Question 1

Which of the following is not an advantage of the functional structure?
A)primary pursuit of functional goals
B)minimization of duplication
C)employee satisfaction
D)economies of scale

Accepted Answer

The primary pursuit of functional goals is not an advantage of the functional structure; it can lead to silos within an organization, where departments become focused on their own goals at the expense of the organization's overall objectives.

Question 2

The _________ structure is an organization design made up of self- contained units.
A)functional
B)simple
C)matrix
D)divisional

Accepted Answer

The divisional structure is an organizational design that is made up of self-contained units. In a divisional structure, each division operates almost independently of the others and may have its own sales, engineering, and marketing departments.

Question 3

Application of Departmentalization
John is aware that the structure of his organization must change in order to compete more effectively in today's global market. However, he is not sure which structure would work best for his company. His company is currently organized around an accounting, human resource, sales, purchasing, and manufacturing departments. However, there are other choices available. He has considered reorganizing around their primary products, which are frames, silk flowers, dried flowers, art supplies, craft supplies, and material. However, equally important are the differing clientele they serve, who are homemakers that do arts/crafts, interior decorators, large institutions, and professional consultants. Since the business is growing, they now have stores across the United States primarily in the Northwest, Midwest, South, and Southwest areas.
Plus, his customers seldom shop for just one type of item. Frequently they purchase not only the flowers, but also the vases and other supplies that are needed in order to complete the arrangement, which means oftentimes shopping in most of the areas in the store.
-What is one of the most popular ways to group activities/departmentalize that John could model after?
A)product
B)geographic
C)customer
D)functional

Accepted Answer

John's company is currently organized in a functional structure, which is one of the most popular ways to group activities or departmentalize. This structure is organized around accounting, human resource, sales, purchasing, and manufacturing departments.

Question 4

If a company is pursuing a differentiation strategy that requires flexibility and adaptability, which of the following structures will be most effective?
A)mechanistic organization
B)bureaucracy
C)organic organization
D)strategic organization

Accepted Answer

An organic organization is most effective for a differentiation strategy that requires flexibility and adaptability because it features decentralized decision-making, low levels of formalization, and high levels of horizontal communication, all of which support innovation and responsiveness to changes in the environment.

Question 5

Which of the following statements accurately describes the functional organizational structure?
A)Members of functional departments share common technical expertise, interests, and responsibilities.
B)When each function does its jobs properly, the business operates effectively.
C)Members of each function work within their areas of specialization or expertise.
D)all of the above

Accepted Answer

All the statements accurately describe aspects of a functional organizational structure, including shared expertise within departments, operational effectiveness when functions perform well, and specialization within functional areas.

Question 6

When managers delegate authority, they must allocate commensurate
A)money.
B)responsibility.
C)power.
D)influence.

Accepted Answer

When managers delegate authority, they must allocate commensurate responsibility.

Question 7

It is possible to be low in the power hierarchy, but close to the _________ .
A)power influence
B)power base
C)power affiliates
D)power core

Accepted Answer

Being close to the power core means having proximity to the central figures or decision-makers, even if one's formal position in the hierarchy is low.

Question 8

The major disadvantage of the matrix structure is
A)lack of economies of scale.
B)lack of employee satisfaction.
C)duplication of resources.
D)its propensity to foster power struggles.

Accepted Answer

The matrix structure often leads to power struggles because it combines functional and product-based divisions, leading to situations where employees may have dual reporting relationships. This can create confusion and conflicts over authority and resources.

Question 9

Application of Bases of Power
Jerri is confused. She thought that once she had the title of manager, everyone would listen to her and accept her authority and power. However, she has noticed other employees that seem to have power. Whenever someone has a question about the computer system, they always go to Helen who actually established the current system they are using. Usually Helen can get things up and running quicker than going to the support staff for help. Then there is Joe who has a remarkable amount of charm and charisma. He seems to have a power based simply upon him. Then there is Jill, her secretary, who has a power entirely of her own. Jill turns in the timecards weekly, and Jerri has seen her more than once override the time clock and clock somebody in earlier than they actually arrived or clock out for them when the employee left work early. When Jerri questioned her about it, Jill just laughed and said that they had been doing it for years and the time all averaged out. The company allowed no overtime so any extra time spent after work was not compensated. Jerri sometimes wonders if she has any power at all.
-What type of power does Jill possess?
A)expert power
B)reward power
C)coercive power
D)referent power

Accepted Answer

The answer of Application of Bases of Power
Jerri is confused....

Question 10

A structure that is high in specialization, formalization, and centralization is a(n)
A)mechanistic organization.
B)organic organization.
C)matrix organization.
D)strategic organization.

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic organizations are characterized by high levels of specialization, formalization, and centralization, making them highly structured and hierarchical.

