2.2 - organisation and management

Question 1

what is span of control?

Answer 1

the number of subordinates working directly under a manager ​

Question 2

what is a chain of command?

Answer 2

Allows instructions to be passed down from senior management to lower levels.

Question 3

what is a tall structure?

Answer 3

has many levels of hierarchy

Question 4

what is a flat structure?

Answer 4

has few levels of hierarchy

Question 5

what are the functions of a manager?

Answer 5

• planning - setting targets and planning for the future
• organising - organise resources and employees
• coordinating - ‘bringing of people together’
• commanding - ensure employees are keeping targets
• controlling - measuring and evaluating work to make sure they’re on target.

Question 6

what is delegation?

Answer 6

giving a subordinate the authority to perform particular tasks

Question 7

benefits of delegation

Answer 7

• less stress for managers if they delegate some tasks. they can now focus on other functions e.g. planning and organising ​
• subordinates feel empowered that they have been given certain tasks & they feel trusted. leads to motivation

Question 8

drawbacks of delegation

Answer 8

• subordinates may be demotivated that they have been given more tasks but no extra pay ​
• the subordinate may not be skilled enough to complete the task. could impact quality of product/service​

Question 9

what are the three leadership styles?

Answer 9

autocratic, democratic and laissez fair

Question 10

benefits and draw backs of autocratic leadership?

Answer 10

• allows for quick decision making as only one person makes decision - good during crisis
• employees may feel their ideas aren’t listened to which can be demotivating.

Question 11

benefits and drawbacks of a democratic leadership?

Answer 11

• employees feel their ideas are being listened to- increases motivation​
• employees may have great ideas to offer, increasing customer service or the product quality​
• decision making is slower as more people are involved, decreases efficiency in the business and will take longer to decide on new products /what changes need to be made.

Question 12

benefits and drawbacks of a laissez fair leadership?

Answer 12

• encourages employees to show creativity – leads to better ideas and better products/services ​
• makes employees feel empowered as they feel more trusted to carry out work themselves- leads to motivation ​
• if employees are young/inexperienced it is not a useful leadership style as they may be unsure how to carry out tasks effectively
• may cause employees to be less efficient as there is no strict supervision

Question 13

what is a trade union?

Answer 13

organisations of workers that aim at promoting and protecting the interest of their members

Question 14

what is organisational structure?

Answer 14

refers to the levels of management and division of responsibilities within an organisation

Question 15

what is the role of a director?

Answer 15

They lead a department e.g. marketing department​

Question 16

what is the role of a manager?

Answer 16

Work in a department and can give orders to supervisors

Question 17

what is the role of a supervisor?

Answer 17

supervise all other subordinates

Question 18

benefits and drawbacks of a tall structure?

Answer 18

• lots of layers in the hierarchy means lots of opportunities for promotion - increased motivation​
• supervisors have a small span of control so they can get to know their subordinates and can monitor them efficiently – can increase their subordinates productivity ​
• lots of layers and a long chain of command can mean that communication and decision making is very slow. ​
• expensive as there are more managers and supervisors in a tall structure – higher salary costs ​

Question 19

benefits and drawbacks of a flat structure

Answer 19

• fewer layers of hierarchy between the bottom and top of the organisation meaning communication and decision making is fast​
• lots of delegation means staff are given greater responsibility
  which leads to increased motivation
• wide span of control means managers have too many staff to manage and may lose touch with them- decrease in productivity ​
• less chance of promotion as few layers – could decrease motivation ​