Question 1

An organization uses task forces to coordinate the activities of various departments. Employees also work in teams to increase coordination. This organization most likely has a(n) ________ structure.
A) mechanistic
B) bureaucratic
C) organic
D) centralized

Accepted Answer

The use of task forces and teamwork to coordinate activities indicates that this organization has an organic structure. Organic structures are highly flexible and adaptable, with low levels of formalization and a focus on teamwork and collaboration. Mechanistic and bureaucratic structures, on the other hand, are highly formalized and hierarchical, with a focus on efficiency and control. Centralization refers to the extent to which decision-making power is concentrated at the top of the organization, and is not directly related to the use of task forces or teamwork.

Question 2

A mechanistic structure is characterized by ________.
A) high levels of standardization
B) complex integrating mechanisms
C) rules that are defined informally
D) decentralized organizational structures

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic structure is characterized by high levels of standardization, which refers to the extent to which tasks are specified using standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations. This type of structure is suitable for stable and predictable environments where there is a need for control and efficiency, and there is little room for creativity or innovation.

Question 3

Norms are ________.
A) formal written statements that control behavior
B) atypical behaviors of a group of people
C) formal actions at lower levels in an organization
D) behaviors that are representative of a certain group

Accepted Answer

Norms are unwritten rules or expectations that govern the behavior of a group of people. They are not formal statements and are not limited to lower levels in an organization. Rather, they are typical behaviors that are expected and accepted within a certain group.

Question 4

________ is the process by which organizational members learn and internalize the norms of an organization.
A) Mutual adjustment
B) Standardization
C) Differentiation
D) Socialization

Accepted Answer

Socialization is the process by which organizational members learn and internalize the norms of an organization. Socialization can be formal or informal and can involve a variety of methods, such as onboarding programs or mentoring. It is an important process for ensuring that employees understand what is expected of them and can integrate into the company culture.

Question 5

Which of the following is the major integrating mechanism used in mechanistic structures?
A) hierarchy of authority
B) task forces
C) teams
D) integrating departments

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic structures rely heavily on a hierarchy of authority as the major integrating mechanism. This means that decisions and directives come down from the top of the organization and are followed through the chain of command. Task forces, teams, and integrating departments are more commonly found in organic structures, which are more flexible and decentralized.

Question 6

Which of the following refers to the use of written rules and procedures to standardize operations?
A) horizontal differentiation
B) formalization
C) socialization
D) vertical differentiation

Accepted Answer

Formalization refers to the use of written rules and procedures to standardize operations. Horizontal differentiation refers to the division of labor based on expertise or function, socialization refers to the process of learning and adopting the norms and values of a particular culture or organization, and vertical differentiation refers to the hierarchical structure of authority within an organization.

Question 7

Organic structures are characterized by ________.
A) loosely defined organizational roles
B) predictable work processes
C) high levels of standardization
D) centralized organizational structures

Accepted Answer

Organic structures are characterized by a lack of formalization and standardized procedures, resulting in loosely defined organizational roles. These structures are flexible and adaptable to change, unlike centralized structures which have a hierarchical chain of command and are less flexible to change. Predictable work processes and high levels of standardization are more characteristic of mechanistic structures.

Question 8

Rate-busters are employees who ________.
A) follow the group norms
B) work too quickly
C) work too slowly
D) break the formal rules

Accepted Answer

Rate-busters are employees who work too quickly, often exceeding the norms or expectations set by their peers or by the company standards. This can disrupt the balance of work pace among employees.

Question 9

A high level of formalization typically implies ________.
A) diffusion of power across the organization
B) centralization of authority
C) mutually adjusted approach to decision-making
D) encouragement of innovation and flexibility

Accepted Answer

High level of formalization means that there are set rules, procedures and policies in place which are strictly followed by all members of the organization. This requires centralization of authority to ensure that these rules are followed consistently across all departments and levels of the organization.

Question 10

Mutual adjustment provides employees the opportunity to ________.
A) specialize in performing certain organizational tasks
B) standardize the tasks that they are performing
C) formalize the rules and procedures for working in an organization
D) discover new ways of achieving organizational goals

Accepted Answer

Mutual adjustment allows employees to interact with each other and find new ways of achieving organizational goals. It involves informal communications and problem-solving between employees, which can lead to increased innovation and creativity within the organization. Specialization, standardization, and formalization do not necessarily provide the same opportunities for employees to discover new ways of achieving goals.

Question 11

Which of the following is a characteristic of organic structures?
A) joint specialization of tasks
B) standardization of procedures
C) centralization of authority
D) simple methods of integration

Accepted Answer

Joint specialization of tasks is a characteristic of organic structures. In an organic structure, tasks are divided into small, specialized units, and each unit is responsible for a specific task. This allows for greater efficiency and productivity.

Question 12

Chiselers are employees who ________.
A) follow established group norms
B) carry out their duties within themselves
C) work too slowly
D) break the formal rules

Accepted Answer

Chiselers are employees who work too slowly, often intentionally, to avoid doing more work or to protest against management.

