Exam 8: Organizational Structure and Design

In their study of systems and subsystems design,Paul Lawrence and Jay Lorsch found that subsystems in the successful firms worked well together,even though some had very different structures.

The formal structure of the organization represents the way the organization is intended to function in terms of division of work,supervisory relationships,communication channels,major subunits,and levels of management.

With respect to centralization and decentralization,the current trend is for organizations to centralize decision making and decentralize control.

All of the following are ways to improve subsystems integration except:

Informal structures always work against the achievement of high productivity.

Potential advantages of network structures include which of the following?

Team structures improve communication and decision making as well as help to break down barriers between operating departments.

When problems occur between functions,they should immediately be referred up to a higher level for resolution.

__________ is the system of tasks,workflows,reporting relationships,and communication channels that link together the work of diverse individuals and groups.

The informal structure is a "shadow' organization made up of the unofficial,but often critical,working relationships between organizational members.

The _________ problem refers to the lack of communication,coordination,and collaborative problem solving across functions.

Network organizations own only the __________ and outsource __________.

A matrix structure basically combines elements of __________and __________ structures.

Which of the following are potential disadvantages of team structures?

An)__________ operates in a shifting network of external strategic alliances that are engaged as needed,and typically are supported by extensive information technology IT)utilization.

The current trend in the use of staff is to __________.

Decentralized authority,fewer rules and procedures,and personal means of coordination are characteristics of organic designs.

Identify the advantages of matrix structures.

In a highly centralized organization,one would expect to find __________.

The __________ of the organization represents the way the organization is intended to function in terms of division of work,supervisory relationships,communication channels,major subunits,and levels of management.