All of the following are characteristics of an organic organizational structure except:

All of the following are characteristics of an organic organizational structure except:

Chapter 10 – Organizational Structure and Design

True/False Questions

DEFINING ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Organizational design is the organization's formal framework by which job tasks are divided, grouped, and

coordinated.

False (difficult)

The concept of work specialization can be traced back a couple of centuries to Adam Smith's discussion of

division of labor.

True (moderate)

The degree to which tasks in an organization are divided into separate jobs is division of labor.

True (moderate)

Historically, many organizations have grouped work actions by function departmentalization.

True (moderate)

Grouping jobs on the basis of product or customer flow is termed customer departmentalization.

False (moderate)

Geographic departmentalization has greatly increased in importance as a result of today’s competitive business

environment

False (moderate)

A group of individuals who are experts in various specialties and who work together is a cross-functional team.

True (moderate)

Authority is the individual's capacity to influence decisions.

False (difficult)

Authority is synonymous with responsibility.

False (easy)

Responsibility is the rights inherent in a managerial position.

False (easy)

A manager's span of control refers to the number of subordinates who can be effectively and efficiently

supervised.

True (moderate)

The classical view of unity of command suggests that subordinates should have only one superior to whom they

report.

True (easy)

The trend in recent years has been toward smaller spans of control.

False (easy)

When decisions tend to be made at lower levels in an organization, the organization is said to be decentralized.

True (moderate)

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What are characteristics of an organic organizational structure?

An organic organization is able to adapt to changes in its environment relatively easily. It is characterized by low complexity, low centralization, and low formalization. Its opposite is a mechanistic organization, which is characterized by high complexity, high centralization, and high formalization.

Which one of the following is characteristic of an organic organization design?

The answer is C. The organic model of organization is an organizational structure in which decision making is decentralized and the information flows freely. In such an organization, the job specialization is minimal and the span of control of the managers are broad.

What is an organic Organisational structure?

An organic organisational structure is one which is fluid and flexible. It is associated with decentralised decision-making, flat hierarchies, wide spans of control, informal communication and an ability to embrace change.

Is not a characteristic of organic organization?

The level of specialization is low and not high i.e. the tasks are not divided into individual jobs too much. Hence the correct option is B.