Organizational Theory

Question 1

Organizational Design

Answer 1

The designs of organizations take many shapes
Design is often a response to environment

Question 2

Organizations have how many types of components

Answer 2

2

Question 3

What are the two types of organizational components

Answer 3

structural & social

Question 4

Structural

Answer 4

how work processes are arranged

Question 5

Social

Answer 5

patterns of interactions among members

Question 6

Structural Theory

Answer 6

Explains how organizations evolve to reach a certain shape or form
Outlines “Basic Parts” of an Organization

Question 7

How many parts / roles of an organization are there?

Answer 7

7

Question 8

What are the roles in an organization?

Answer 8

Strategic apex
Operating core
Middle line
Technostructure
Support staff

Question 9

How many organization structures are there?

Answer 9

3

Question 10

What are the three organization structures are there?

Answer 10

Bureaucratic, matrix, organic

Question 11

Principles of Bureaucracy

Answer 11

Division of Labor
Standardization of tasks
Hierarchical system of supervision
Centralized Decision-making
Delegation of Authority

Question 12

Pros of a Bureaucracy

Answer 12

Greater Specialization/ task knowledge
Less Role Conflict
Less Role Ambiguity

Question 13

Cons of a Bureaucracy

Answer 13

Narrow job tasks/ responsibilities
Communication/ coordination across divisions
Difficulty adapting to a changing marketplace

Question 14

Matrix Structure

Answer 14

Divides org into specialized teams with shared leadership

Question 15

Pros of a matrix structure

Answer 15

Specialized knowledge for all projects
Skill variety
Established Teams

Question 16

Cons of a matrix structure

Answer 16

Role Conflict
Role Ambiguity

Question 17

Organic structure

Answer 17

Cross-functional, often self-managed, teams that form and restructure as the business changes

Question 18

Pros of organic structure

Answer 18

Adaptable
Skill variety
Efficient use of talent

Question 19

Cons of organic structure

Answer 19

Lacks clear leadership
Team functioning

Question 20

Organizational Culture

Answer 20

The language (jargon, legends, stories), values, attitudes, beliefs, and customs that give an organization its own unique identity

Question 21

Three components of org culture. Listed from easiest to hardest to change

Answer 21

Artifacts
Values
Basic assumptions

Question 22

Observable Artifacts

Answer 22

Physical manifestations of culture
- Decorations
- Rituals
- Policies
- Practices
- Vision Statements
- Layout of Office/ Organization

Question 23

Organizational Values

Answer 23

Espoused vs. enacted

Question 24

Espoused values

Answer 24

The stated values (norms) of an organization

Question 25

Enacted values

Answer 25

The exhibited values of an organization (behavior)

Question 26

Basic Assumptions

Answer 26

“Core of organizational culture” Values so embedded that they become basic assumptions University valuing education

Question 27

How do Org Cultures Form?

Answer 27

Person Situation

Question 28

Person - how does org culture form

Answer 28

Founders Values Current Leaders Values and Behaviors “The Trickledown Effect”

Question 29

Situation - how do orgs form

Answer 29

National culture (e.g., work long hours) Industry environment (e.g., innovation)

Question 30

How are Org Cultures Sustained?

Answer 30

People make the place… not the other way around The Attraction-Selection-Attrition Paradigm

Question 31

Is homogeneity a good thing?

Answer 31

We like to work with people that share our values BUT the more homogeneity leads to less diversity and less ideas PO fit: attitudes, withdraw, perf., stress Heterogeneity = new ideas, perspectives

Question 32

How is Culture Changed?

Answer 32

Change people (hire, fire) Teach new culture to employees Teach value of new culture to employees Leaders model new culture Replace old artifacts Reward those who endorse culture Punish those who do not endorse culture

Question 33

Org Politics

Answer 33

Intentional acts of influence to enhance or protect the self-interest of individuals or groups

Question 34

Key Aspects to Understanding Org Politics

Answer 34

Forms of Occurrence Political Skill Managing politicking

Question 35

Some key Forms of Occurrence

Answer 35

Attacking or blaming others leveraging knowledge / expertise Impression management Manipulating the images others have of us Purposefully withholding or distorting information

Question 36

Political Skill What attributes contribute to successful politicking?

Answer 36

Social Astuteness Interpersonal Influence Networking Impression MGMT

Question 37

Social Astuteness

Answer 37

Ability to observe social cues and intuit others motives and values

Question 38

Interpersonal Influence

Answer 38

Capacity to take control of social encounters (persuasion)

Question 39

Networking

Answer 39

Can cultivate interpersonal resources to achieve desired outcomes

Question 40

Impression MGMT

Answer 40

Manipulating image… to disguise one’s true intentions

Question 41

How do we try to positively manipulate our image? (Impression MGMT)

Answer 41

Draw attention to our good work and take credit for others Praise and do favors for people in influential positions Be polite, friendly, and accommodating

Question 42

Why would someone ever negatively manipulate their image?

Answer 42

Avoid additional work Express dissatisfaction with change Seek revenge by making superior or other look bad Get transferred or laid off

Question 43

Managing Politicking

Answer 43

Politics cannot be eliminated but you can use open-book management

Question 44

Open-book management

Answer 44

Make sure everyone knows what gets rewarded and how rewards are given (transparency) Assign goals, obj. measures, hold accountable Create a culture that praises results w/o politicking