Chapter 8 Flashcards
Term
Definition
organization design
the process that results in an organizational structure representing job design, departmentalization, centralization of authority, and span of management
Efficiency
the ability to complete a task using a minimum amount of resources
Control
the ability to make decisions and specify how those decisions will be carried out
Responsiveness
the speed at which an organization can improve its products in response to customer feedback, employee suggestions, or competitive pressures
Empowerment
the degree to which employees can make decisions on their own
Job specialization
the separation of all organizational activities into distinct tasks and the assignment of different tasks to different people
job design
structuring the tasks and activities required to accomplish a business’s objectives into specific jobs so as to foster productivity and employee satisfaction
departmentalization
the process of grouping jobs into manageable units
task significance
the importance of the task
job rotation
systematic shifting of employees from one job to another
Task variety
the degree a job requires different activities
Task identity
how each job contributes to the final product or result
Delegation
assigning tasks and some degree of authority to others
organizational height
the number of layers, or levels, of management in a business
decentralized organization
an organization where management consciously attempts to spread authority widely in the lower levels of the organization
centralized organization
an organization that systematically works to concentrate authority at the upper levels of the organization
span of management
the number of workers who report directly to one manager, also called the span of control
organization chart
a visual representation of the structured relationships among tasks, responsibilities, and the people given the authority to do those tasks.
matrix structure
an organizational structure where individuals from different functional areas work on project teams
cross-functional team
a team of individuals with varying specialties, expertise, and skills that are brought together to achieve a common task
line structure
an organizational structure in which the chain of command goes directly from person to person throughout the organization
line-and-staff structure
an organizational structure that includes both line and staff positions
informal organization
the pattern of behaviour and interaction that stems from personal rather than professional relationships
grapevine
the informal communications network within an organization
corporate culture
the inner customs, traditions, and values of an organization
what are the four common objectives companies evaluate when building their organization?
Efficiency (complete with min resources)
Control (who will control how it will be carried out)
Responsiveness (flexibility and innovate)
Empowerment (degree employees can make personal decisions.
why is job specialization important?
Because it is often more efficient (to teach one person one task then to teach a bunch all)
what is the difference between centralized and a decentralized organization?
where the power of delegation of tasks go
is a narrow or a wide span have greater employees
wide
what are the three pasic forms or ogranizastional structure?
line, line and staf, and matrix structure.
What is the level of job specialization in a mechanistic structure?
High
Job specialization is characterized by defined roles and responsibilities.
What is the level of job specialization in an organic structure?
Low
In organic structures, roles are more fluid and adaptable.
How is departmentalization characterized in a mechanistic structure?
Rigid
Departmentalization involves a strict division of labor and functions.
How is departmentalization characterized in an organic structure?
Flexible
Organic structures allow for more collaboration across departments.
What type of management hierarchy is found in a mechanistic structure?
Tall
A tall hierarchy has many levels of management, leading to a more bureaucratic system.
What type of management hierarchy is found in an organic structure?
Flat
A flat hierarchy has fewer levels of management, promoting quicker decision-making.
What is the span of management in a mechanistic structure?
Narrow
A narrow span of management limits the number of subordinates per manager.
What is the span of management in an organic structure?
Wide
A wide span of management allows managers to oversee more subordinates.
Where is decision-making authority centralized in a mechanistic structure?
Centralized
Centralized decision-making concentrates power at the top levels of management.
Where is decision-making authority decentralized in an organic structure?
Decentralized
Decentralized decision-making distributes power across various levels of the organization.
What is the chain of command like in a mechanistic structure?
Long
A long chain of command can slow down communication and decision-making.
What is the chain of command like in an organic structure?
Short
A short chain of command facilitates faster communication and flexibility.
what are the pros and cons of the line structure
pros
clear lines of comm
fast decision making
cons
mid managers feel isolate
mid managers lack resources
What are the pros and cons of a line and staff structure?
pro
line managers have specialized support
cons
creates conflicts between those who have staff, and those who dont
What is the advantages of a matrix structure?
increased flexinility and collaboration
employees have two supervisors
what are the four different types of departmentalization
by function (employees doing the same thing), product (on the same product), location (in the same place), and customer (based on the customer car salesman verses corp. fleet salesman)
