MGT - CH. 15

A(n) _________________ system organization is said to be a self-sufficient entity.

closed

A matrix structure combines:

vertical and horizontal structures

A formal hierarchy of authority is important because it shows the

official communication network. chain of command.

Which statements are true about a horizontal structure?

Each process consists of every task and responsibility needed to meet the customer's needs. It tends to focus on work processes. Teams are created to work on common projects.

Select the four basic dimensions of organizational structure.

Hierarchy of authority Line and staff positions Spans of control Division of labor

Which of these characterize a virtual structure?

Its members rely on e-mail and other forms of information technology to communicate. The concept was an outgrowth of 1990s information technology. Companies using the virtual structure give the illusion that employees work together physically.

Mechanistic organizations typically have a _________________ culture and organizational design.

hierarchical

In a structure, teams or work groups, either temporary or permanent, are created to improve collaboration and work on common projects.

horizontal

What are the three characteristics that all organizations share?

a structure that serves as a fingerprint the goal of being effective the idea that innovation is crucial to remain in business

The hierarchy of authority is also known as the:

chain of command

A hollow structure, also known as a __________________ structure, is designed around a central core of key functions and outsources other functions to other companies or individuals who can do them cheaper or faster.

network

Organizations that allow important decisions to be made by middle- and lower-level managers are enacting

decentralized decision making

The structure that groups people according to the business functions they perform is called a _________ structure.

functional

Organizations learn by using which independent subprocesses?

information acquisition information distribution knowledge integration

What term describes the processes or systems that people, groups, or organizational units use to share information among themselves?

information distribution

What is a key driver of long-term organizational performance?

innovation

A(n) ________ organization is one that proactively creates, acquires and transfers knowledge and that changes its behavior on the basis of new knowledge and insights.

learning

A(n) ______________ system organization depends on constant interaction with the environment for survival.

open

A system of consciously coordinated activities or forces of two or more persons is called a(n) ___________________.

organization

To the casual observer, the term _________________ _______________ means a family tree-like pattern of boxes and lines posted on workplace walls.

organization chart

The general idea behind _______________ ______________ is that firms are more successful and effective when their structure supports the execution of corporate strategies.

organizational design

What is the term that organizations use when they review and discuss past successes and failures to acquire more information?

postmortems

One of the five independent subprocesses an organization uses to learn, which involves a firm obtaining information through internal and external sources is called information acquisition or _______________.

scanning

What are the key contingency factors to consider when making decisions about organization design?

technology strategy and goals size market uncertainty