Question 1

All of the following help to develop informal networks that play an important role in an organization EXCEPT for:

Accepted Answer

Performance reviews do not typically involve social interaction or opportunities for employees to build informal networks. The other options all involve some form of social interaction or networking opportunities that can help build informal networks within an organization.

Question 2

In which type of organizational structure is power distributed, and particularly suited for an environment that is dynamic and unstable?

Accepted Answer

In a networked organizational structure, power is distributed among various individuals and teams rather than concentrated in one central authority figure. This type of structure is particularly suited for a dynamic and unstable environment because it allows for flexibility and quick decision-making, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Question 3

Effective, cross-cultural communication in today's global and "flattened" world is:

Accepted Answer

Effective, cross-cultural communication is difficult to achieve due to various cultural differences, language barriers, and nuances in communication styles. In today's globalized world, it is crucial for managers to be able to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds in order to develop successful business relationships and strategies. While technology can aid in communication, it alone cannot solve all the challenges of cross-cultural communication.

Question 4

The negative consequences of monitoring an employee's discrete tasks include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Monitoring discrete tasks does not necessarily empower workers to make significant contributions to the business. In fact, it could have the opposite effect by limiting their opportunities for growth and development. The other options are all potential negative consequences of monitoring a worker's tasks.

Question 5

When using information technologies to collect data for the purpose of monitoring workers, a manager should do all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Requiring workers to complete additional tasks is not relevant to using information technologies to collect data for the purpose of monitoring workers. The other options are all important considerations that a manager should take into account when using monitoring technologies.

Question 6

All statements below are true about a matrix organization structure EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The statement "One weakness is that multiple dimensions of a business are not integrated well with a matrix organization" is false. In fact, one of the strengths of a matrix organization is that it allows for the integration of different dimensions or perspectives of a business, such as function and purpose. Therefore, all the other statements are true about a matrix organization structure.

Question 7

This newer organizational design is designed to be highly flexible so that resources can be configured quickly to respond to changing demands.

Accepted Answer

Heterarchies are organizational structures that are highly flexible and adaptable, allowing for quick reconfiguration of resources to meet changing demands.

Question 8

The organizational structure of Tata Consulting Services (TCS) is a ___________ organizational structure.

Accepted Answer

TCS follows a hierarchical organizational structure with clear levels of authority and decision-making power. This is evident from its clear division of responsibilities among various departments and the well-defined chain of command from top management to lower-level employees. The hierarchical structure helps in ensuring efficiency, smooth communication, and clear lines of accountability within the organization.

Question 9

IS plays three important roles in management control processes. These processes are data collection, evaluation, and _______________.

Accepted Answer

IS plays three important roles in management control processes: data collection, evaluation, and communication. Communication is important for ensuring that the results of the evaluation process are effectively shared with relevant stakeholders and used to make informed decisions about organizational strategies and operations.

Question 10

A networked organizational structure feels both like a_______ and a_______ organizational structure because it supports a rigid structure with well-connected communication networks.

Accepted Answer

A networked organizational structure combines elements of both flat and hierarchical structures. It is flat in the sense that it encourages open, widespread communication and collaboration across the organization, reducing layers of bureaucracy. At the same time, it retains some hierarchical elements to maintain a level of authority and structure.

Question 11

Cognizant's organizational structure was ________, but realized as its organization grew and its services became more complicated that a __________ structure for the organization was more appropriate.

Accepted Answer

Cognizant initially had a hierarchical structure, which became insufficient as its services grew more complex. Thus, the organization shifted towards a matrix structure.

Question 12

Organizational design is all about making sure that _________ are properly allocated, reflecting the structure of formal reporting relationships.

Accepted Answer

Organizational design is primarily concerned with the allocation of decision rights within formal reporting relationships. While business processes, values, incentives, and IS may all play a role in organizational design, decision rights are the central concern.

Question 13

The dimensions of national culture include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The acceptance of technology is not typically considered a dimension of national culture. The five dimensions commonly referred to in academic research are power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, and long-term vs. short-term orientation.

Question 14

At Zara, decision rights for ordering have been granted to whom?

Accepted Answer

Store managers at Zara have been granted the decision rights for ordering, allowing them to respond quickly to local market trends and demands.

Question 15

Zara's store managers place orders that reflect their localized needs. However, order fulfillment is ultimately the responsibility of the commercial team in headquarters because:

Accepted Answer

Store managers may not have visibility into regional demands, but the commercial team does as they have access to sales information from all stores. Therefore, they are ultimately responsible for order fulfillment to ensure that localized needs are met while also maintaining overall supply chain efficiency.

Question 16

In which type of organizational structure is power centralized and the type of environment best supported stable and certain?

Accepted Answer

Hierarchical organizational structures feature a clear chain of command and centralized decision-making, making them well-suited for stable and certain environments where decisions can follow a top-down approach.

Question 17

This type of organizational structure is based upon the concepts of division of labor, specialization, and unity of command. Key decisions are made at the top and filter down through the organization.

Accepted Answer

The hierarchical structure is based on division of labor, specialization, and unity of command with key decisions being made at the top and filtering down through the organization. This type of structure is characterized by multiple layers of management with clear levels of authority and responsibility.

Question 18

Traditional organizations have one of four types of organizational design. What are these four structure types?

Accepted Answer

The four types of organizational structures are hierarchical, flat, matrix, and networked. Option B correctly lists all four structures. Option A includes "technology," which is not a recognized organizational structure. Option C includes "information," which is also not a recognized structure. Option D includes "traditional," which is too broad and vague to be considered a specific structure. Option E includes "social," which is not a recognized structure.

Question 19

In which type of organizational structure will employees report to two or more supervisors?

Accepted Answer

In a matrix organizational structure, employees report to two or more supervisors, usually a functional supervisor and a project supervisor. This type of structure is designed to improve communication and collaboration between different departments and cross-functional teams.

Question 20

In which type of organizational design do middle managers do the primary information processing and communication function, telling subordinates what to do and then reporting the outcome to senior management?

Accepted Answer

In a hierarchical organizational design, middle managers act as communication channels between senior management and lower-level employees, conveying instructions and providing feedback. This type of design is common in traditional, large corporations where there are clear levels of authority and decision-making power is concentrated at the top.

Quiz 4: Organizational Strategy and Information Systems