structures that best arrange resources to accomplish the organization's mission and objectives.

Accepted Answer

Organizational design is indeed the process of selecting and implementing the most effective structure for an organization to achieve its goals.

Question 19

Bureaucracies tend to be rigid and formal,may be slow to respond to change,and may become unwieldy by relying too heavily on rules and procedures.

Accepted Answer

Bureaucracies are characterized by their hierarchical structure, formalized procedures, and adherence to rules and regulations. While these characteristics can provide stability and consistency, they can also make bureaucracies slow to adapt and respond to changes in their environment. Additionally, bureaucracies may become so focused on following procedures that they lose sight of their ultimate goals and become inefficient.

Question 20

A virtual organization operates in a shifting network of external strategic alliances that are engaged as needed,and typically are supported by extensive information technology utilization.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes a virtual organization.

Quiz 8: Organizational Structure and Design