Question 13

You are the CEO of a small firm that manufactures office furniture. The decision-making authority in your firm rests almost entirely with you and your closest associates. You introduce a set of rules and procedures designed to induce predictable and accountable behaviors among employees. Your firm has a(n) ________ structure.
A) mechanistic
B) mutually adjusted
C) organic
D) integrative

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic structure is characterized by centralized decision-making authority, formalized rules and procedures, and a high degree of specialization and division of labor. The fact that decision-making authority rests almost entirely with the CEO and their closest associates suggests a high degree of centralization. Additionally, the introduction of rules and procedures to induce predictable and accountable behaviors among employees is consistent with a mechanistic structure.

Question 14

Organic structures ________.
A) are used by small organizations
B) initiate innovative behaviors
C) make use of rules and SOPs to coordinate tasks
D) are suited to handle emergencies

Accepted Answer

Organic structures are known for their flexibility and adaptability, which allows organizations to innovate and respond quickly to changes in their environment. They generally rely less on rules and SOPs and more on the judgement and decision-making abilities of employees. While they may be suited to handle some emergencies, their strength lies in their ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances. They are not limited to small organizations, as even large companies can embrace organic structures in certain areas or departments.

Question 15

Which of the following types of employees are most likely to follow standardized practices in performing their tasks?
A) office accountants
B) R&D executives
C) advertising executives
D) public relations officers

Accepted Answer

Office accountants are responsible for managing financial transactions and must follow standardized practices to maintain accuracy and consistency in their work. R&D executives, advertising executives, and public relations officers may have more creative or flexible job responsibilities that do not require as much adherence to standardized practices.

Question 16

Mechanistic structures result when ________.
A) employees work collaboratively and across several functions
B) authority is delegated to people at all levels of the organization
C) extensive use is made of rules and SOPs to coordinate tasks
D) most of the communication within the organization is lateral

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic structures are characterized by a high degree of formalization, rules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that help to coordinate and control tasks. This type of structure is best suited for stable and predictable environments where efficiency and consistency are important. Collaboration, delegation, and lateral communication are more prevalent in organic structures.

Question 17

Organic structures result when ________.
A) organizational authority is not delegated
B) integrative mechanisms are relatively simple
C) standard operating procedures are used to coordinate tasks
D) work processes are relatively unpredictable

Accepted Answer

Organic structures are characterized by flexible and fluid work processes that can adapt to changing conditions. This contrasts with mechanistic structures, which rely on standardized procedures and hierarchical authority to coordinate tasks. Therefore, the best choice is D, which describes work processes that are relatively unpredictable and require a more organic approach to management.

Question 18

________ structures promote flexibility, so people initiate change and can adapt quickly to changing conditions.
A) Mechanistic
B) Standardized
C) Organic
D) Centralized

Accepted Answer

Organic structures are characterized by decentralized decision-making, a flatter hierarchy, cross-functional teams, and flexible roles. This promotes flexibility and adaptability in response to changing conditions. Mechanistic structures, on the other hand, are highly centralized with clear lines of authority and rigid roles, making them less adaptable in dynamic environments. Standardized structures refer to a uniform and consistent approach to tasks, which may not always allow for flexibility. Centralized structures have decision-making power concentrated in a single point, which can be less efficient in responding to changing conditions.

Question 19

Structures that are designed to induce people to behave in predictable and accountable ways are called ________ structures.
A) decentralized
B) mechanistic
C) organic
D) mutually adjusted

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic structures are designed to induce people to behave in predictable and accountable ways through the use of rules, regulations, processes, and hierarchical authority. Decentralized structures allow for more decision-making power to be distributed throughout the organization, organic structures are characterized by flexibility and adaptability, and mutually adjusted structures rely on communication and collaboration between individuals to achieve goals.

Question 20

People turn around to face the door when they enter an elevator. This behavior is observed although there are no formal rules. This is an example of a(n) ________.
A) norm
B) rule
C) benchmark
D) hierarchy

Accepted Answer

The behavior of turning around to face the door in an elevator is an example of a norm, which is an unwritten rule that guides our behavior in a particular social setting. It is not a formal rule or a benchmark, and there is no hierarchical structure associated with this behavior.

Quiz 4: Basic Challenges of Organizational Design

An organization uses task forces to coordinate the activities of various departments. Employees also work in teams to increase coordination. This organization most likely has a(n) ________ structure.

A mechanistic structure is characterized by ________.

Norms are ________.

________ is the process by which organizational members learn and internalize the norms of an organization.

Which of the following is the major integrating mechanism used in mechanistic structures?

Which of the following refers to the use of written rules and procedures to standardize operations?

Organic structures are characterized by ________.

Rate-busters are employees who ________.

A high level of formalization typically implies ________.

Mutual adjustment provides employees the opportunity to ________.

Which of the following is a characteristic of organic structures?

Chiselers are employees who ________.

Organic structures ________.

Which of the following types of employees are most likely to follow standardized practices in performing their tasks?

Mechanistic structures result when ________.

Organic structures result when ________.

________ structures promote flexibility, so people initiate change and can adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Structures that are designed to induce people to behave in predictable and accountable ways are called ________ structures.

People turn around to face the door when they enter an elevator. This behavior is observed although there are no formal rules. This is an example of a(n) ________.