Question 1

The extent to which an organization divides labour vertically is most likely to be reflected in how ________ it is.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The extent to which an organization divides...

Question 2

A mechanistic organization would NOT tend to be highly

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic organization is characterized by a rigid and tightly controlled structure, which contrasts with an organic organization that tends to be more flexible and adaptable.

Question 3

Employees sometimes resist employers by "working to rule." This means that they stick to the exact letter of work rules, often slowing their work considerably.Which structural characteristic are employees using to their advantage?

Accepted Answer

"Working to rule" involves employees adhering strictly to the formal rules and procedures outlined for their jobs. This tactic leverages the formalization aspect of an organization's structure, which refers to the extent to which jobs within the organization are standardized and the extent to which employee behavior is guided by rules and procedures. By sticking to the exact letter of work rules, employees are using the organization's formalization against it, potentially slowing down processes and productivity.

Question 4

Other things equal, smaller organizations tend to be more ________ than larger organizations.

Accepted Answer

Smaller organizations tend to be more centralized because decision-making authority is often concentrated in a few individuals, unlike in larger organizations where decision-making can be more dispersed or decentralized.

Question 5

The Rumpole Company had twelve thick procedures manuals that covered every contingency.From this, we know for certain that Rumpole was

Accepted Answer

The presence of twelve thick procedures manuals covering every contingency indicates that the Rumpole Company had a high level of formalization, as it relied on documented procedures and rules to manage operations.

Question 6

Standardization of ________ is often used to coordinate the work of separate product or geographic divisions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Standardization of ________ is often used to...

Question 7

Holding organizational size constant, a tall organization ________ than a flat organization.

Accepted Answer

A tall organization has more hierarchical levels, which typically results in smaller spans of control compared to a flat organization.

Question 8

Discuss five basic ways to coordinate divided labour in an organization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss five basic ways to coordinate divided...

Question 9

When organizational behaviour experts describe an organization as highly centralized, they mean that

Accepted Answer

Centralization in organizational behavior refers to the concentration of decision-making authority at the top levels of the organization. This means that key decisions are made by a small group of individuals, typically senior management, rather than being distributed throughout the organization at different levels or departments.

Question 10

A(n)________ role is occupied by a person in one department who is assigned, as part of his or her job, to achieve coordination with another department.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n)________ role is occupied by a person...

Question 11

Which of the following is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic and bureaucratic structures both refer to organizational designs that are highly structured, with clear hierarchies, roles, and procedures, emphasizing efficiency and predictability.

Question 12

Standardization of outputs and skills can result in much larger spans in ________ companies.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Standardization of outputs and skills can result...

Question 13

The term "span of control" is defined as

Accepted Answer

The term "span of control" refers to the number of employees that a manager is directly responsible for overseeing. It is a key concept in organizational structure, determining how closely a manager can supervise and communicate with their direct reports.

Question 14

Organic structures tend to ________ than mechanistic structures.

Accepted Answer

Organic structures typically have wider spans of control, allowing for more autonomy and less direct supervision, which contrasts with the narrower spans of control found in mechanistic structures.

Question 15

A supervisor with a large span of control has

Accepted Answer

A large span of control means the supervisor is responsible for a large number of employees directly under their supervision.

Question 16

Holding overall organizational size constant, ________ organizations have ________ spans of control.

Accepted Answer

Taller organizations have more levels of hierarchy, which typically means each manager has fewer direct reports, resulting in smaller spans of control.

Question 17

What is the meaning of integration and what are, in ascending order of elaboration, three methods of achieving integration?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the meaning of integration and...

Question 18

Which of the following statements about organizational structure is inconsistent with the mechanistic viewpoint?

Accepted Answer

The mechanistic viewpoint emphasizes a high degree of specialization of labor, contrary to option E, which suggests a very low degree of specialization. This viewpoint typically supports highly structured, formalized, and centralized organizations with detailed rules and narrow spans of control, making all other options consistent with it.

Question 19

One reason why the span of control tends to be smaller at upper levels in an organizational hierarchy is because

Accepted Answer

Adequate time for informal mutual adjustment is necessary at upper levels of an organizational hierarchy because tasks are more complex and require more direct interaction and coordination among managers. This complexity limits the number of subordinates a manager can effectively oversee, leading to a smaller span of control.

Question 20

An organic organization would NOT tend to be

Accepted Answer

An organic organization is characterized by being more adaptable, flexible, and with a decentralized authority structure, which contrasts with a bureaucratic organization that tends to have a rigid and hierarchical structure.

Quiz 14: Organizational Structure