Chapter 2 - Internal environment of large-scale organisations part a

Question 1

Management structure

Answer 1

is a term used to describe the ways in which the management, employees and resources of an organisation are formally arranged to achieve objectives

Question 2

Management hierarchy

Answer 2

is the arrangement that provides increasing authority at higher levels of the hierarchy

Question 3

Chain of command/ line authority

Answer 3

is a system that determines responsibility, supervision and accountability of members of the organisation

Question 4

Unity of command

Answer 4

the principle that states that each employee within an organisation should report to only one supervisor

Question 5

Span of control

Answer 5

refers to the number of people for whom a manager is directly responsible

Question 6

Bureaucratic structure

Answer 6

A bureaucracy is an administrative or social system that relies on a set of rules and procedures, separation of functions and a hierarchical structure in implementing controls over an organisation

Question 7

Flat organisational structure

Answer 7

A flat organisation refers to an organisation structure with few or no levels of management between management and staff level employees. The flat organisation supervises employees less while promoting their increased involvement in the decision-making process

Question 8

Functional structure

Answer 8

involves grouping employees together according to the tasks or jobs they will perform (task structure)

Question 9

Divisional structure

Answer 9

groups employees together according to divisions that may be geographical, or customer, product or process focused

Question 10

Matrix structure

Answer 10

involves bringing together specialists from different parts of the organisation to solve specific problems or to undertake specific projects in teams

Question 11

Centralised control

Answer 11

The concentration of management and decision-making power at the top of an organization’s hierarchy

Question 12

Decentralised control

Answer 12

Transfer of decision making power and assignment of accountability and responsibility for results. It is accompanied by delegation of commensurate authority to individuals or units at all levels of an organisation even those far removed from headquarters or other centers of power.

Question 13

Corporate culture

Answer 13

refers to the values, ideas, expectations and beliefs shared by members of the organisation

Question 14

Ritual

Answer 14

Ceremony or event that give expression to an organisation’s values and beliefs e.g. Friday night drinks after work, morning reflection

Question 15

Planning

Answer 15

is the process of setting objectives and deciding on the methods to achieve them

Question 16

Strategic planning

Answer 16

is long-term planning, usually over two to five years

Question 17

Tactical planning

Answer 17

is flexible, adaptable, medium-term planning, usually over one to two years, which assists in implementing the strategic plan

Question 18

Operational planning

Answer 18

provides specific details about the way in which the organisation will operate in the short term

Question 19

SWOT analysis

Answer 19

involves the identification and analysis of the internal strengths and weaknesses of the organisation, and the opportunities in, and threats from, the external environment

Question 20

Organising

Answer 20

is the process of arranging resources and tasks to achieve objectives

Question 21

Leading

Answer 21

is the process of influencing or motivating people to work towards the achievement of the organisation’s objectives

Question 22

Interpersonal qualities

Answer 22

This quality involves management’s capacity to deal or liaise with people and build positive relationships with staff.

Question 23

Informational qualities

Answer 23

This quality involves gathering and communicating or sharing data and knowledge.

Question 24

Decision-making qualities

Answer 24

This quality involves identifying available options and then choosing one course of action from the alternatives.

Question 25

Controlling

Answer 25

is the process of evaluating performance and taking corrective action to ensure that the set objectives are being achieved