Chapter 2 Quiz

True/False. A task force is a permanent committee formed to handle problems that exist within an organization.

False

True/False. Formalization is more appropriate in environments that require high levels of mutual adjustment.

False

True/False. Norms are formalized rules of behavior within an organization.

False

True/False. The simplest integrating mechanism is to establish direct contact between people in different subunits.

False

________ is the process by which an organization allocates people and resources to organizational tasks and establishes the task and authority relationships that allow the organization to achieve its goals. A. Differentiation B. Decentralization C. Integration D. Standardization

A. Differentiation

________ functions facilitate the control and coordination of activities within and among departments. A. Managerial B. Adaptive C. Support D. Maintenance

A. Managerial

Which of the following statements is true of an organization that adopts an organic structure to deal with high environmental uncertainty? A. The organization needs to decentralize decision-making. B. The organization should have low levels of differentiation. C. The organization needs to adopt formalized rules and procedures. D. The organization should increase the level of standardization.

A. The organization needs to decentralize decision-making.

A(n) ________ is a classification of people in an organization according to authority and rank. A. hierarchy B. architecture C. culture D. orientation

A. hierarchy

A salesperson for a computer accessories manufacturer reports to the sales manager of the computer screen division. Identify the integrating technique used in this case. A. hierarchy of authority B. direct contact C. integrating role D. liaison role

A. hierarchy of authority

Which of the following is a characteristic of organic structures? A. joint specialization of tasks B. standardization of procedures C. centralization of authority D. simple methods of integration

A. joint specialization of tasks

People turn around to face the door when they enter an elevator. This behavior is observed although there are no formal rules. This is an example of a(n) ________. A. norm B. rule C. benchmark D. hierarchy

A. norm

________ is the process of coordinating various tasks, functions, and divisions to work together and not be at cross-purposes. A. Subunit orientation B. Integration C. Differentiation D. Decentralization

B. Integration

A high level of formalization typically implies ________. A. diffusion of power across the organization B. centralization of authority C. mutually adjusted approach to decision-making D. encouragement of innovation and flexibility

B. centralization of authority

The marketing and manufacturing managers of the sportswear division of a sports goods company meet to discuss the launch of a new line of football jerseys. The integrating technique used in this case is ________. A. integrating role B. direct contact C. task force D. integrating department

B. direct contact

Standardizing the operations will help an organization in ________. A. increasing the creativity of its employees B. keeping the costs low C. promoting mutual adjustment among different divisions D. personalizing its customer service

B. keeping the costs low

Structures that are designed to induce people to behave in predictable and accountable ways are called ________ structures. A. decentralized B. mechanistic C. organic D. mutually adjusted

B. mechanistic

Which of the following refers to the compromise that emerges when decision-making and coordination are evolutionary processes and people use their judgment to address a problem? A. centralization B. mutual adjustment C. formalization D. standardization

B. mutual adjustment

Top-level managers make all the important decisions in an organization. This organization is said to be ________. A. differentiated B. formalized C. centralized D. decentralized

C. centralized

Mechanistic structures result when ________. A. employees work collaboratively and across several functions B. authority is delegated to people at all levels of the organization C. extensive use is made of rules and SOPs to coordinate tasks D. most of the communication within the organization is lateral

C. extensive use is made of rules and SOPs to coordinate tasks

A ________ is a subunit composed of a group of people, working together, who possess similar skills or use the same kind of knowledge, tools, or techniques to perform their jobs. A. hierarchy B. class C. function D. division

C. function

Quality control is a part of ________ function. A. managerial B. support C. production D. maintenance

C. production

A cell-phone manufacturer forms a temporary committee to find new ways to position its products. Identify the integrating mechanism used in this case. A. integrating role B. team C. task force D. integrating department

C. task force

Which of the following refers to the way in which an organization designs its hierarchy of authority and creates reporting relationships to link organizational roles and subunits? A. vertical integration B. horizontal differentiation C. vertical differentiation D. horizontal integration

C. vertical differentiation

________ is the power to hold people accountable for their actions and to make decisions about how to invest and use organizational resources. A. Orientation B. Motivation C. Capability D. Authority

D. Authority

Mutual adjustment provides employees the opportunity to ________. A. specialize in performing certain organizational tasks B. standardize the tasks that they are performing C. formalize the rules and procedures for working in an organization D. discover new ways of achieving organizational goals

D. discover new ways of achieving organizational goals

Robert Downs, the CEO of a manufacturing firm, wants to improve the communication between marketing and production departments. He asks one manager from each department to coordinate the communication between these departments. Identify the integrating mechanism used in this case. A. task force B. integrating department C. direct contact D. liaison role

D. liaison role

True/False. An organizational role is a set of task-related behaviors required of a person by his or her position in an organization.

True

True/False. Differentiation and integration are both expensive in terms of the number of managers employed and the amount of managerial time spent on coordinating organizational activities.

True

True/False. Division of labor and differentiation are high in a complex organization.

True

True/False. The contingency approach to organizational design tailors organizational structure to the sources of uncertainty facing an organization.

True