MPO Flashcards
What are organisational goals?
Broad, long-term aims that define an organisation’s purpose and direction.
What are business objectives?
Specific, measurable steps taken to achieve organisational goals.
What is the SMART criteria for setting objectives?
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time-bound
What is an organisational policy?
A set of rules or guidelines that govern decision-making within an organisation.
What is a mission statement?
A statement defining an organisation’s purpose, core values, and strategic direction.
What is a vision statement?
A future-oriented declaration of an organisation’s goals and aspirations.
What is a value statement?
A declaration of an organisation’s principles and ethical standards.
What is the internal environment of an organisation?
Factors within the organisation that affect operations, including structure, culture, and resources.
What is the external environment?
Outside factors that influence the organisation, such as competitors, regulations, and economic conditions.
What is PEST analysis?
A tool to assess external factors:
• Political
• Economic
• Social
• Technological
What is SWOT analysis?
A tool to evaluate an organisation’s:
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats
What are the key stakeholders in an organisation?
• Shareholders
• Employees
• Customers
• Suppliers
• Government
• Local communities
What is performance management?
A process to monitor and improve employee performance through feedback and goal-setting.
What is knowledge management?
The process of capturing, sharing, and applying organisational knowledge to improve efficiency.
What are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)?
Measurable values that indicate how effectively an individual or organisation is achieving key objectives.
What is a performance appraisal?
A structured review of an employee’s job performance and contributions.
What is the role of feedback in employee performance?
• Reinforces positive behaviours
• Identifies areas for improvement
• Motivates employees
What is training and development?
Activities designed to improve employee skills, knowledge, and competencies.
What is organisational structure?
The framework that defines roles, responsibilities, and relationships within an organisation.
What are the key types of organisational structures?
• Functional
• Divisional
• Matrix
• Flat
• Hierarchical
What is mechanistic vs. organic structure?
• Mechanistic: Rigid, hierarchical, bureaucratic.
• Organic: Flexible, adaptive, team-based.
What is span of control?
The number of subordinates a manager directly oversees.
What is the scalar chain?
The clear line of authority from top to bottom in an organisation.
What is the span of control trade-off?
• Wide span: More autonomy but harder to supervise.
• Narrow span: Closer supervision but higher management costs.
What is delegation?
The process of assigning authority and responsibility to subordinates.
What is business ethics?
The principles and standards that guide behaviour in business.
What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
A company’s duty to operate ethically and contribute to social well-being.
What are the main ethical issues in organisations?
• Fair wages
• Discrimination
• Sustainability
• Corporate governance
What is ethical leadership?
Leading with integrity, transparency, and fairness.
What is whistleblowing?
Reporting unethical or illegal activities within an organisation.
What are the benefits of ethical business practices?
• Enhanced reputation
• Increased customer loyalty
• Better employee morale
What is leadership?
The ability to influence and guide individuals or teams toward achieving goals.
What are the key leadership styles?
• Autocratic: Centralised decision-making.
• Democratic: Participative leadership.
• Laissez-faire: Minimal supervision.
What is transactional leadership?
Leadership based on structured tasks, rewards, and punishments.
What is transformational leadership?
Leadership that inspires and motivates employees to achieve beyond expectations.
What is situational leadership?
Leadership that adapts based on the situation and team needs.
What is servant leadership?
A leadership style focused on serving the needs of employees.
What is managerial effectiveness?
The ability of managers to achieve organisational goals efficiently and effectively.
What are common measures of managerial effectiveness?
• Employee performance
• Productivity
• Profitability
• Customer satisfaction
What is the difference between efficiency and effectiveness?
• Efficiency: Doing things right (minimising resources).
• Effectiveness: Doing the right things (achieving goals).
What is benchmarking?
Comparing organisational performance against industry standards.
What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?
A continuous improvement approach focused on customer satisfaction.
What is motivation?
The internal drive that encourages employees to achieve organisational goals.
What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A theory that people are motivated by:
• Physiological needs
• Safety needs
• Social needs
• Esteem needs
• Self-actualisation
What is Herzberg’s two-factor theory?
• Hygiene factors: Prevent dissatisfaction but don’t motivate (e.g., salary).
• Motivators: Drive job satisfaction (e.g., achievement, recognition).
What is McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y?
• Theory X: Employees are lazy and need control.
• Theory Y: Employees are self-motivated and seek responsibility.
What is Vroom’s Expectancy Theory?
Motivation depends on the expected outcome of effort.
What is teamwork?
Collaborative efforts to achieve organisational goals.
What are factors that affect team cohesiveness?
• Shared goals
• Communication
• Trust
• Leadership
What is Belbin’s Team Role Theory?
Identifies nine roles within a team, including coordinator, innovator, and implementer.