Question 11

Joan Woodward found that the effectiveness of organizations was related to "fit" between _________and structure.
A)personality
B)technology
C)product life cycle
D)corporate culture

Accepted Answer

Joan Woodward's research in the field of organizational theory found that the effectiveness of organizations was significantly related to the fit between their technology (e.g., the processes and methods used in production and operations) and their organizational structure. She argued that different types of technological processes require different kinds of organizational structures for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.

Question 12

Application of Bases of Power
Jerri is confused. She thought that once she had the title of manager, everyone would listen to her and accept her authority and power. However, she has noticed other employees that seem to have power. Whenever someone has a question about the computer system, they always go to Helen who actually established the current system they are using. Usually Helen can get things up and running quicker than going to the support staff for help. Then there is Joe who has a remarkable amount of charm and charisma. He seems to have a power based simply upon him. Then there is Jill, her secretary, who has a power entirely of her own. Jill turns in the timecards weekly, and Jerri has seen her more than once override the time clock and clock somebody in earlier than they actually arrived or clock out for them when the employee left work early. When Jerri questioned her about it, Jill just laughed and said that they had been doing it for years and the time all averaged out. The company allowed no overtime so any extra time spent after work was not compensated. Jerri sometimes wonders if she has any power at all.
-What type of power does Joe possess?
A)reward power
B)coercive power
C)expert power
D)referent power

Accepted Answer

Joe possesses referent power, which is based on the charm and charisma that make others want to follow or be like him.

Question 13

Briefly explain the three distinct technologies found in Joan Woodward's studies. What conclusions did she reach?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly explain the three distinct technologies found...

Question 14

_________would not be considered a source of position or legitimate power for a manager.
A)Being a high- ranking executive in the company
B)The ability to recommend disciplinary action for subordinates
C)The ability to give special monetary rewards to deserving subordinates
D)Possession of a charismatic personality

Accepted Answer

Position or legitimate power stems from the formal authority granted to a manager within an organization's hierarchy, including the power to make decisions, allocate resources, and direct subordinates. A charismatic personality, while influential, is not a source of formal authority or legitimate power; it is more related to personal or referent power, which is based on followers' identification and liking for the leader.

Question 15

Which of the following structures combines the advantages of the functional specialization with the focus and accountability of product departmentalization?
A)matrix structure
B)boundaryless organization
C)team- based structure
D)networking structure

Accepted Answer

The matrix structure combines the advantages of functional specialization (where employees are grouped by their roles and functions) with the focus and accountability of product departmentalization (where teams are formed around particular products or projects). This allows for efficient use of resources and expertise while maintaining a clear focus on product development and project management.

Question 16

How does strategy affect structure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does strategy affect structure?...

Question 17

Frederic works in an organization where a large amount of collaboration occurs and decision- making authority is decentralized. There are few rules, and duties are adaptable. This is an example of which of the following?
A)mechanistic organization
B)bureaucracy
C)organic organization
D)strategic organization

Accepted Answer

This description fits an organic organization, which is characterized by a flexible, decentralized structure with few rules, adaptable duties, and a high degree of collaboration among employees.

Question 18

Managers need fewer formal rules and regulations in an organization with which of the following?
A)tall structure
B)weak culture
C)strong culture
D)culture never impacts structure

Accepted Answer

A strong culture in an organization often means that there are shared values and norms among its members, which can reduce the need for formal rules and regulations. This is because employees in such organizations are more likely to behave in ways that are consistent with the organization's expectations without the need for explicit instructions.

Question 19

When a divisional structure is superimposed over a functional structure, the type of structure that results is called a _________ organization.
A)functional
B)divisional
C)product
D)matrix

Accepted Answer

When a divisional structure is superimposed over a functional structure, it results in a matrix organization. This combines aspects of both functional and divisional structures to leverage the benefits of both, typically involving reporting lines both by function and by project or product line.

Question 20

What is a matrix organization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a matrix organization?...

Quiz 5: Basic Organization Designs

Which of the following is not an advantage of the functional structure?

The _________ structure is an organization design made up of self- contained units.

If a company is pursuing a differentiation strategy that requires flexibility and adaptability, which of the following structures will be most effective?

Which of the following statements accurately describes the functional organizational structure?

When managers delegate authority, they must allocate commensurate

It is possible to be low in the power hierarchy, but close to the _________ .

The major disadvantage of the matrix structure is

A structure that is high in specialization, formalization, and centralization is a(n)

Joan Woodward found that the effectiveness of organizations was related to "fit" between _________and structure.

Briefly explain the three distinct technologies found in Joan Woodward's studies. What conclusions did she reach?

_________would not be considered a source of position or legitimate power for a manager.

Which of the following structures combines the advantages of the functional specialization with the focus and accountability of product departmentalization?

How does strategy affect structure?

Frederic works in an organization where a large amount of collaboration occurs and decision- making authority is decentralized. There are few rules, and duties are adaptable. This is an example of which of the following?

Managers need fewer formal rules and regulations in an organization with which of the following?

When a divisional structure is superimposed over a functional structure, the type of structure that results is called a _________ organization.

What is a matrix organization?