Fundamentals Of Organising

Question 1

Define organising

Answer 1

Deployment of organisational resources to achieve strategic goals

Question 2

Define organsation structure

Answer 2

A framework where the organisation defines how tasks are divided and designing systems to ensure effective coordination across departments

Question 3

Define organisation chart

Answer 3

Represents the organisation’s struture. The characteristics include:
1. Work specialisation
2. Chain of command

Question 4

Define authority

Answer 4

The right of a manager to make decisions, orders and allocate resources to achieve desired outcomes

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a tall structure management

Answer 5

1. Narrow span of control
2. More hierarchal levels
3. Slower decision making

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a flat structure management?

Answer 6

1. Broader span of control
2. Relatively fewer hierarchal levels

Question 7

Define centralisation

Answer 7

The location of decision authority near top organisational levels

Question 8

Define decentralisation

Answer 8

The location of decision authority near lower organisational levels

Question 9

Define formalisation

Answer 9

The written documentation used to direct and control employees

Question 10

What re the 5 departmentalisation approaches

Answer 10

1. Vertical function approach
2. Divisional approach
3. Horizontal martix approach
4. Team-based approach
5. Network approach

Question 11

Define vertical functional approach

Answer 11

Positions are grouped into departments based on skulls, expertise and resource use

Question 12

Name an advantage of the vertical functional approach

Answer 12

1. Enhances the development of in-depth skills
2. Progress in career

Question 13

Name disadvantages of a vertical functional approach

Answer 13

1. Slower response to environmental changes
2. Poor communication and coordination

Question 14

Define divisional approach

Answer 14

Grouping based on similar organisational outputs

Question 15

What are the 3 segments of the divisional approach

Answer 15

1. Product structure
2. Program structure
3. Self-contained unit structure

Question 16

Name advantages of divisional structure

Answer 16

1. Fast response and flexibility in an unstable environment
2. Fosters concern for customers’ needs

Question 17

Name disadvantages of a divisional structure

Answer 17

1. Duplication of resources across divisions
2. Poor coordinatino across divisions

Question 18

Define matrix approach

Answer 18

Utilises functional and divisional chains of command simulatenously and is often used by global organisations

Question 19

Define team based approach

Answer 19

Employees from various departments come together to resolve mutual problems. Used in creating new products or service innovation

Question 20

Advantages of team structure

Answer 20

1. Reduced barriers among departments
2. Less response time, quicker decisions

Question 21

Disadvantages of team structure

Answer 21

1. Dual loyalties and conflicts
2. Unplanned decentralisation

Question 22

Network approach

Answer 22

Utilises outsourcing companies or employees internationally

Question 23

Advantages network structure

Answer 23

1. Reduced administrative overhead
2. Global competitiveness

Question 24

Disadvantage of network structure

Answer 24

1. Employee loyaly weakened
2. No hands-on control

Question 25

What are the contingency factors that influence organisation struture

Answer 25

Strategy, environment and technology