chapter 7 Flashcards
define organisational structure
Organisational structure refers to the levels of management and division of responsibilities within an organisation.
define organisational chart
Organisational chart refers to a diagram that outlines the internal management structure.
define hierarchy
Hierarchy refers to the levels of management in any organisation, from the highest to the lowest.
define a level of hierarchy
A level of hierarchy refers to the managers/supervisors/ other employees who are given a similar level of responsibility in an organisation.
define chain of command
Chain of command is the structure in an organisation which allows instructions to be passed down from senior management to lower levels of management.
what are the advantages of an organisational chart
- The chart shows how everybody is linked together in the organisation. All employees are aware of which communication channel is used to reach them with messages and instructions.
- Every individual can see their own position in the organisation. They can identify who they are accountable to and who they have authority over. Employees can see who they should take orders from.
- It shows the links and relationship between different departments within the organisation.
» Everyone is in a department and this gives them a sense of belonging.
define the span of control
The span of control is the number of subordinates working directly under a manager.
what are the advantages of a short chain of command
» Communication is quicker and more accurate. Each message has fewer levels to pass through before reaching the intended person.
» Top managers are less remote from the lower level of the hierarchy. These top managers should be more in touch with people below them as there are fewer management levels to get to know.
» Spans of control will be wider. This means that each manager is responsible for more subordinates
define directors
Directors are senior managers who lead a particular department or division of a business.
define line managers
Line managers have direct responsibility for people below them in the hierarchy of an organisation.
define supervisors
Supervisors are junior managers who have direct control over the employees below them in the organisational structure.
define staff managers
Staff managers are specialists who provide support, information and assistance to line managers.
what are the advantages for the subordinate
» The work becomes more interesting and rewarding.
» The employee feels more important and believes that trust is being put in them to perform a job well.
» Delegation helps to train workers and they can then make progress in the organisation. It gives them career opportunities.
define delegation
Delegation means giving a subordinate the authority to perform particular tasks.
what are the advantages for the manager
» Managers cannot do every job themselves. By delegating, the manager is able to concentrate their time on other important management functions.
» Managers are less likely to make mistakes if some of the tasks are performed by their subordinates.
» Managers can measure the success of their staff more easily. They can see how well they have done in performing the tasks delegated to them.
why might a manager not delegate
Despite the advantages of delegation, there are some managers who are reluctant to delegate. Some may be afraid that the subordinates might fail and the manager wants to control everything by themselves. Also, there is a risk that the subordinates might do a better job than the manager! This could make the manager feel very insecure.
Why is it important to have good managers
A good manager should:
» motivate employees
» give guidance and advice to employees they manage
» inspire employees they manage to achieve more than they thought possible
» manage resources effectively and keep costs under control
» increase profitability of the business.
define leadership styles
Leadership styles are the different approaches to dealing with people and making decisions when in a position of authority – autocratic, democratic or laissez-faire.
define autocratic leadership
Autocratic leadership is where the manager expects to be in charge of the business and to have their orders followed.
what are some of the styles in leadership
» autocratic leadership
» democratic leadership
» laissez-faire leadership.
what are the potential advantage and the disadvantage of autocratic leadership
Potential advantage
» Quick decision making, for example, during a crisis.
Potential disadvantage
» No opportunity for employee input into key decisions, which can be demotivating.
define laissez faire leadership
Laissez-faire leadership makes the broad objectives of the business known to employees, but then they are left to make their own decisions and organise their own work.
define trade union
A trade union is a group of employees who have joined together to ensure their interests are protected
what are the possible advantage and the disadvantage of democratic leadership
Possible advantage
» Better decisions could result from consulting with employees and using their experience and ideas – as well as being a motivating factor.
Possible disadvantage
» Unpopular decisions, such as making workers redundant, could not effectively be made using this style of leadership.
