Organising in Catering Management – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and examples from the notes on organising in catering management.

Organising

The management function that identifies, groups, and assigns tasks, allocates resources, and establishes authority relationships to ensure plans are carried out.

Planning

The process of setting objectives in advance and deciding how to achieve them.

Organisational Structure

The formal arrangement of roles, responsibilities, and relationships within an organisation, showing how tasks are divided and reporting lines.

Division of Work

Splitting total work into specific jobs to be performed, enabling specialization and reducing duplication.

Job

A set of related tasks that can be performed by an individual, with defined tasks and expected results.

Departmentalisation

Grouping similar jobs into departments to achieve coordination and unity of action.

Functions (basis of departmentalisation)

Grouping by function, such as production, marketing, or finance.

Products (basis of departmentalisation)

Grouping by product lines or product families.

Territories (basis of departmentalisation)

Grouping by geographic regions or territories.

Chain of Command

The line of authority showing who reports to whom in the organisation.

Coordination

Ensuring departments and staff work together smoothly to achieve objectives.

Accountability

The responsibility to answer for the outcomes of assigned tasks; the person is answerable to a supervisor.

Authority

The power to make decisions and direct activities within prescribed limits.

Responsibility

The obligation of a subordinate to properly perform the assigned duty; distinct from accountability.

Delegation of Authority

Granting authority to subordinates to perform tasks within prescribed limits while the delegating manager remains accountable.

Accountability cannot be delegated

Accountability stays with the person who delegates authority; only the authority can be delegated.

Span of Management

The number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively manage; influences tall vs. flat organisational structure.

Tall Structure

An organisational structure with a narrow span of control and many levels.

Flat Structure

An organisational structure with a wide span of control and few levels.

Functional Structure

Organisation by function (e.g., production, marketing, finance) with potential for high specialization.

Team-Based Structure

Small teams that manage complete tasks together, e.g., a catering team for a wedding.

Hierarchical Structure

A structure with a clear chain of command from top management to frontline workers.

Division of Labour

Dividing work into specialized tasks to increase efficiency and skill.

Department

A unit within an organisation grouping related tasks under a department head to facilitate coordination.

Assignment of Duties

Defining the work of positions and allocating tasks to individuals based on qualifications and suitability.

General Manager

Oversees the entire business operations.

Head Chef

Manages kitchen operations and culinary workflow.

Service Manager

Handles waiters and the dining area and service operations.

Housekeeping Supervisor

Maintains cleanliness and housekeeping standards.

Specialization

Focusing on a specific set of tasks to improve efficiency and performance.

Clarity in Working Relationships

Well-defined reporting lines and boundaries of authority to avoid confusion.

Effective Administration

Clear job descriptions and duties that reduce confusion and duplication.

Optimum Utilisation of Resources

Properly assigning tasks to prevent overlap and wastage of resources.

Adaptation to Change

A flexible organisational structure that adjusts to changes in workload, technology, resources, or markets.

Development of Personnel

Delegation and delegation of authority to develop subordinates’ skills and potential.

Expansion and Growth

A structure that supports growth by adding positions, departments, and new product lines or regions.