Organisation Structure and Design — Types, authority, responsibility, centralisation, decentralisation and span of control. - One Line Questions

1. A 'flat' organizational structure is characterized by: A wide span of control and few management layers
2. A wide span of control implies that a manager supervises: A large number of subordinates
3. In a divisional structure, each division typically operates as a semi-autonomous unit responsible for: A particular product line or geographic region
4. A 'tall' organizational structure is characterized by: A narrow span of control
5. Responsibility is always accompanied by: A corresponding level of authority
6. The concept of 'line authority' means that managers have the power to: Direct the activities of subordinates
7. A company that outsources many of its core functions to external specialists is likely using a: Network Structure
8. When decision-making authority is concentrated at the top levels of management, the organization is said to be: Centralized
9. Decentralization in an organization means: Decision-making authority is pushed down to lower levels
10. The concept of 'unity of command', often associated with traditional structures, states that: Each subordinate should report to only one superior
11. The primary advantage of a divisional structure is: Focus and accountability for specific products or regions
12. Span of control is influenced by factors such as: Employee skill level, task complexity, and manager's ability
13. What is a potential disadvantage of a highly centralized organization? Overburdened top management and slower responses
14. A narrow span of control generally leads to a structure that is: Tall and narrow
15. What is the primary advantage of a functional structure for specialized tasks? Efficiency and expertise within functional areas
16. A matrix organizational structure combines which two types of departmentalization? Divisional and Functional
17. Which type of structure is best suited for organizations that operate in diverse markets or produce a wide range of products? Divisional Structure
18. Which structure is best suited for project-based work where teams are formed, dissolved, and reformed as needed? Matrix Structure
19. Which structure is most appropriate for a small startup with a limited product line and a need for quick adaptation? Organic Structure
20. Which organizational structure is often described as 'boundaryless'? Network Structure
21. Which structure is best for organizations that need to manage multiple, distinct product lines or services effectively? Divisional Structure
22. In a matrix structure, employees often report to two managers: a functional manager and a: Project or Product Manager
23. Which of these is a characteristic of a mechanistic organizational design? High degree of job specialization
24. Which factor is LEAST likely to support a wide span of control? Complex and non-routine problems
25. Excessive centralization can lead to: Demotivation and bottlenecks
26. The delegation of authority is crucial for: Empowering lower-level employees and improving efficiency
27. The primary challenge in a matrix structure often involves: Conflicting loyalties and dual reporting
28. In a functional structure, what is a potential drawback? Poor communication between departments
29. In a decentralized organization, lower-level managers are typically: More involved in strategic decision-making
30. Which type of authority is advisory in nature and provides recommendations to line managers? Staff Authority
31. Which organizational design is characterized by minimal hierarchy, fluid roles, and extensive use of teams? Adhocracy
32. A narrow span of control typically leads to an organization with: Many layers of management
33. Which organizational structure is characterized by a clear hierarchy, formal rules, and a division of labor, often associated with bureaucracy? Bureaucratic Structure
34. Which organizational structure is often criticized for its rigidity and slow response to changing market conditions? Bureaucratic Structure
35. Which organizational design emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and cross-functional teams? Organic Structure
36. Centralization and decentralization represent a continuum of: Decision-making authority distribution
37. In a functional organizational structure, departments are typically organized based on what? Specialized Functions or Skills
38. The 'span of control' directly impacts the organization's: Number of management levels and communication effectiveness
39. Authority that flows from top to bottom in a clear chain of command is known as: Line Authority
40. A highly decentralized organization often fosters: Greater employee empowerment and job satisfaction
41. Which of the following is a characteristic of a decentralized organization? Empowered lower-level managers
42. Centralization is most effective when: The environment is stable and predictable
43. The 'chain of command' refers to: The line of authority extending from the top to the bottom of the organization
44. Authority can be defined as: The right to direct and command
45. In an organization, 'responsibility' implies: The duty to carry out an assigned task
46. The principle of 'scalar chain' in organizational structure refers to: The line of authority from top to bottom
47. Responsibility in an organization refers to: The obligation to perform assigned duties
48. When responsibility is delegated, the manager still retains: The ultimate accountability for the task's completion
49. What is the main purpose of 'span of control' in organizational design? To define the number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise
50. Which of the following is a key benefit of decentralization? Development of lower-level managers