chapter 13 - organizational design

Question 1

what are the 3 historical management theories

Answer 1

1. classical theory
- focuses on tasks, structure and authority
- discipline and order
- business is the main focus, people are secondary
- accountable to the person ahead of you

2. human relations theory
- views the organization as a social system
- recognizes the existence of the informal organization
- emphasizes understanding human behavior at work for enhanced productivity. It focuses on motivational factors like conflict resolution, expectations and group dynamics.

3. manamement science or operations research theory
- emphasizes research on operations and the use of quantitative techniques to help managers make decisions
- uses quantitative tools and mathmatical models (PERT)

Question 2

what are the 3 modern management theories?

Answer 2

1. systems apporach
- Each part of the overall system is dependent on the others and cannot function optimally without them
- a collection of parts unified to accomplish common goals

2. contingency approach
- the way you manage should change depending on the circumstances. One size does not fit all

3. chaos theory
- systems have the capacity to self-organize, creating order from apparent chaos.
- this principle can be applied to decentralized decision-making structures and employee empowerment
- messy; not orderly and controlled
- not linear like systems approach

Question 3

interdependency

Answer 3

a changr in one part of a system will affect other parts

Question 4

wholism

Answer 4

the whole system is more than the sum of its individual parts
- working together synergistically yields greater results than individual achievements added together

Question 5

5 steps of strategic management

Answer 5

1. identify the organizations values and the goals and objectives the come from them
2. assess the external environment (opportunities and threats)
3. assess the internal resources and capabilities that can be used to achieve goals and objectives (strengths and weaknesses)
4. identify or form subsystems and organization structure
5. develop management and decision making structure

Question 6

strategic plan vs strategic thinking

Answer 6

strategic plan:
- a written document the assesses the current state of the organization and what it should do to achieve its mission, goals and objectives

strategic thinking:
- matching internal resources and capabilities with opportunities and threats in the external environment in order to form strategies that will achieve the mission, goals and objectives

Question 7

what are the 7 management functions?

Answer 7

1. planning
2. organizing
3. staffing
   - employing people and training
   - maintaining favorable working conditions
4. directing
   - continuous process of making decisions, conveying them to subordinates and ensuring appropriate actions are taken
   - delegating work, responibility and authority
5. coordinating
   - connecting the various parts of a process to create a smooth work flow
6. reporting
   - keeping managers, supervisors and employees informed
   - accomplished via records, reports, audits, inspections, etc.
7. budgeting
   - fiscal planning, accounting and controlling

Question 9

what are the 3 key concepts in planning?

Answer 9

1. policies
- guide decision making
- ensure consistent action

2. procedures
- detailed guidelines for activities that occur regularly (SOPs)
- helpful for training new employees

3. rules
- what must be done or what must not be done

Question 10

4 key concepts to developing an organizations structure

Answer 10

1. determine and define objectives
2. analyze and classify the work to be done
3. describe in detail work to be done
4. determine and specify the relationship between and among workers and management

Question 11

what is an organizational chart and what doesnt it show

Answer 11

its a graphic representation of positions and functions in the organization.
the greatest authority is at the top
solid lines show authority
dotted lines show advisory roles

what doesnt it show:
- degree of authority or responsibility
- informed relationships between equals or between people in different parts of the organization

Question 12

job description vs job specification

Answer 12

job description:
- list of duties, skills and responsibilities required in a specific position

job specification:
- written statement of minimum standards that must be met by an applicant
- covers duties, working conditions and qualifications

Question 13

what is the skills matrix system?

Answer 13

a plan that allows employees to plan their own professional growth within the organization

1. understands basic principles
2. can perform with assistance
3. can perform without assistance
4. able to train others

Question 14

what is a work schedule?

Answer 14

an outline of work to be performed, procedures to be used and time schedule for a particular position

Question 15

what aspects should be considered when scheduling employees?

Answer 15

1. what foods are being served
2. the form in which food is purchased
3. method of prep
4. total quanitty needed
5. type of service