Unit 2 - Ch 13, 14 & 15 Flashcards
(43 cards)
Define hierarchy in an organization.
The number of layers of levels within an organization
What is delegation in a management context?
Where managers give a portion of their work to subordinates, who are held accountable for it
What is span of control?
The number of subordinates a manager has direct control over
What does a wide span of control imply?
More delegation and greater trust in subordinates
What is the chain of command?
The line of communication and authority from top to bottom
What is delayering?
The removal of one or more levels of hierarchy from an organizational structure
Describe a hierarchical structure that is tall/narrow.
Defined layers with specific roles and responsibilities
List advantages of a tall/narrow hierarchical structure.
- Authority and responsibilities are clearly defined
- Specialist managers can be used effectively
- Clear route for promotion
- Easy to manage smaller numbers of people
What are disadvantages of a tall/narrow hierarchical structure?
- Slow to respond to customer needs
- Difficult horizontal communication
- Potential for inter-departmental rivalry
- Workers may feel micromanaged
Describe a flat/wide hierarchical structure.
Has few layers in the hierarchy with a wide span of control
List advantages of a flat/wide hierarchical structure.
- Quicker communication
- Wider span of control
- Less micromanagement
- Cost-effective
What are disadvantages of a flat/wide hierarchical structure?
- Unclear route of promotion
- Undefined authority and responsibilities
- Managers could lose control
What is a matrix structure?
Organized by task, combining vertical chain of command with project/product teams
List advantages of a matrix structure.
- Flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs
- Specialists can address problems in different ways
- Project managers are responsible for deadlines and budgets
What are disadvantages of a matrix structure?
- Conflict of loyalty between line and project managers
- Difficult to monitor independent teams
- Increased costs from additional managers
Define centralized organizations.
Decisions are taken by senior management at the top of the hierarchy
List advantages of centralized organizations.
- Rapid decision-making
- Consistent policies
- Decisions made in the best interest of the business
- Greater economies of scale
Define decentralized organizations.
More authority is given to lower-level workers by delegating decisions
List advantages of decentralized organizations.
- Local decisions reflect different conditions
- Development of junior managers
- Easier delegation and empowerment
- Quicker decision-making
What is a line manager?
Manager with direct authority over people, decisions, and resources
What is a staff manager?
Specialist who provides support to senior managers without authority over anyone
Define intrapreneur.
Business employee who takes responsibility for turning an idea into a profitable venture
What are formal communication networks?
Official channels and routes used within an organization
Describe the chain network.
Messages start at the top and work their way down, linked to authoritarian leadership
