Question 1

Lea's company pursues a strategy of cost minimization,but it has not been succeeding.Its structure is quite loose,informal,and decentralized.A better organizational structure for it might be
A)organic.
B)matrix.
C)mechanistic.
D)imitation.
E)simple.

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic structure is characterized by a top-down approach to decision-making, strict rules and procedures, and a high degree of formalization. This type of structure is suited for a company pursuing a cost minimization strategy as it helps to ensure efficiency and control. A loose, informal and decentralized structure is more suitable for a company pursuing an innovation or growth strategy.

Question 2

________ is characterized by a comprehensive information network and many participants in decision making.
A)A bureaucracy
B)A mechanistic structure
C)A stable structure
D)An organic structure
E)A boundaryless organization

Accepted Answer

An organic structure is characterized by a comprehensive information network and many participants in decision making, as opposed to a mechanistic structure which is centralized and rigid. A bureaucracy may have a comprehensive information network, but decision making is typically centralized and hierarchical. A stable structure does not necessarily have a comprehensive information network or many participants in decision making. A boundaryless organization refers to a structure that has few or no boundaries or barriers to information or decision making, and is not necessarily characterized by a comprehensive information network or many participants in decision making.

Question 3

Which strategy emphasizes the introduction of major new products and services?
A)innovation
B)cost-minimization
C)imitation
D)organic
E)mechanistic

Accepted Answer

The strategy that emphasizes the introduction of major new products and services is innovation, which involves creating something new or improving an existing product or service to meet customer needs or market demands. This strategy is focused on differentiation and can help a company gain a competitive advantage.

Question 4

SCENARIO 13-4 After extensively researching both traditional and new design options for organizational structures,you have decided that one of the designs developed since the early 1980s is probably the most appropriate for your newly formed organization.
-Refer to Scenario 13-4.You wish to outsource many of the functions that are usually performed internally.You have chosen to operate your business as a
A)matrix organization.
B)virtual organization.
C)team structure.
D)matrix structure.
E)simple organization.

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization allows for outsourcing of functions and the use of technology to connect individuals and teams across geographies and even organizations. This option aligns with the desire to outsource functions and take advantage of technological tools.

Question 5

An organic structure is typically characterized by
A)high complexity.
B)low formalization.
C)a limited-information network.
D)little participation by lower-level members in decision making.
E)no cross-functional teams.

Accepted Answer

An organic structure is generally characterized by low formalization, meaning rules and procedures are not strictly enforced, and there is flexibility in decision making. This allows for adaptability and agility in responding to changes in the environment. High complexity, limited-information network, and little participation by lower-level members in decision making are characteristics of a mechanistic structure. The presence or absence of cross-functional teams is not necessarily a defining characteristic of either structure type.

Question 6

Kim thinks that she is going to love working for her new company,as it is very informal with a lot of cross-functional teams with members from different departments.This is an example of what kind of structure?
A)mechanistic
B)flat
C)organic
D)transitional
E)hybrid

Accepted Answer

The description of a company with cross-functional teams from different departments suggests an organic structure. Organic structures are more flexible and adaptable, with less emphasis on formal procedures and hierarchies, and a greater emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.

Question 7

An organization's environment represents
A)the organizational culture.
B)anything outside the organization itself.
C)the accounting system.
D)everything both inside and outside the organization.
E)a relatively certain future.

Accepted Answer

The environment of an organization includes all elements outside the organization that can potentially affect its performance, operations, or survival. This encompasses competitors, regulations, market trends, and other external factors.

Question 8

If there are low formalization,a comprehensive information network and many participants in decision making,one would expect
A)a bureaucracy.
B)a mechanistic structure.
C)an organic structure.
D)a stable structure.
E)a typical government organization.

Accepted Answer

A low level of formalization, a comprehensive information network, and many participants in decision making are all characteristics of an organic structure. This type of structure emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and decentralized authority. Bureaucracies are typically highly formalized and centralized, so that is not the best choice. Mechanistic structures are also highly formalized and centralized, with a focus on efficiency and standardization, so that is also not the best choice. A stable structure may or may not be organic, so that is not the best choice. A typical government organization could be either mechanistic or organic, depending on the specific organization, so that is not the best choice either.

Question 9

A structure that is flat,uses cross-functional teams,and has low formalization is known as
A)informal.
B)unstructured.
C)organic.
D)mechanistic.
E)amorphous.

Accepted Answer

A structure that is flat, uses cross-functional teams, and has low formalization is known as an organic structure. Organic structures are flexible, adaptable, and decentralized, with decision-making authority distributed throughout the organization. They tend to have fewer rules and procedures, and more emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration within and across departments.

Question 10

Which term refers to how an organization transfers its inputs to outputs?
A)technology
B)structure
C)strategy
D)environment
E)innovation

Accepted Answer

The term that refers to how an organization transfers its inputs to outputs is technology, which involves the processes, equipment, and knowledge used to transform inputs into outputs. Structure refers to the arrangement of roles, responsibilities, and relationships within an organization, while strategy refers to the plan or direction for achieving organizational goals. Environment refers to the external factors that affect an organization, such as competitors, customers, and regulations. Innovation refers to the development of new ideas or practices. Thus, the best choice is A.

Question 11

Which of the following is a challenge with the circular structure?
A)spreading the vision outward
B)innovation and creativity
C)employees are unclear who they report to
D)supporting corporate social responsibility
E)reduced hierarchy

Accepted Answer

In a circular structure, the traditional hierarchy and reporting lines are removed, which can lead to confusion among employees about who they should report to. This can create challenges in decision-making and coordination within the organization.

