Assignment: Chapter 11: Managing Organization Design

In Burns and Stalker's research, the factor identified as affecting an organization's structure is the:

Environment

Why is Cengage Mindtap so ridiculous?

Education for profit

Which of the following statements explains the choice of design based on an organization's strategy?

It depends.

Which of the following reasons would you give to support your recommendation to Cisco Systems? Check all that apply.

Shorter chains of command and horizontal communication allow for increased innovation. Decentralized decision making allows for greater flexibility in meeting customer needs.

Which of the following reasons would you give to support your recommendation to Netflix?

Strategic business units (SBUs) within an organization may operate autonomously such that each SBU has its own functional departments. This type of design is called a multi-divisional structure.

Control is centralized and focuses on blame for mistakes.

System 1

Goal-setting is centralized at the top of the organization.

System 1

What are the disadvantages of Dropbox's current organizational structure?

The functional structure may not be sufficient to meet the needs of multiple office locations.

In which stage of the organizational life cycle did Grendene recognize that its expertise in manufacturing and molding a patented form of plastic could be used in industries beyond wine?

Youth

Professor Hackman was commenting on the effect of a deviant in a long-standing work team. Step back and consider whether a deviant might have a similar effect in the team organization, which does not have long-term or permanent teams. According to Hackman, a deviant may help a group consider alternative solutions , but if the deviant has a strong personality and limits the input of others, the problem of minority domination may arise.

alternative solutions minority domination

Aconglomerate design may also be referred to as the H-form (holding company) approach to departmentalization.

conglomerate design

A benefit of using a functional structure with departments that specialize in different types of work is that Dropbox can

functional Minimize the inefficiency of duplicated efforts across multiple locations

The U-form of organization design is organized by functions

functions

Dell's Professional Development program allows all employees to take courses that align with Dell's business goals and strategy. Dell can be described as alearning organization.

learning

Based on the case study, which basic form of technology is used by Melissa's manufacturing facilities?

Continuous process technology

CreativityUnlimited provides graphic design and branding needs for its clients. Every client is unique. While CreativityUnlimited has traditionally been organized by functional departments, the COO believes it will be more effective for everyone assigned to the same client to be grouped together. This shift will utilize one of the basic building blocks of organization design,

Grouping Jobs

I HATE USING CENGAGE MINDTAP!!!

I HATE USING CENGAGE MINDTAP!!!

Which of the following are disadvantages of bureaucratic organizations? Check all that apply.

Human processes may not receive adequate attention The structure may seem less personal to employees and customers. Making exceptions to rules for individual situations may be difficult.

Mega Consulting is an example of a learning organization. As a result of this structure, which of the following are you likely to observe? Check all that apply.

learning Employees finding creative solutions to job-related challenges Employees with greater job skills and knowledge A company committed to continuous improvement

Imagine that you are a consultant and have been asked to lead the redesign of a large corporation. You will need to collect and consider a lot of information about the organization's strategic direction and how the organization works now. Then you'll need to consider how best to combine the building blocks of organizations to create an effective structure for this company. Before beginning to work through the details of this big project, you decide to reflect on what you know about organization design in general. Select the correct response to the following question. What must be kept in mind as a guiding principle during the organization redesign?

It should take into account all six building blocks of organizations and how they relate to each other.

Which of the following is the best example of a company using a bureaucratic model of organization design?

Safety is a key concern in most industries, but it is especially important at BigBoom Fireworks Factory. Employees must use carefully standardized procedures for packing fireworks to prevent unwanted explosions.

Decision process occurs at all levels and it is primarily decentralized.

System 2

Performance goals are high and managers are committed to providing employees with necessary resources.

System 2

The XYZ Corporation has a distinct division of labor, consistent rules, and a clear hierarchy. Managers maintain distance between themselves and subordinates, and promotions are awarded based on technical expertise. These are all hallmarks of

a bureaucracy

As an organization becomes more mechanistic, its chain of command becomes It is also true that, as an organization becomes more organic, its chain of command becomes

longer, shorter

Netflix uses a vertical integration strategy. Netflix, an online provider of streaming media, is pursuing a strategy of vertical integration. In addition to serving as a distribution channel for programming created by other manufacturers, it is also developing its own original programming. Organizational activities related to the original programming are housed in a separate, strategic business unit than those related to online streaming. If you were a consultant hired to advise Netflix, you would suggest that it have multi-divisional structure.

multi-divisional

Cisco Systems uses a differentiation strategy. They offer their customers the latest in routers and switches. Cisco products may cost a bit more, but customers believe they are worth every penny. If you were a consultant hired to advise Cisco Systems, you would suggest that it have an organic structure.

organic