Organizational Structure and Charts

Question 1

Define Organizational Structure?

Answer 1

An organizational structure shows how the various tasks and individuals are coordinated in a formal way in order to achieve a common goal.

Question 2

Define Organizational Charts

Answer 2

An organizational chart is a graphical representation of the titles and responsibilities of workers, lines of authority, lines of responsibility, the chain of command and the span of control in a business.

Question 3

What is the chain of command?

Answer 3

The chain of command or unity of command is the structure that shows where authority flows from top to bottom in an organizational structure.

Question 4

Benefits of Organizational Charts

Answer 4

It’s a visual communication tool and makes it easier to understand the vast amount of information as a chart.
Employees are able to identify their position in the business.
Employees are able to see those staff members for whom they are

Question 5

Disadvantages of Organizational Charts

Answer 5

If not reviewed properly, can become overdue.
Charts do not show informal relationships
Charts do not show leadership styles.

Question 6

List the levels of the Hierarchical Structure of Management

Answer 6

CEO, Senior Management, Mid-Level Management, Low-Level Management, Non- Management Employees

Question 7

What is the difference between mid-level management and low-level management?

Answer 7

The mid-level managers assist the executive level managers in implementing the business strategies set in order to achieve the organization goals while the low- level managers put the high level and mid-level managers plan into actions.

Question 8

Types of Organizational Charts

Answer 8

Line
Staff
Functional
Committee

Question 9

Explain the types of organizational charts

Answer 9

Line
The line organizational chart depicts a straight line of command. Authority is said to flow downwards only in the line organization. Examples: Principal, Vice Principal, Teacher etc.

Functional
The Functional organization chart is a diagram of an organization that is arranged by its functions. For example, there is a manager in charge of marketing, and another in charge of production. This type of organization has an advantage over the Line as experts are appointed to run each department. All managers report to the General Manager.

Line and Staff
The Line and Staff organizational chart combine the line and functional organization with the addition of staff personnel. Staff workers assist and advise line workers. Staff officers do not have authority, that is, the power to delegate tasks to subordinates in the
organization. Their main role is to advise and assist line officers.

Committee
Committees are advisory bodies. They are usually appointed to advise organizations.
Examples of committees include; parent-teachers associations and student councils which are
committees within a school organization. Committees usually delegate certain duties to sub-
committees. For example, an executive committee may appoint a finance committee to advise
it on financial matters.