Organizational Chart

Question 1

What is an Organizational Chart

Answer 1

a diagram describing reporting relationships and the formal arrangement of work positions within an organization.

Question 2

Characteristics of an Organizational Chart

Answer 2

1. the division of work
2. supervisory relationships
3. communication channels
4. major subunits
5. levels of management.

Question 3

Formal Organization

Answer 3

Jobs are defined along with the experience and education needed to carry them out.
Management positions are established along with lines of authority.
Demonstrated in an organizational chart

Question 4

Informal Organization

Answer 4

Result of unofficial yet critical social interactions between employees and managers in the workplace.
E.g. employees may meet for coffee breaks and discuss work

Question 5

Advantages of Informal Organization

Answer 5

• Helping people accomplish their work
• Overcoming limits of formal structure
• Gaining access to interpersonal networks
• Informal learning

Question 6

Disadvantages of Informal Organization

Answer 6

• May work against best interests of entire organization
• Susceptibility to rumour
• May carry inaccurate information

Question 7

In theory, what differentiates a formal organization with an informal one?

Answer 7

A formal organization chart shows who holds the power and informal organization determines who actually exercises it.