Question 1

The Aston researchers identified five variables drawn from Max Weber's initial list of fifteen.______ refers to the extent to which the organization ensures that decision-making is referred to the apex of the organization,or distributed across lower levels.

Accepted Answer

Centralization refers to the degree to which decision-making is concentrated at a single point in the organization, typically at the top management level, as opposed to being distributed among lower-level employees or departments.

Question 2

Joan Woodward classified contingent technologies into three categories.What term did she use to categorize technology in organizations where production involved fewer customers but larger production runs?

Accepted Answer

Joan Woodward used the term "large batch and mass production" to describe technology in organizations where production involved fewer customers but larger production runs. This category is part of her classification of contingent technologies, which also includes small batch and unit production, and process production.

Question 3

A mechanistic organizational design is typified by high levels of ______.

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic organizational design is characterized by high levels of standardization, with strict rules, procedures, and a clear hierarchy of authority.

Question 4

The belief in causality,which suggests that some variables will affect other variables in specific and predictable ways,and that we should objectively identify and measure those variables in organization which have such relationships,is a hallmark of ______?

Accepted Answer

Contingency theory emphasizes that the effect of one variable on another depends on the context or situation, suggesting a causal relationship between variables that can be objectively measured.

Question 5

The Aston researchers identified five variables drawn from Max Weber's initial list of fifteen.______ refers to the extent to which the organization's range of actions and procedures are covered by formal policies and agreements.

Accepted Answer

Formalization refers to the degree to which organizations use rules, procedures, and written documentation to standardize behaviors and processes. This concept captures the extent to which an organization's activities are governed by formal rules and procedures.

Question 6

As organizations grow,they will tend towards bureaucracy.Such a prediction assumes organization design is contingent upon ______.

Accepted Answer

The prediction that organizations will tend towards bureaucracy as they grow is based on the assumption that organization design is contingent upon size. As organizations increase in size, they often adopt more formal structures and processes, characteristic of bureaucratic organizations, to manage complexity and ensure efficiency.

Question 7

According to Burns and Stalker,organizations that exist in stable,routine environments are more likely to have ______.

Accepted Answer

Burns and Stalker's theory posits that organizations in stable, routine environments tend to develop mechanistic structures, which are characterized by rigidity, hierarchy, and bureaucratic procedures. This is because such environments allow for and benefit from standardized processes and clear lines of authority.

Question 8

An organic organizational design is typified by extensive levels of ______.

Accepted Answer

Organic organizational design is characterized by flexibility, decentralized decision-making, and a broad scope of discretion for employees to approach their tasks, rather than rigid authority or extensive administration.

Question 9

Joan Woodward classified contingent technologies into three categories.What term did she use to categorize technology in organizations where production is usually on a continuous 24/7 basis and concentration is on meeting standards and specifications?

Accepted Answer

Joan Woodward used the term "process production" to categorize technology in organizations where production is continuous and focuses on meeting standards and specifications. This category is characterized by the continuous production of goods, often in chemical, oil, or power generation industries, where the process cannot be easily stopped and restarted.

Question 10

Which of the following is a key 'contingency'?

Accepted Answer

Contingency theory suggests that organizational success is achieved by fitting the organization's structure and processes to key contingencies such as size, technology, and environment. Thus, all of these factors are considered key contingencies in the context of contingency theory.

Question 11

According to Burns and Stalker,organizations that exist in dynamic,uncertain and unpredictable environments are more likely to have ______.

Accepted Answer

Organizations in dynamic, uncertain, and unpredictable environments tend to adopt organic, loose, and less bureaucratic structures to remain flexible and adaptable to change, according to Burns and Stalker.

Question 12

Contingency theory asserts that the mechanisms that regulate organizations are the result of the interactive effect between the structure and function of the organization.What is the term commonly used for this approach?

Accepted Answer

Contingency theory, often associated with structural functionalism, posits that the effectiveness of organizational structures and functions depends on the specific circumstances or contingencies facing the organization. This approach emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptation in organizational design to meet varying external and internal conditions.

Question 13

Joan Woodward classified contingent technologies into three categories.What term did she use to categorize technology in organizations where production involved tailored designs for different customers with small production runs?

Accepted Answer

Joan Woodward used the term "small batch and unit production" to describe technology in organizations that produce customized products in small quantities, tailored to the specific needs of different customers.

Question 14

The Aston researchers identified five variables drawn from Max Weber's initial list of fifteen.Which of the following is NOT one of the five?

Accepted Answer

The Aston researchers' adaptation of Max Weber's list for their study on organizational structure included specialization, standardization, and configuration among others, but did not include disciplinization.

Question 15

Who are the two Scottish researchers who argued organizations are variable structures which are primarily contingent upon their environment?

Accepted Answer

Burns and Stalker are known for their work on the theory of mechanistic and organic systems, which posits that the structure of an organization is contingent upon the nature of its environment, leading to the development of the contingency theory in organizational structure.

Question 16

An organization operating in an industry whose market environment is characterized by predictability,certainty and stability will tend towards bureaucracy.Such a prediction assumes organization design is contingent upon ______.

Accepted Answer

The prediction assumes organization design is contingent upon the environment, as it suggests that the characteristics of the market environment (predictability, certainty, and stability) influence the tendency towards bureaucracy in organizational design.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT central to the concept of structural functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism emphasizes the importance of structured organizations and how their specific functions contribute to the overall stability and functionality of a system. The idea that organizations with no structure at all are most likely to survive contradicts the fundamental principles of structural functionalism, which values structure and function within an organization for its survival and efficiency.

Question 18

In management and organization theory what is the term for something which managers cannot avoid?

Accepted Answer

Contingencies refer to events or conditions that cannot be predicted with certainty and must be dealt with by managers when they occur. These are essentially uncertainties that managers need to plan for and manage as part of their organizational strategy.

Question 19

The Aston researchers identified five variables drawn from Max Weber's initial list of fifteen.______ refers to the extent to which the organization had lots of job descriptions and designs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Aston researchers identified five variables drawn...

Question 20

An organization that adopts technologies that routinize and standardize processes will tend towards bureaucracy.Such a prediction assumes organization design is contingent upon ______.

Accepted Answer

The prediction is based on the assumption that organization design changes according to the technology adopted. This is known as the contingency theory of organization, which suggests that the optimal design of any organization is contingent upon various external and internal factors, with technology being a significant factor in this context.

Quiz 14: Managing Organizational Design