Chapter 8 - Smartbook Questions & Quiz

The three types of organizational design are:

- traditional - open boundaries - horizontal

The IT network that allows for the movement of organizational information within that company is known as the organizational structure.

False Explanation: Organizational structure is a formal system of task and reporting relationships that coordinate and motivates an organization's members so that they can work together to achieve the organization's goals.

What are the three layers of organizational culture?

- Basic assumptions - Observable artifacts - Espoused values

Which of the following three things should managers taking a contingency approach to organizational design consider while determining the optimal structure for an organization?

- Link between strategy, structure, and culture - Mechanistic vs. organic environment - Differentiation vs. integration environment

What are two suggestions for improving your adaptability in the workplace?

- be proactive in learning situations - be more resourceful

Two advantages of decentralization are that (1) managers are encouraged to not solve their own problems, but rather to ask for assistance as soon as possible, and (2) decisions are made more slowly because they are discussed at a higher level of management.

False Explanation: An advantage of decentralized authority is that managers are encouraged to solve their own problems rather than buck the decision to a higher level. In addition, decisions are made more quickly, which increases the organization's flexibility and efficiency.

The ________ approach to management emphasizes that a manager's approach should vary according to the individual and environmental situation.

contingency

The process of fitting the organization to its environment is referred to as the _______ approach to organizational structure.

contingency

A system of shared beliefs and values that develops within an organization and guides the behavior of its members is called organizational ______.

culture

Espoused values are

explicitly stated values and norms preferred by an organization. Explanation: Espoused values are the explicitly stated values and norms preferred by an organization, as may be put forth by the firm's founder or top managers. Sometimes espoused values are at odds with enacted values.

If an organization wishes to become more controlling and authoritative toward its employees, it should consider adopting a(n) _____ structure.

hierarchical

A hospital is an example of a nonprofit organization because it is formed to _____.

offer services to clients

Sophie, a shift manager in a shoe store, has 40 employees on her shift that she directly supervises. The 40 workers who report directly to Sophie represent her

span of control. Explanation: The span of control, or span of management, refers to the number of people reporting directly to a given manager.

Common purpose, one of the four common elements of organizations proposed by Schein,

unifies members and helps everyone understand the organization's reason for being.

Match the type of organization with its description.

For-profit organization - Formed to make money by offering products or services Nonprofit organization - Formed to offer services to clients rather than make money Mutual-benefit organization - Voluntary collective formed to advance members' interests

A corporate culture is a defined set of shared, taken-for-granted implicit assumptions that a group holds and that determines how it perceives, thinks about, and reacts to its various environments.

True Explanation: A corporate culture is a defined set of shared, taken-for-granted implicit assumptions that a group holds and that determines how it perceives, thinks about, and reacts to its various environments.

Bridget, the youngest owner of a family-owned restaurant, wants to make sure her company's culture is embedded in their organization. In a recent tradeshow workshop, she learned that she can do this by having company rites and rituals, continuing to tell stories about company legends, and being a role model to her employees.

True Explanation: Embedding organizational culture is essentially a teaching process—that is, a process in which members instruct each other about the organization's preferred values, beliefs, expectations, and behaviors. The process is accomplished by using one or more of the following 12 mechanisms:

Organizational design is concerned with which two activities?

- creating structures of accountability and responsibility - creating a structural design that will help an organization execute its strategies

Organizational culture:

- helps employees understand why the organization does what it does - is passed on to new employees through socialization and mentoring - is the social glue that binds members of the organization together - represents beliefs and values shared among workers - significantly affects work outcomes at all levels of the organization

Optimistic people attempt to change or influence a decision or they adapt and move on.

True Explanation: Optimistic people see change as an opportunity. Because they view work or career changes as challenges to be overcome, they have positive expectations about future events and confidence in their ability to adjust. Optimistic people tend not to whine. Rather, they attempt to change or influence a decision or they adapt and move on.

When managers and employees within the same department are brought together in cross-functional teams to solve particular problems, their company is using a team-based design.

True Explanation: When managers from different functional divisions are brought together in cross-functional teams to solve particular problems, the barriers between the divisions break down. The focus on narrow divisional interests yields to a common interest in solving the problems that brought them together.

Personal ___________ is defined as the ability and willingness to adapt to changing situations

adaptability

In the elements of organizations, ________ unifies employees or members and gives everyone an understanding of the organization's reason for being.

common purpose

Observable artifacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions are the three levels of organizational _____.

culture

An organization that wants to eliminate layers in favor of creating a culture where employees have more power should consider adopting a _____ organizational structure.

flattened

A company dress code and award ceremonies would be part of

observable artifacts. Explanation: At the most visible level, organizational culture is expressed in observable artifacts, which are physical manifestations such as manner of dress, awards, myths and stories about the company, rituals and ceremonies, and decorations, as well as visible behavior exhibited by managers and employees.

A hierarchy culture has an internal focus; it values ____ over flexibility.

stability and control Explanation: A hierarchy culture has an internal focus and values stability and control over flexibility.