Features Of Organisational Structures

Question 1

Division of Labour (specialisation)

Answer 1

Refers to how work is broken up within an organisation.

People specialise in a specific part of the process or activity.

Question 2

Departmentalisation

Answer 2

Process of grouping tasks or activities

Question 3

Authority and responsibility

Answer 3

Responsibility: Obligation to ensure tasks are performed

Question 4

Line Authority

Answer 4

Authority attached to the primary task of the organisation

Line managers have the authority to direct people on their line.

Question 5

Delegation

Answer 5

Assigning of a task, authority or responsibility to a sub ordinate

Question 6

Chain of Command

Answer 6

Line of authority

Question 7

Unity of Command

Answer 7

That a subordinate has only one person to whom he or she is directly accountable

Question 8

Communication flow

Answer 8

Formal - Oral/Written
Informal - Can take place anywhere
Purpose - To inform, order, advice, instruct, coordinate, persuade or motivate
Content - Subject matter, language, images, conveyed/structure
Directional flow - Vertical, lateral with each being formal or informal