Module 6.1: The Elements that Create Organizational Structure and Their Distinct Relationships

Question 1

Organizational Structure

Answer 1

defined structure as the arrangement and interrelationship of component parts and positions in an organization

Question 2

What does the organizational structure provide structure on?

Answer 2

✓ Division of work into activities
✓ Linkage between different functions
✓ Hierarchy
✓ Authority Structure
✓ Authority Relationships
✓ Coordination with the Movement

Question 3

Components of the Structure in an Organization

Answer 3

1. Complexity
2. Formalization
3. Centralization

Question 4

Complexity

Components of the Structure in an Organization

Answer 4

degree to which activities within org are differentiated

Question 5

What are the 3 dimensions of complexity?

Answer 5

1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. Spatial

Question 6

Horizontal Complexity

Answer 6

based on the orientation of members,
the nature of tasks they perform and their education and training

Question 7

Vertical Complexity

Answer 7

characterized by the number of hierarchical levels in the organization

Question 8

Spatial Complexity

Answer 8

location of the org’s offices, facilities, and personnel are geographically distributed

Question 9

Formalization

Components of the Structure in an Organization

Answer 9

extent to which jobs within org are specialized

Question 10

Centralization

Components of the Structure in an Organization

Answer 10

where the decision-making is concentrated

Question 11

Principles of Organizational Structure

Answer 11

1. Specialization
2. Coordination
3. Departmentalization
4. Decentralization and Centralization
5. Line and Staff Relationship

Question 12

Specialization

Answer 12

facilitates division of work into units for efficient performance

Question 13

How does specialization help according to classical theories?

Answer 13

accdg. to classical theories, work can be performed much better if it is divided into components and people are encouraged to specialize by components

Question 14

What does Specialization enable?

Answer 14

enables application of specialized knowledge which betters the quality of work and improves organizational efficiency

Question 15

What can Specialization influence?

Answer 15

can also influence fundamental work attitudes, relationships, and communication

Question 16

Coordination

Answer 16

integrating the objectives and activities of specialized departments to realize broad strategic objectives

Question 17

What does a hierarchy facilitate in terms of coordination?

Answer 17

Hierarchy facilitates vertical coordination of various departments and their activities

Question 18

Principles of Hierarchy

Answer 18

1. Unity of command
2. Scalar Principle
3. Responsibility and Authority Principle
4. Span of Control

Question 19

Unity of command

Principles of Hierarchy

Answer 19

every person in an organization should be responsible to one superior and receive orders from that person only

Question 20

Scalar Principle

Principles of Hierarchy

Answer 20

decision-making authority and the chain of command in an organization should flow in a straight line from the highest level to the lowest

Question 21

Responsibility and Authority Principle

Principles of Hierarchy

Answer 21

responsibility must be accompanied by proper authority

Question 22

Span of Control

Principles of Hierarchy

Answer 22

number of specialized activities or individuals supervised by one person

Question 23

Departmentalization

Answer 23

process of horizontal clustering of different types of functions and activities on any one level of the hierarchy

Question 24

What are the two types of departmentalization?

Answer 24

1. Functional Departmentalization
2. Product-Based Departmentalization

Question 25

Functional Departmentalization

Answer 25

✓ Easier communication with sub-units
✓ Application of high technical knowledge for solving problems
✓ Greater group and professional identification
✓ Less duplication of staff activities
✓ Higher product quality
✓ Increased organizational efficiency

Question 26

Product-Based Departmentalization

Answer 26

✓ Less conflict between major sub-units
✓ Easier communication between subunits
✓ Less complex coordination mechanisms
✓ Providing a training ground of top
management
✓ More customer orientation
✓ Greater concern for long-term issues

Question 27

Line Authority

Answer 27

refers to the scalar chain or the superior-subordinate linkages that extend throughout the hierarchy

Question 28

Line

Answer 28

achieve objectives

Question 29

Staff

Answer 29

support the line employees

Question 30

Type of Staff

Answer 30

1. Specialized Staff
2. General Staff
3. Organization Staff

Question 31

Specialized Staff

Answer 31

conduct technical work that is beyond the time or knowledge capacity of top management, such as conducting market research and forecasting

Question 32

General Staff

Answer 32

consists of staff assistants to whom managers assign work

Question 33

Organization Staff

Answer 33

provide services to organization as a whole; their role is to integrate different operations across departments