Organizational Structures and Criminal Justice Systems Exam Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to help study key concepts related to organizational structures, theories, and the criminal justice system, as covered in the exam review lecture.

What are the four primary components of formal organizations?

People, purpose, structure, and durability.

True or False: Studying the structure of illicit organizations can guide law enforcement strategies.

True.

What is the purpose of a mission statement in an organization?

To articulate the organization’s overall purpose and goals.

What are kinds of organizations mentioned in the notes?

Open, closed, non-profit, mutual benefit, commonwealth.

What is the criminal justice system considered: open or closed?

Open.

What does SMART stand for in organizational goals?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Specific.

Define organizational structure.

The way in which the activities of an organization are coordinated and divided.

What is vertical complexity in organizational structure?

A structure characterized by a clear hierarchy and chain of command.

What challenges are associated with horizontal complexity?

Specialization can lead to territorial disputes and a lack of overall organization.

What does formalization refer to in organizations?

The extent to which an organization is guided by rules and procedures.

What is centralization in organizational structure?

The location of decision-making authority within an organization.

How does increasing complexity affect organizational structure?

It tends to require a more complex and specialized structure.

What is the primary function of the criminal justice system as an organization?

To ensure public safety and justice.

What are open systems in organizational theory?

Organizations that are impacted by external factors such as public opinion and resources.

What are classical theories in organizational theory?

Theories that suggest management principles for organizations not influenced by external factors.

Define isomorphism in the context of organizations.

The process by which organizations in similar fields adopt similar structures or practices.

What is resource dependence theory?

The idea that organizations rely on external resources and cannot control all aspects of their operations.

What impacts the organizational structure of the criminal justice system?

Public opinion, politics, budget constraints, and crime rates.

What is the focus of human relations theory in organizations?

The belief that job satisfaction drives performance and productivity.

Define the term 'organizational control.'

The alignment of all organizational parts towards achieving a common goal.

What does the feedback loop in an organization entail?

The assessment of outputs and their impact on society, informing future actions.

What are the two types of control in an organization?

Formalization and centralization.

What is the aim of delivering social services in organizations?

To fulfill communal needs and enhance public safety.

What key feature differentiates open systems from closed systems?

Open systems are influenced by external factors, while closed systems are largely insulated from them.

Which theory emphasizes the role of external factors in shaping organizations?

Open systems theory.

How is organizational durability defined?

The ability of an organization to exist over a continuous period and adapt to changing circumstances.

What is the significance of a mission statement?

It communicates the organization's key purposes and aspirations to both insiders and outsiders.

What challenges come with a decentralized organization?

It can lead to inconsistencies in decision-making and policy implementation.

What defines a closed organizational system?

An organization that is not significantly influenced by external factors.

What is a key disadvantage of high formalization in organizations?

It can lead to decreased employee satisfaction and creativity.

What is the definition of 'span of control'?

The number of subordinates directly managed by a supervisor.

What are the two forms of organizational complexity?

Vertical and horizontal complexity.

What type of organizations typically experience high levels of specialization?

Horizontal organizations.

Name an example of a mutual benefit organization.

Unions.

What type of organization is the Innocence Project?

A non-profit organization.

What is the impact of crime rates on the criminal justice system's operations?

They influence budgeting and resource allocation.

What are the intended outcomes of successful organizational structures?

Efficiency, effectiveness, and goal achievement.

What characterizes vertical organizational structures?

A clear hierarchy with a defined chain of command.

What does a mission statement provide for an organization?

Guidance for decision-making and action plans.

Why do organizations need to have a strategic goal?

To provide direction and measurable outcomes for success.

How do organizations stabilize their operations according to institutional theory?

By conforming to external expectations and norms.

What is one characteristic of a for-profit organization?

It aims to generate profits from sales of products or services.

What is the primary goal of the FBI as stated in their mission statement?

Protect the American people and uphold the Constitution.

What is considered a primary strength of decentralized organizations?

Higher employee motivation and ownership of their work.

What is one common weakness of vertical organizations?

They may lack flexibility and adaptability.

What is the main difference between inputs and outputs in an organization?

Inputs are resources taken in, outputs are tangible results of organizational activities.

Why are public perceptions important in the context of criminal justice organizations?

They inform public trust and can affect funding and support for initiatives.

What does human resources theory focus on in the context of organizations?

Employee satisfaction as a driver for productivity.

In terms of structure, how do larger organizations typically operate?

They adopt more complexity and specialization.

What are the three processes contributing to isomorphism in organizations?

Coercive, mimetic, and normative.

What is the implication of having a high level of centralization regarding decision-making?

It ensures uniformity, but may limit input from frontline employees.

How can geographic complexity affect organizational performance?

It can create communication challenges and resource allocation issues.

Define 'organizational theory.'

The study of how organizations function and are structured.

What is the role of the criminal justice system within open systems theory?

It operates in response to factors beyond its control, such as crime rates and public opinion.

What do formal organizations strive for according to bureaucratic principles?

Uniformity and predictable outcomes in their processes and services.

What examples characterize types of service organizations?

Organizations that cater to specific client needs.

Describe the relationship between organizations and societal needs.

Organizations are created to address collective goals and fulfill specific social requirements.

How does the criminal justice system's structure reflect its functions?

Hierarchy and specialization meet the complexities of law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

What is a potential downside of high specialization in an organization?

It may create fiefdoms and hinder broader organizational objectives.

How can organizations measure their effectiveness?

By comparing their goals and outcomes against established standards.

What does the term 'organizational adaptation' refer to?

The ability of an organization to change in response to internal or external pressures.

In what way can public opinion shape organizational practices?

It can create pressure to change policies or structures to align with societal expectations.

What is the core premise of open systems theory?

Organizations are influenced by external environments and must adapt to survive.

What does it mean to have a shared goal within an organization?

Members unite to achieve a collective purpose, enhancing cooperation and effectiveness.

What is considered a critical step in assessing an organization's effectiveness?

Evaluating its structure to see if it aligns with its mission.