Question 1

Out of the three types of coordination, new technology has facilitated the most mutual adjustment.

Accepted Answer

New technology, such as communication tools and collaborative platforms, has enhanced mutual adjustment by allowing real-time interaction and coordination among individuals.

Question 2

The Internet has generally helped organizations to coordinate their activities.

Accepted Answer

The Internet provides a platform for efficient communication, data exchange, and collaboration tools, which have significantly improved the coordination of activities within organizations.

Question 3

Two managers who discuss alternating use of a piece of equipment are using direct supervision as a coordinating mechanism.

Accepted Answer

Direct supervision involves one person giving orders and overseeing the work of others, whereas discussing and alternating use of equipment is an example of mutual adjustment, a coordination mechanism based on informal communication.

Question 4

Hiring only employees who have certain educational backgrounds is an example of behavioral standardization.

Accepted Answer

Behavioral standardization refers to establishing norms for how employees behave or perform tasks, not the criteria used for hiring them, such as educational backgrounds.

Question 5

Skill standardization is used most often when neither behaviors nor outputs can be standardized.

Accepted Answer

Skill standardization is used when tasks require specialized knowledge or skills that cannot be easily measured or standardized through behaviors or outputs.

Question 6

Norm standardization is accomplished through training and hiring professionals.

Accepted Answer

Norm standardization refers to the process of ensuring that the methods, practices, or conditions in a specific area are uniform across different instances or contexts, often through the establishment of standards or norms. This can involve training and hiring professionals, but it is not limited to these actions alone; it also includes developing and implementing guidelines, policies, and standards that apply broadly across an industry or field.

Question 7

Socialization processes support norm standardization.

Accepted Answer

Socialization processes are crucial in teaching individuals the norms, values, and behaviors that are accepted and expected in a particular society, thereby supporting the standardization of norms across members of that society.

Question 8

Generally, organizations use only one coordination mechanism.

Accepted Answer

Organizations often use multiple coordination mechanisms simultaneously to manage interdependencies and achieve their goals effectively. These can include standardization, plans, mutual adjustment, and direct supervision.

Question 9

Generally, organizations use more than one coordination mechanism, but one is primary.

Accepted Answer

Organizations typically employ a combination of coordination mechanisms to manage interdependencies and achieve their goals, but often rely on one primary mechanism that best aligns with their structure and strategy.

Question 10

The most commonly used coordination mechanism in very small organizations is direct supervision.

Accepted Answer

In very small organizations, the most commonly used coordination mechanism is often mutual adjustment, where communication is informal and direct among members without the need for formal supervision.

Question 11

Mutual adjustment fails in medium-sized groups because of process loss.

Accepted Answer

Process loss refers to inefficiencies that occur in group settings, such as coordination difficulties and communication breakdowns, which can hinder mutual adjustment in medium-sized groups.

Question 12

Direct supervision fails in groups over medium size because supervisors get overloaded.

Accepted Answer

Direct supervision becomes less effective in larger groups because a single supervisor can only manage a limited number of tasks and individuals effectively. As the group size increases, the supervisor's ability to monitor, coordinate, and provide feedback to each member diminishes, leading to potential inefficiencies and oversight issues.

Question 13

Divisional structures offer more flexibility than functional structures.

Accepted Answer

Divisional structures allow organizations to be more responsive to changes because they are organized around outputs, markets, or geographic areas, enabling quicker decision-making and adaptation to specific environments.

Question 14

Centralization is becoming more common in business organizations today.

Accepted Answer

Decentralization is becoming more common as businesses seek to be more agile, empower local decision-making, and respond faster to market changes.

Question 15

Bureaucratic organizations rely on direct supervision as their primary coordination mechanism.

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic organizations primarily rely on standardized procedures and rules for coordination, rather than direct supervision.

Question 16

The primary strength of a functional structure is its adaptability to change.

Accepted Answer

A functional structure is best known for its efficiency and specialization in operations rather than its adaptability to change, which can be limited due to its rigid departmental boundaries.

Question 17

In a matrix structure, most employees have two or more bosses.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a matrix structure, most employees have...

Question 18

Matrix structures tend to be inefficient.

Accepted Answer

Matrix structures can lead to inefficiencies due to complex reporting relationships, potential for confusion, and conflicts between project and functional managers, which can slow down decision-making and increase overhead costs.

Question 19

Working in a matrix structure is likely to be stressful.

Accepted Answer

Working in a matrix structure can be stressful due to the complexity of reporting to multiple managers, navigating conflicting priorities, and the need for constant communication and negotiation.

Question 20

Multiunit structures are appropriate for large, complex businesses.

Accepted Answer

Multiunit structures allow for the division of responsibilities across different departments or locations, which can help manage the complexity of large businesses by providing specialized focus in various areas.

Quiz 12: Structuring the Organization