2.2 Organization and Management

Question 1

What is organizational structure?

Answer 1

The levels of management and division of responsibilities within a business.

Question 2

How is organizational structure typically represented?

Answer 2

On organizational charts.

Question 3

List three advantages of a clear organizational structure.

Answer 3

Employees know communication channels

Question 4

What is the span of control?

Answer 4

The number of subordinates working directly under a manager.

Question 5

What is the chain of command?

Answer 5

The structure of an organization that allows instructions to be passed from senior to lower management levels.

Question 6

What is the relationship between span of control and chain of command?

Answer 6

A wider span of control often leads to a shorter chain of command

Question 7

List three advantages of a short chain of command.

Answer 7

Quicker and more accurate communication

Question 8

What is a potential risk associated with wider spans of control?

Answer 8

Managers may lose control over tasks.

Question 9

Who are line managers?

Answer 9

Managers who have authority over people directly below them in the organizational structure.

Question 10

Who are staff managers?

Answer 10

Specialists who provide support

Question 11

List the five primary roles of management.

Answer 11

Planning

Question 12

What does the planning role of management involve?

Answer 12

Setting aims and targets for the organization/department and planning for necessary resources.

Question 13

What does the organizing role of management involve?

Answer 13

Allocating responsibilities to employees and potentially delegating tasks.

Question 14

What does the coordinating role of management involve?

Answer 14

Ensuring different departments work together to achieve organizational aims through effective communication and decision-making.

Question 15

What does the commanding role of management involve?

Answer 15

Guiding

Question 16

What does the controlling role of management involve?

Answer 16

Assessing and evaluating employee performance and taking corrective actions if targets are not met.

Question 17

What is delegation?

Answer 17

Giving a subordinate the authority to perform specific tasks.

Question 18

List two advantages of delegation for managers.

Answer 18

Managers can’t do all the work themselves

Question 19

What is a potential reason why managers might be reluctant to delegate?

Answer 19

Fear of losing control over the work.

Question 20

List three advantages of delegation for subordinates.

Answer 20

Work becomes more interesting and rewarding

Question 21

What are leadership styles?

Answer 21

The different approaches used when dealing with people in a position of authority.

Question 22

Name the three main leadership styles discussed.

Answer 22

Autocratic

Question 23

Describe the autocratic leadership style.

Answer 23

Managers expect to be in charge

Question 24

Describe the democratic leadership style.

Answer 24

Managers involve employees in decision-making

Question 25

Describe the laissez-faire leadership style.

Answer 25

Managers set broad objectives but leave employees to make their own decisions and organize tasks with minimal manager involvement. Communication can be difficult due to a lack of clear direction.

Question 26

What is a trade union?

Answer 26

A group of workers who have joined together to protect their interests by negotiating with employers.

Question 27

What actions can trade unions take if their requests are denied?

Answer 27

Industrial action such as overtime bans

Question 28

List three benefits for workers of joining a trade union.

Answer 28

Strength in numbers

Question 29

List two potential disadvantages for workers of joining a trade union.

Answer 29

Membership fees and being asked to take industrial action against their will (potentially losing pay during strikes).