Unit 4: Management Functions: Organizing

These flashcards cover the key concepts, definitions, and structural components related to organizational management and design.

Organizational Structure

The framework by which an organization divides its labor into distinct tasks and achieves coordination among them.

Basic Parts of an Organization

Components include the Operating Core, Strategic Apex, Middle Line, Technostructure, and Support Staff.

Operating Core

The heart of the organization, comprising individuals directly involved in producing products and services.

Strategic Apex

Top management responsible for formulating strategy and making critical organizational decisions.

Middle Line

Managers who report to top management and supervise first-line managers; acts as a bridge between the strategic apex and operating core.

Technostructure

A part of the organization comprised of analysts and their support staff, influencing operational efficiency without being directly involved in production.

Support Staff

Personnel that provide indirect services to the organization, contributing to overall functionality without engaging in production directly.

Job Specialization

The process of dividing work into distinct tasks to increase efficiency, usually leading to improved skills and productivity.

Behavior Formalization

Standardization of work processes to increase predictability and control over employee behavior.

Departmentalization

The process of grouping positions into units based on various bases like function, product, or location to establish coordination.

Span of Control

The number of subordinate positions directly overseen by a manager, which can influence organizational structure.

Types of Organizational Structures

Different frameworks designed to meet specific organizational goals, including Simple, Bureaucratic, Functional, Divisional, Matrix, Network, Team-Based, and Virtual organizational structures.

Bureaucratic Structure

A hierarchical structure with established policies and procedures aimed at ensuring efficient operations.

Matrix Structure

A hybrid organizational structure where employees report to multiple managers, enhancing communication and efficiency.

Virtual Organizations

Structures that operate with remote collaborations and telecommunication, allowing for flexibility and diverse workforce engagement.