Chapter 2.1 - 2.5 Management Structures

Question 1

Define Management hierarchy

Answer 1

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

Question 2

The higher you are on the hierarchical structure you gain more

Answer 2

Accountability
Responsibility
Authority

Question 3

Characteristics of a hierarchical structure include

Answer 3

Rigid communication
Different levels of management 
Linear flows 
Centralised control 
Established chain of command

Question 4

Define chain of command or line authority

Answer 4

Determines responsibility,supervision and accountability of members in an organisation

Question 5

Define the principle unity of command

Answer 5

Each employee within an organisation should report to only one supervisor

Question 6

Define span of control

Answer 6

Number of people a manager is directly responsible for

Question 7

What are some elements of a traditional structure

Answer 7

Task centred
Division of labour
Rigid/Multi layered
Autocratic

Question 8

What are some elements of a modern structure

Answer 8

People centred
Employees multi-tasked and skilled
Flexible/Flat
Democratic/ Laisser Faire

Question 9

What is the purpose of a structure

Answer 9

Needs to work in a sequential manner, avoiding duplication of tasks and minimising work

Question 10

Define a functional structure

Answer 10

Employees are grouped according to their job title

Question 11

What are advantages of a functional structure

Answer 11

Advantages: efficient use of resources, obvious career pathway and specialisation of tasks

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of a functional structure

Answer 12

Disadvantages: Lack of flexibility, bureaucratic,empire building can occur, focus is narrow department

Question 13

Define divisional structure

Answer 13

When an organisation produces a range of products it often divides its operations into categories

Question 14

What are the elements of a divisional structure

Answer 14

Customers
Geography
Products
Processes

Question 15

What are the advantages of a divisional structure

Answer 15

Advantages: expertise has direction, cooperation is encouraged and greater flexibility

Question 16

What are the disadvantages of a divisional structure

Answer 16

Disadvantages: Rivalry can be divisive, work duplicated and reduces economic scale

Question 17

Define Matrix Structure

Answer 17

Specialists from different parts of the organisation are brought together to work on special projects

Question 18

What are the advantages of a matrix structure

Answer 18

Advantages: flexible approach, better lines of communication, better collaboration and pooling of resources and expertise

Question 19

What are the disadvantages of a matrix structure

Answer 19

Disadvantages: unity of command is challenged, employees may have to report it several managers

Question 20

Define corporate culture

Answer 20

The values, ideas, expectations and beliefs shared by members

Question 21

What are the elements of corporate culture

Answer 21

Values and practices
Symbols
Rituals
Heroes

Question 22

Define values and practices

Answer 22

The way things are done

E.g honesty, hard work

Question 23

Define symbols

Answer 23

Events or objects that are established to represent something the organisation believes important

Question 24

Define Rituals

Answer 24

Routine behavioural patterns in an organisations daily life

Question 25

Define heroes

Answer 25

Are the organisations successful employees who reflect its values

Question 26

Define planning

Answer 26

Process of setting objectives and deciding on the methods to achieve them

Question 27

Define strategic planning

Answer 27

Long term planning, usually over two to five years

Question 28

Define tactical planning

Answer 28

Flexible,adaptable, medium term planning, usually over two years

Question 29

Define operational planning

Answer 29

Specific details about the way in which the organisations will operate in the short term

Question 30

Define SWOT analysis

Answer 30

Identification and analysis of the internal strengths,weaknesses,
opportunities and threats from the external environment

Question 31

Define organising

Answer 31

Arranging resources and tasks to achieve objectives

Question 32

Define leading

Answer 32

Process of influencing or motivating people to work towards achieving objectives

Question 33

Define controlling

Answer 33

Process of evaluating performance and taking corrective action to ensure that objectives are being achieved

Question 34

What qualities do leaders display

Answer 34

Interpersonal- deal or liaise with people
Informational- the gathering and communication of information
Decision Making- identifying available options

Question 35

Define policy

Answer 35

Set of broad guidelines to be followed when dealing with important areas of decision making

Question 36

Define procedure

Answer 36

Series of actions enabling a policy to be put to practice

Question 37

What are some changes to organisational structures

Answer 37

Increased competition
Fewer levels of management
Organisations require fast reaction times to changing trends
Technology has changed how we work

Question 38

What responsibilities do the top senior executive management team hold

Answer 38

Vision
Mission statement
Strategic Planning

Question 39

What responsibilities do the middle management team hold

Answer 39

Department/Divisional objectives

Tactical planning

Question 40

What responsibilities do the frontline/supervisory management team hold

Answer 40

Sectional/Sub department planning

Operational planning

Question 41

Define Management Structure

Answer 41

The ways in which the management,employees and resources of an organisation are formally arranged to achieve objectives