Lesson 10

Question 1

How to Determine if Organizations Are Fit for Purpose?

Answer 1

Organizations are fit for purpose if they effectively align structure, processes, and resources with their goals, environment, and strategy. Key indicators include efficiency, adaptability, employee engagement, and achieving desired outcomes.

Question 2

What is the role of experts in bureaucracies?

Answer 2

Experts contribute to rationality, supporting structured, efficient decision-making.

Question 3

Name three types of experts based on their structure.

Answer 3

1. Independent (collegiate structure)
2. Organizational (centralized bureaucracy)
3. Entrepreneurial (decentralized networks)

Question 4

What are the design principles of organizational structure?

Answer 4

Division of labor:
Departments, divisions, roles and job specialization
Coordination: span of control, chain of command, centralization.

Question 5

Define span of control.

Answer 5

The number of people whose work a manager is responsible for coordinating.

Question 6

How does job specialization benefit an organization?

Answer 6

It allows employees to develop expertise, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Question 7

Name 3 contingencies in organizational structure

Answer 7

1. Technology
2. Environment
3. Strategy

Question 8

How does technology influence organizational structure?

Answer 8

The type of technology an organization uses influences how structured it needs to be.
Routinized technology leads to structured authority relations.

Question 9

What is the difference between mechanistic and organic structures?

Answer 9

Mechanistic structures suit stable environments, while organic structures adapt to dynamic ones.

Question 10

Name three types of strategy that determine structure.

Answer 10

1. Cost minimization
2. Innovation
3. Imitation

Question 11

What are the five structural types defined by Mintzberg?

Answer 11

1. Simple structure
2. Machine bureaucracy
3. Professional bureaucracy
4. Divisionalized form
5. Adhocracy

Question 12

Describe the adhocracy structure.

Answer 12

Specialized but informal roles with collaboration and decentralized decision-making, suited for complex, dynamic environments.

Question 13

What are feminist organizations characterized by?

Answer 13

Reduced hierarchy and a greater focus on collective effort.

Question 14

How can identity constrain organizational strategy?

Answer 14

Organizational identity shapes strategies and influences the form the organization takes.

Question 15

Name three challenges organizations face when becoming more flexible.

Answer 15

1. Removing hierarchy barriers
2. Promoting trust and sharing
3. Encouraging innovation and learning

Question 16

What is the impact of functional divisions on knowledge-sharing?

Answer 16

They hamper knowledge-sharing, restricting innovation and collaboration.

Question 17

How does organizational structure influence HRM practices?

Answer 17

1. pay practices
2. the alignment of HR with organizational goals.

Question 18

What is the multidivisional form used for?

Answer 18

Provides control with independence, commonly used by multinational corporations (MNCs).

Question 19

How does a matrix structure function?

Answer 19

It integrates employees from different functions into individual projects.

Question 20

What are the benefits of team or project-based structures?

Answer 20

Higher levels of innovation and collaboration within teams.

Question 21

How do alternative structures impact employee motivation?

Answer 21

Flexible structures can increase empowerment, ownership, and engagement.

Question 22

Why are team-based structures increasingly popular?

Answer 22

They align with innovation-focused strategies and enhance collaboration across functions.

Question 23

What is centralization in organizational structure?

Answer 23

The degree to which authority and decision-making are concentrated at the top levels.

Question 24

Why is division of labor important in organizational design?

Answer 24

It allows grouping jobs into departments, improving efficiency and focus.

Question 25

Name two ways to promote innovation in organizational structure.

Answer 25

1. Removing hierarchical barriers
2. Encouraging team-based collaboration

Question 26

Organizational Design Principles

Answer 26

Alignment: Structure should match strategy and goals.

Differentiation: Clear roles and responsibilities to avoid overlap.

Integration: Effective coordination and communication between parts.

Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changes in the environment.

Accountability: Clear authority and responsibility at all levels.