Exam 8: Organizational Culture, Structure, and Design: Building Blocks of the Organization

As you start a new job, it is important to focus on your personal adaptability. Which of the following suggestions would increase a person's adaptability?

Which of the following is an example of an espoused value?

The structure of Cakes and Such consists of people with similar specialties put together in formal groups, such as the marketing, accounting, and human resource departments. Cakes and Such has a ________ structure.

Will, the owner of Will's Landscaping, was talking to a visitor in his office, telling her that "We are a fun-loving group that believes in teamwork and a family atmosphere at work, which significantly affects our work outcomes. Plus, we do things together outside of work. This is the 'social glue' that binds the members of our company together." Will was referring to his company's

This culture type is collaborative, encourages cohesion and job satisfaction through employee involvement. Which type is it?

Typhanie, a customer service representative with WestComm Wireless Services, was asked by one of her customers if WestComm would be interested in joining the chamber of commerce to meet potential customers and increase its contacts in the local business community. Typhanie believes this is a very good idea and approached her manager, Deondre, about becoming a chamber member. Deondre said to Typhanie, "Because the cost of membership is over $500 and you will have to leave the office to attend meetings, I will have to get approval from management above me." WestComm is an example of an organization with

The more subunits into which an organization breaks down, the

Frank, the owner of a local furniture store that has been in business for 75 years, is retiring. He is selling his store to a new venture capitalist with no roots in the community. As they sit down over coffee at the local deli, what are some things that Frank should share with the new owner about the success of his business?

This question has two parts; be sure to answer both. First, define span of control and contrast the two kinds of spans of control. Second, imagine that you are the manager of the customer-service department for a book retailer, which has 40 CSRs (customer service representatives) on the phone lines at any given time during business hours. Can you be effective as a manager with such a wide span of control? Why or why not?

What is the main difference between a vertical hierarchy of authority and a horizontal specialization?

Basic assumptions represent the core values of an organization and are

This question contains two parts; be sure to answer both. After Dharma's father died, Dharma inherited his successful dry cleaning business, Fast Cleaners. Dharma wants to make sure the company's culture, which his father built over 40 years, does not get lost but instead remains embedded in the organization. First, summarize 4 of the 12 ways that a particular culture can become embedded in an organization. Then explain how Dharma might use each technique to keep Fast Cleaners' corporate culture strong, with an emphasis on employee development, a family-like atmosphere, and a dedication to offering the best service and the lowest prices.

After you start a new job, how can you assess whether you are a fit?

Espoused values are ________. For example, Hewlett-Packard stresses the "HP Way," a collegial, egalitarian culture that gave as much authority and job security to employees as possible.

Organizational psychologist Edgar Schein recommends that managers delegate (1) emergencies, (2) confidential matters, and (3) personnel-related matters.

Organizational design is concerned with an organization developing

Organizations using a matrix structure

Specialists work together to achieve ________ in a highly integrated organization.

This question has two parts; be sure to answer both. First, define organizational culture and describe the four types of corporate culture in the competing values framework. Second, consider the case of The Florist's Fauna, a national chain that sells floral equipment and supplies. Due to major competition from abroad, management of The Florist's Fauna is under constant pressure to monitor costs and keep its prices under a certain level. The company is very strictly organized, with the CEO making all of the major decisions. At each store, the manager is responsible for ensuring that any products ordered by florists are delivered the same day. Each store manager is also responsible for continuous quality control by reading reports on the quality and customer satisfaction of every item sold in the store. What type of culture does The Florist Fauna most likely have?

This question has two parts; be sure to answer both. First, describe the four common elements of organizations proposed by Edgar Schein. Next, imagine that you work for a nonprofit cancer-fighting organization, Fight the Fight. Describe how each of the four elements relates to that organization's activities and operations. Fight the Fight has several full-time employees, plus many volunteers (including oncologists) who conduct cancer research and care for cancer patients.