Question 1

According to Hall (1996), the organization serves three basic functions; which of the following is not one of those functions?

Accepted Answer

Hall (1996) identifies the functions of an organization as minimizing and regulating individual variations from organizational requirements, defining which positions will exercise power over others, and producing organizational outputs and achieving organizational goals. Establishing and fostering relationships among management and employees is not explicitly mentioned as one of the basic functions according to Hall's framework.

Question 2

Which of the following is a term used when describing "organizing":

Accepted Answer

All the options provided (A through D) are terms or concepts that relate to organizing in the context of management or project planning. Organizing involves arranging collective efforts, dividing labor among team members, grouping tasks to be more efficient, and allocating resources effectively to achieve goals.

Question 3

Clegg, Kornberger, and Pitsis (2005) stated that this is one of the most important issues within organizing.

Accepted Answer

Structure is considered one of the most important issues within organizing, as it determines how tasks are divided, coordinated, and controlled within an organization.

Question 4

Which of the following principles of organizing seeks to protect the subordinate from conflicting demands being placed on her or him?

Accepted Answer

Unity of command is a principle that aims to ensure an employee receives orders from only one superior, thereby avoiding conflicting demands or instructions.

Question 5

The principle that states "No one can serve two masters" is similar to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Unity of command is a principle that suggests an employee should receive orders from one superior only, which aligns with the idea that "No one can serve two masters."

Question 6

Which of the following principles of organizing seeks to increase the efficiency of individual performances?

Accepted Answer

Specialization increases efficiency by allowing individuals to focus on a narrow set of tasks, improving their skills and speed in those tasks.

Question 7

An assembly line in a factory is an example of which organizing principle?

Accepted Answer

An assembly line is a classic example of specialization, where each worker or group of workers is assigned a specific, repetitive task to increase efficiency and expertise in that task.

Question 8

Specialization contributes to efficiency in all of the following ways except:

Accepted Answer

Specialization often requires more supervision to ensure that specialized tasks are performed correctly and efficiently, as workers focus on specific tasks rather than the entire process.

Question 9

Which of the following principles of organizing relates to the number of subordinates a supervisor might manage?

Accepted Answer

Span of control refers to the number of subordinates that a manager or supervisor can effectively manage. This principle is concerned with finding the optimal balance of employees under one manager to ensure effective management and communication.

Question 10

Deciding on the number of sports to be supervised by each associate athletic director would fall under which of the following organizing principles?

Accepted Answer

Span of control refers to the number of subordinates or tasks that a manager or supervisor can directly control or oversee. In this context, deciding on the number of sports each associate athletic director supervises is about determining how many direct reports or areas of responsibility they can effectively manage, which aligns with the concept of span of control.

Question 11

"Span of control" refers to the number of people, units, and operations that a manager can control effectively and efficiently. Many factors contribute to this principle; which of the following is not one of them?

Accepted Answer

Division of labor refers to the breakdown of jobs into narrow and repetitive tasks, which is not directly related to the number of people or units a manager can control effectively (span of control). The span of control is more directly influenced by factors such as the type of work, the competence of both the supervisor and the employees, and production pressures, which affect how closely a manager needs to oversee their team.

Question 12

When a university athletic department decides that all of its athletes must attend study hall for two hours each night regardless of their GPA or scholarship status, which of Weber's principles of bureaucracy has been adhered to?

Accepted Answer

Weber's principle of a system of abstract rules is adhered to in this scenario because the requirement for all athletes to attend study hall for two hours each night is an example of a rule that applies universally, regardless of individual circumstances such as GPA or scholarship status. This reflects Weber's idea that bureaucracies operate based on a system of rules that are impersonal and uniformly applied.

Question 13

When an NHL franchise permits assistant coaches to discuss coaching issues directly with the general manager, which of Weber's tenets is it violating?

Accepted Answer

Weber's tenet of "Hierarchy of authority" is violated when assistant coaches bypass their direct superiors (head coach) to discuss issues with the general manager, as it disrupts the established chain of command.

Question 14

When the manager of ticketing operations hires an employee primarily because that person is the nephew of a member of the university's board of governors, which of Weber's tenets has been violated?

Accepted Answer

Impersonality is violated because the manager is hiring the employee based on personal connections rather than on merit.

Question 15

When an administrative assistant working in the front office of a sport organization is promoted to the head of player development, which one of Weber's tenets is being violated?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When an administrative assistant working in the...

Question 16

Which of the following is not a criticism of bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

Abstract rules being aligned with changing conditions is not a criticism of bureaucracy; rather, bureaucracies are often criticized for their inability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. The other options (B, C, D, E) are common criticisms of bureaucratic systems, highlighting issues such as inefficiency, rigidity, and the prioritization of seniority over competence.

Question 17

Which of the following principles of bureaucracy is most likely to ensure consistency and uniformity in the activities of the organization and its members?

Accepted Answer

A system of abstract rules ensures consistency and uniformity by providing clear guidelines and procedures that all members of the organization must follow, reducing personal discretion and variability.

Question 18

Emma has made it a policy at her fitness club that her employees make decisions regarding everyday operations. This process could be described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Decentralization refers to the delegation of decision-making power to lower levels in an organization's hierarchy, allowing employees more autonomy in everyday operations, which matches the scenario described.

Question 19

When the head of an organization declares that she will make all decisions regarding employee drug testing policy, this is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the head of an organization declares...

Question 20

Perrow (1972) stated that in order for bureaucracy to be efficient, it must be:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Perrow (1972) stated that in order for...

Quiz 7: Principles of Organizing

According to Hall (1996) , the organization serves three basic functions; which of the following is not one of those functions?