Deck 2: Structures, Formalized Processes and Rational Decisions

Question 1

Which of the following options IS a basic assumption (as formulated in the textbook) for the structural framework?

A) Organizations exist because they reduce individual freedom and creativity.
B) People are motivated and driven by maximizing their social recognition, their prestige and hierarchical position.
C) People are motivated to work through material rewards (pay), clear, formalized job descriptions (information/rules) and control.
D) Coordination is best done through horizontal control and horizontal communication solutions.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

'Flow efficiency' is defined at the beginning of the textbook's structural framework as...

A) a combination of internal and external efficiency.
B) external efficiency with an additional focus on resource utilization.
C) system efficiency but with an add-on in the form of employee perceived satisfaction.
D) valued by the customer through the actual passing period.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

According to the textbook's description of the structural framework, one can divide/specialize work/labour according to different principles. Which of the alternatives below does NOT constitute one of these principles?

A) Division of labour based on product.
B) Division of labour based on location.
C) Division of labour based on price.
D) Division of labour based on process.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Which of the following options is NOT one of the five subcomponents that together constitute the structural configurations in Mintzberg's model in the structural framework?

A) Strategic apex(top).
B) Staff functions.
C) Technostructure.
D) Middle managers.

Question 5

Which of the following options is NOT one of the six dimensions and situational dependencies that Mintzberg believes determines an effective organizational structure?

A) The economic balance of the organization.
B) The size and age of the organization.
C) The organization's strategy.
D) The organization's information technology.

Question 6

Which of the following options is NOT a strength of machine bureaucracies?

A) Maximizes economies of scale.
B) Maximizes repetition.
C) Maximizes predictability.
D) Maximizes external efficiency.

Question 7

Which of Minzberg's five structural configurations is closest to Weber's classic formulation of the formally rational bureaucracy?

A) Professional bureaucracy.
B) Machine bureaucracy.
C) Divisionalized structure.
D) Divisional bureaucracy.

Question 8

What is the function of the technostructure? Choose the option that is best matched by the textbook's description of Mintzberg's model.

A) To be the company's strategic management.
B) To formalize processes in an adhocratic structure.
C) To control the operational core.
D) To support the operational activities.

Question 9

Which of the listed structural configurations (in Mintzberg's model) is at least similar to Weber's classic formulation of the formally rational bureaucracy?

A) Professional bureaucracy.
B) Adhocracy.
C) Machine red tape.
D) Simple structure.

Question 10

A strength with the simple structure (in Mintzberg's model) is that it is flexible. But sometimes it can become less flexible, when?

A) When the manager misses the need for change due to a great focus on detail.
B) When the manager engages in major strategic issues instead of day-to-day operations.
C) When employees follow the manager's directive instead of taking their own initiatives.
D) When employees take their own initiatives instead of following the manager's instructions.