organisational design

Question 1

factors that determine internal structure

Answer 1

• views of management
• communication systems
• the industry
• traditions of the business
• skills of the workforce

Question 2

what are chains of command

Answer 2

show the paths that communication takes place and instructions are passed down

Question 3

what are levels of responsibility

Answer 3

each layer of hierarchy has its own level of responsibility. The amount of responsibility depends on the amount of control that has been delegated from above

Question 4

what is span of control

Answer 4

tells us how many workers are directly responsible to a manager or supervisor

Question 5

advantages of tall structure

Answer 5

• control at centre
• paths of communication and responsibility are clearly defined
• departments understand their position in regards to other jobs
• each worker knows how they fit into the structure

Question 6

disadvantages of tall hierarchal structure

Answer 6

• senior management are away from those who make decisions
• long chains of communication especially vertically
• lacks direct contact

Question 7

advantages of flat structure

Answer 7

• increased motivation due to delegation of authority
• decisions are made more quickly
• communication is quick
• empowerment of workers

Question 8

disadvantages of flat structure

Answer 8

• loss of centeral control

- different departments may not be working to the same objectives

Question 9

matrix structure advantages

Answer 9

• allows specific skills to contribute to a number of different projects
• breaks down barriers to communication
• helps ideas and innovetion to spread through the business
• efficient use of human resources
• improves flexibility and motivation

Question 10

matrix structure disadvantages

Answer 10

• defining employees main responsibilites are difficult
• can be expensive due to extra support (IT and office staff)
• coordinating a team from different departments can be difficult