Mr Jey Knowledge Organisation Structures

Question 1

Functional structure

Answer 1

Employees work in departments such as finance, marketing, human resources, etc

Question 2

Product based structure

Answer 2

Employees are allocated a line of products, each of which has its own its own teams from each of the functional departments

Question 3

Geographical location structure

Answer 3

Employees are allocated to a region, each of which has its own its own teams from each of the functional departments

Question 4

Matrix structure

Answer 4

Combining employees from different functions to work on a particular project until that project has been completed

Question 5

Flat Structure

Answer 5

A small number of levels in the hierarchy. This results in short chains of command and wide spans of control

Question 6

Hierarchal / Tall structures

Answer 6

A larger number of levels in the hierarchy. This results in longer chains of command and smaller spans of control

Question 7

Centralised structure

Answer 7

Decision-making powers are kept at the top of the hierarchy. Senior managers make all of the important decisions

Question 8

Decentralised structure

Answer 8

Decision-making powers are passed down the hierarchy to empower junior managers. Decision-making power is shared with junior managers in branches or sections of the business

Question 9

Division of work

Answer 9

How tasks are allocated to each group of employees

Question 10

Span of control

Answer 10

The number of subordinates answerable directly to a particular manager

Question 11

Communication paths

Answer 11

The routes through which communication occurs. These may be through the chain of command, or in group situations

Question 12

Authority

Answer 12

The power to make significant decisions and give instructions to subordinates.

Question 13

Delegation

Answer 13

Passing authority down a hierarchy:
i.e. empowering subordinates to make significant decisions.
It is possible to delegate authority, but it is not possible to delegate responsibility

Question 14

Empowerment

Answer 14

Giving employees greater control over their working lives

Question 15

Accountability

Answer 15

Individuals are held responsible for the tasks that have been allocated or delegated to them

Question 16

Responsibility

Answer 16

Senior employees are answerable for tasks that they have delegated to lower level employees

Question 17

Organisational charts

Answer 17

Diagrams showing the levels of hierarchy and different sections within a business. They also show the JOB ROLES within an organisation

Question 18

Chief executive

Answer 18

The person with the most authority in a business.
He/she is often the managing director or the chair of the board of directors.
Directors report to the chief executive and are responsible for the strategic decisions of a business

Question 19

Managers

Answer 19

Specific directors and are usually responsible for departments

Question 20

Supervisors

Answer 20

Responsible for team members in one part of a department

Question 21

Assistants / Operatives

Answer 21

At the bottom of a hierarchy and carry out the instructions given by their supervisors

Question 22

What do organisational charts show?

Answer 22

Reporting Status (upwards) and Command Status (downwards) between the different job roles