Organization - OED

Question 1

Proactive vs. remedial interventions

Answer 1

Proactive - identify and correct potential problems before they begin affecting performance (or prep organization to take advantage of anticipated opportunities)

Remedial - resolve current or newly-discovered problems and bring organization back on course toward its strategic goals

Question 2

Options for departmentalization
- functional
- product
- geographic
- matrix

Answer 2

Functional - departments defined by services they provide for the organization (ex: R&D, HR, marketing, operations)

Product - divisions grouped by product line; each division has its own R&D, HR, etc.

Geographic - each geographic region has it’s own R&D, HR, etc.

Matrix - combines features of functional structure with other structure to gain benefits of both, usually relying on cross-functional teams; frequently results in employees reporting to one manager for project work and one for regular performance reviews and career development

Question 3

RACI matrix

Answer 3

Helps clarify authority and communication for projects (especially helpful in matrix structure)

For each activity, team members are specified as Responsible, Accountable, Consult, or Inform

Question 4

Steps in developing culture change initiatives

Answer 4

1. Describe current culture
2. Identify aspirational culture
3. Identify gaps and conflicts
4. Develop change initiatives

Question 5

Team formation process
- forming
- storming
- norming
- performing

Answer 5

Forming - members are polite, but lack real connections at this stage

Storming - higher levels of discord begin as group moves past politeness

Norming - building trust, establishing relationships and creating rules that guide behavior; begin to establish a group identity (which includes contrast with “outsiders”); “group think” becomes a concern

Performing - group becomes fully productive, collaborative, and mutually supportive