UNIT 2 - Chap 7: Organisation and management

Question 1

What are the functions of a manager? (5)

Answer 1

1. Planning
2. Organising
3. Coordinating
4. Commanding
5. Contraling

Question 2

Explain what planning is?

Answer 2

Planning- Planning for the future involves setting targets. E.g. increasing sales by 20% in 2022. This provides motivation to managers as they have a clear goal.​

Question 3

Explain what organisation is?

Answer 3

Organising – Managers must organise employees and resources effectively. ​

Question 4

Explain what coordination is?

Answer 4

Coordinating: This involves ‘bringing people together.’ This involves all departments and employees working effectively together. This Can be achieved through team work and group meetings.

Question 5

Explain what commanding is?

Answer 5

Commanding: Managers have to make sure all employees are keeping to targets and deadlines and will provide instructions to employees on tasks and responsibilities.

Question 6

Explain what contraling is?

Answer 6

Controlling- Managers must measure and evaluate the work of all individuals and groups to make sure they are on target. Managers may have to take action if employees are not reaching targets.

Question 7

What is the definition for delegation?

Answer 7

Delegation means giving a subordinate the authority to perform particular tasks. ​

Question 8

What are the benefits for delegation? (2)

Answer 8

1. Less stress for managers if they delegate some tasks and they can now focus on other functions e.g. planning and organizing ​
2. Subordinates feel empowered that they have been given certain tasks & they feel trusted. Leads to motivation.​

Question 9

What are the drawbacks for delegation? (2)

Answer 9

1. Subordinates may be demotivated that they have been given more tasks but no extra pay ​
2. The subordinate may not be qualified/skilled enough to complete the task. Could impact quality of product/service​

Question 10

What are the key features for a Autocratic Leadership? (4)

Answer 10

An autocratic leader is where the manager expects to be in charge and to have their orders followed. ​

They make all the decisions​

They tell employees what to do and the employees have little opportunity to add their opinion. ​

Communication is only downwards in the organisational structure

Question 11

What are the benefits for a Autocratic Leadership? (1)

Answer 11

1. Allows for quick decision making as only one person making the decision- Good during a crisis​

Question 12

What are the drawbacks for a Autocratic Leadership? (1)

Answer 12

1. Employee feels their ideas are not listened to which can be demotivating ​

Question 13

What are the key features for a Democratic Leadership? (2)

Answer 13

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1. A democratic leaders allows other employees to be involved in the decision-making process. ​
2. Communication is both downwards and upwards in the organizational structure

Question 14

What are the benefits of a Democratic Leadership? (2)

Answer 14

1. Employees feel their ideas are being listened to- increases motivation​
2. Employees may have great ideas to offer, increasing customer service or the product quality​

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Question 15

What are the drawbacks of a Democratic Leadership? (1)

Answer 15

1. Decision making Is slower as more people are involved, This Decreases efficiency in the business and it will take longer to decide on new products /what changes need to be made. ​

Question 16

What is the key feature for a Laissez Fair Leadership? (1)

Answer 16

LF leaders makes the broad objective of the business known to employees, but then employees are left to make their own decisions and organize their own work. ​

Question 17

What are the benefits for a Laissez Fair Leadership? (2)

Answer 17

1. Encourages employees to show creativity – can lead to better ideas and better products/services ​
2. Makes employees feel empowered as they feel more trusted to carry out work themselves- leads to motivation ​

Question 18

What are the drawbacks for a Laissez Fair Leadership? (2)

Answer 18

1. If employees are young/inexperienced it is not a useful leadership style as they may be unsure how to carry out tasks effectively. ​
2. May cause employees to be less efficient as there is no strict supervision. ​

Question 19

Do managers have to stick to one style of leadership?

Answer 19

Managers can adopt different styles in different situations. E.g. They may be a democratic leader during times of crisis. E.g. Covid/recession but be autocratic when creating/developing new products and services

Question 20

What is the definition of Organisational structure?

Answer 20

refers to the levels of management and division of responsibilities within an organization. ​

Question 21

What is the definition of Hierarchy?

Answer 21

refers to the levels of management in any organisation from the highest to the lowest.​

Question 22

What is the definition of Tall Structure?

Answer 22

has many levels of hierarchy ​

Question 23

What is the definition of A flat structure?

Answer 23

has few levels of hierarchy ​

Question 24

What is the definition of Chain of command?

Answer 24

Allows instructions to be passed down from senior management to lower levels. ​

Question 25

What is definition the span of control?

Answer 25

is the number of subordinates working directly under a manager

Question 26

What is the definition of a Director?

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Answer 26

They lead a department e.g. marketing department​

Question 27

What is the definition of a Managers?

Answer 27

Work in a department and can give orders to supervisors

Question 28

What is the definition of Supervisors?

Answer 28

Supervisors supervise all other subordinates

Question 29

What are the benefits of a tall structure? (2)

Answer 29

1. Lots of layers in the hierarchy means lots of opportunities for promotion- leads to increased motivation​
2. Supervisors normally have a small span of control so they can get to know their subordinates and are able to monitor them efficiently – can increase their subordinates productivity ​

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Question 30

What are the drawbacks of a tall structure? (2)

Answer 30

1. Lots of layers and a long chain of command can mean that communication and decision making is very slow as many layers to pass through ​
2. Expensive as there are more managers and supervisors in a tall structure – higher salary costs ​

Question 31

What are the benefits of a flat structure? (2)

Answer 31

1. Fewer layers of hierarchy between the bottom and the top of the organisation may mean that communication and decision making is fast​
2. Lots of delegation means that staff are given greater responsibility which might increase motivation ​

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Question 32

What are the drawbacks of a flat structure? (2)

Answer 32

1. Wide span of control means managers have too many staff to manage and may lose touch with them- could result in a decrease in productivity ​
2. Less chance of promotion as few layers – could decrease motivation ​

Question 33

What is the definition of a trade union?

Answer 33

Is a group of employees who have joined together to ensure their interest (fair pay and working conditions) are protected?

Question 34

What are the benefits for a trade union? (5)

Answer 34

1. Pay increase
2. Better working conditions
3. Safer working conditions
4. Sick pay
5. Better maternity and paternity pay

Question 35

What are the drawbacks of a trade union? (1)

Answer 35

1. It cost to be a member

Question 36

What are the benefits for a trade union (from employers perspective)? (1)

Answer 36

1. Employees will be satisfied as needs and wants can be met, as they are heard because of a trade union

Question 37

What are the drawbacks for a trade union (from employers perspective)? (2)

Answer 37

1. Paying higher wages and improving working environments leads to higher cost for the business
2. Trade unions can organize strikes if not received their request. This leads to a pause in output for the business and can damage the businesses reputation