Question 12

What is a major difference between a mechanistic model and an organic model?
A)One involves new products and services.
B)One has high formalization.
C)They vary greatly in organizational size.
D)One is for technological firms.
E)One is characteristic of the service industry.

Accepted Answer

The major difference between a mechanistic model and an organic model is the degree of formalization. Mechanistic models have high formalization, while organic models have low formalization. Other factors such as organizational size, industry type, and technological focus may vary between different models regardless of their level of formalization.

Question 13

Kara works for a company that has a flat organizational structure; authority is centralized in a single person who has a wide span of control and authority.This is an example of what kind of structure?
A)organic
B)simple
C)matrix
D)bureaucratic
E)hybrid

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kara works for a company that has...

Question 14

Wazi feels very comfortable working for an organization that has a clear chain of command,a lot of departmentalization,and a narrow span of control,as this suits his personality.This is an example of what kind of structure?
A)mechanistic
B)flat
C)organic
D)transitional
E)hybrid

Accepted Answer

This response describes a highly structured organization with clear hierarchies and standardized processes, which is characteristic of a mechanistic structure.

Question 15

SCENARIO 13-4 After extensively researching both traditional and new design options for organizational structures,you have decided that one of the designs developed since the early 1980s is probably the most appropriate for your newly formed organization.
-Refer to Scenario 13-4.Your new organization is looking to network with a variety of independent companies so that you can share skills,costs and access to other markets.The most appropriate structure is probably the
A)matrix organization.
B)virtual organization.
C)team structure.
D)matrix structure.
E)modular organization.

Accepted Answer

A virtual organization is the most appropriate choice for this scenario because it is a network of independent companies that work together through information technology to share skills, costs, and access to other markets. This structure allows for flexibility and adaptability in a constantly changing business environment. The other options (matrix, team, and modular structures) may also be appropriate in certain circumstances, but do not specifically address the need for networking with independent companies.

Question 16

Which of the following structures is characterized by extensive departmentalization,high formalization,a limited information network,as well as centralization?
A)mechanistic model
B)organic model
C)technology model
D)job structure model
E)job satisfaction model

Accepted Answer

The characteristics described in the question are features of the mechanistic model of organization design. Mechanistic structures tend to have high levels of departmentalization, formalization, centralization, and limited information networks.

Question 17

Changes in corporate strategy precede and lead to
A)changes in the environment.
B)better communication.
C)increased productivity.
D)changes in an organization's structure.
E)satisfying management's demands.

Accepted Answer

Changes in corporate strategy often require changes in the organization's structure to support the new strategic direction. This can include reorganizing departments, shifting reporting lines, and creating new roles or teams. Changes in the environment, communication, productivity, and management demands may be impacted by these structural changes, but they are not the direct result of changes in corporate strategy.

Question 18

Which of the following is inconsistent with the organic model?
A)cross-functional teams
B)rigid departmentalization
C)cross-hierarchical teams
D)free flow of information
E)high participation in decision making

Accepted Answer

The organic model emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and less formal structure. Rigid departmentalization goes against these principles and is therefore inconsistent with the organic model.

Question 19

Emilio's company is very innovative and seeks to defeat its competition by introducing a steady stream of new products.The best organizational structure for this company would likely be
A)organic.
B)matrix.
C)mechanistic.
D)imitation.
E)simple.

Accepted Answer

An organic structure is more flexible, decentralized and adaptable to changes. These characteristics are important for a company that aims to introduce new products in a competitive market. It allows for greater creativity, innovation, and faster decision-making processes.

Question 20

Which of the following is uncharacteristic of a mechanistic structure?
A)extensive departmentalization
B)high formalization
C)limited information network
D)flexibility
E)little participation

Accepted Answer

A mechanistic structure is characterized by extensive departmentalization, high formalization, limited information network, little participation, and low flexibility. Therefore, the characteristic of flexibility is uncharacteristic of a mechanistic structure.

Quiz 13: Organizational Structure

Lea's company pursues a strategy of cost minimization,but it has not been succeeding.Its structure is quite loose,informal,and decentralized.A better organizational structure for it might be

________ is characterized by a comprehensive information network and many participants in decision making.

Which strategy emphasizes the introduction of major new products and services?

An organic structure is typically characterized by

Kim thinks that she is going to love working for her new company,as it is very informal with a lot of cross-functional teams with members from different departments.This is an example of what kind of structure?

An organization's environment represents

If there are low formalization,a comprehensive information network and many participants in decision making,one would expect

A structure that is flat,uses cross-functional teams,and has low formalization is known as

Which term refers to how an organization transfers its inputs to outputs?

Which of the following is a challenge with the circular structure?

What is a major difference between a mechanistic model and an organic model?

Kara works for a company that has a flat organizational structure; authority is centralized in a single person who has a wide span of control and authority.This is an example of what kind of structure?

Wazi feels very comfortable working for an organization that has a clear chain of command,a lot of departmentalization,and a narrow span of control,as this suits his personality.This is an example of what kind of structure?

Which of the following structures is characterized by extensive departmentalization,high formalization,a limited information network,as well as centralization?

Changes in corporate strategy precede and lead to

Which of the following is inconsistent with the organic model?

Emilio's company is very innovative and seeks to defeat its competition by introducing a steady stream of new products.The best organizational structure for this company would likely be

Which of the following is uncharacteristic of a mechanistic structure?