Business Management Chapter 7: Organizational Structure, Teams, and Communication Cartes

What is organizational culture?

The shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape how members of an organization interact and work.

What are the two types of organizational culture?

Formal culture (mission statements, codes of ethics) and informal culture (dress codes, work habits).

How does organizational structure develop?

It develops when managers assign work tasks to individuals or groups and coordinate activities to achieve objectives.

What is an organizational chart?

A visual display that outlines the chain of command and lines of communication within an organization.

What is specialization in an organization?

The division of labor into specific tasks to increase efficiency and reduce time wasted on job switching.

What are the negative effects of overspecialization?

Boredom and dissatisfaction among employees.

What is functional departmentalization?

Grouping jobs that perform similar functional activities, such as finance, marketing, and human resources.

What is product departmentalization?

Organizing jobs in relation to the products of the firm.

What is geographic departmentalization?

Grouping jobs according to geographic location, such as state, region, or country.

What is customer departmentalization?

Grouping jobs around the needs of various types of customers.

What is delegation of authority?

The process of empowering employees to make decisions, especially as a business grows.

What is a centralized organization?

An organization where authority is concentrated at the top, with little decision-making delegated to lower levels.

What is a decentralized organization?

An organization where decision-making authority is delegated as far down the chain of command as possible.

What is the span of management?

The number of employees a manager directly supervises.

What is a wide span of management?

Exists when a manager supervises a large number of employees directly.

What is a narrow span of management?

Exists when a manager supervises only a few subordinates directly.

What characterizes a tall organizational structure?

A company with many levels of management and a narrow span of control.

What characterizes a flat organizational structure?

A company with few levels of management and a wide span of control.

What is a line structure?

The simplest organizational structure with direct lines of authority from top management to employees.

What is a line-and-staff structure?

A traditional structure with a line relationship between superiors and subordinates, assisted by specialized managers.

What is a multidivisional structure?

An organizational structure that organizes departments into larger groups called divisions.

What is a matrix structure?

A structure that sets up teams from different departments, creating intersecting lines of authority.

Give an example of a company with a strong organizational culture.

Google is known for its strong organizational culture.

What is the importance of communication in organizations?

Effective communication facilitates coordination, collaboration, and the achievement of organizational goals.

What is departmentalization combination?

A structure that uses multiple forms of departmentalization, such as product and geographic.

What is the role of groups and teams in organizations?

Groups and teams enhance collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving within organizations.

What is a matrix structure in organizations?

A structure that sets up teams from different departments, creating two or more intersecting lines of authority, providing flexibility and enhanced cooperation.

What are the advantages of a matrix structure?

It offers flexibility, enhanced cooperation, and creativity.

What is a disadvantage of a matrix structure?

It is generally expensive and complex.

Define a group in an organizational context.

A group communicates with one another, shares a common identity, and has a common general goal, but lacks interdependency.

What distinguishes a team from a group?

A team has complementary skills, a common purpose, and is interdependent, holding themselves accountable.

What are some types of teams in organizations?

Project teams, product-development teams, quality-assurance teams, and self-directed teams.

What is the role of a committee in an organization?

A committee is a permanent, formal group that performs a specific task.

What is a task force?

A temporary group responsible for bringing about a particular change, with membership based on expertise rather than position.

What are formal communication channels?

Intentionally defined communication pathways designed by the organization.

What does informal organization consist of?

Friendships and other non-work social relationships, often referred to as the grapevine.

Why is monitoring communications in the workplace necessary?

Technological advances have made it essential to prevent costly failures in employee technology use.

How is artificial intelligence impacting workplace monitoring?

AI is significantly affecting workplace monitoring, benchmarking, and understanding employee job satisfaction.

What is the difference between wide span and narrow span management?

Wide span management represents a flat organization with fewer levels, while narrow span management is a tall organization with multiple levels.

What is the line-and-staff structure?

A structure where managers have direct line relationships with subordinates and staff relationships with specialized departments.

What does the flow of communication in an organizational hierarchy include?

Upward, downward, horizontal, and diagonal communication types.

What is the role of the CEO in an organizational hierarchy?

The CEO oversees Vice Presidents, who manage different departments and ensure communication flows effectively.

What is the purpose of project teams?

To work collaboratively on specific projects with defined goals and timelines.

What is a self-directed team?

A team that operates independently, managing its own tasks and responsibilities without direct supervision.

What is the significance of communication in organizations?

Effective communication is crucial for coordination, collaboration, and achieving organizational goals.

What are quality circles?

Groups of employees who meet regularly to discuss and improve workplace processes and quality.

What is the impact of consumer behavior changes on organizations?

Changes in consumer behavior, such as a decline in soda sales, can lead organizations to restructure for better adaptability.

What is the importance of reviewing sessions for exams?

Review sessions help reinforce learning and prepare students for assessments.

What is the role of technology in organizational communication?

Technology facilitates both formal and informal communication, enhancing connectivity and information flow.