Deck 8: The Organizational Dimensions of Public Administration

Question 1

The degree of formalization in an organization depends on several factors. They are

A) referent power, coercive power, reward power, and legitimate power.
B) job standardization, work process standardization, formal rules and regulations, and the level of professionalization.
C) hierarchy, mechanization, bureaucracy, and adhocracy.
D) All of the above are factors in formalization.
E) None of the above are factors in formalization.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which of the following is TRUE of standard operating procedures?

A) They spell out in detail the specific tasks and activities that must be done in typical job situations.
B) They are usually found in a manual that, depending on the organization, might be quite extensive.
C) Standardization does not refer only to work practices.
D) All of the above are true of standard operating procedures.
E) None of the above are true of standard operating procedures.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of decentralization?

A) increased organizational capacity
B) increased organizational flexibility
C) more responsiveness to the consumer
D) viewed more positively in U.S. political culture
E) decentralization equated with efficiency

Answer 3

E

Question 4

The chief objective of classical bureaucracy is to

A) enhance internal control by means of structures that emphasize predictability and accountability.
B) adapt readily to changes in the environment.
C) foster task and social cohesion.
D) All of the above.
E) None of the above.

Question 5

If a traditional bureaucracy marked by formal structure and centralization is at one end along a continuum, which of the following might mark the other end?

A) tall hierarchies
B) paramilitary organizations
C) organic organizations
D) iron triangles
E) professional bureaucracies

Question 6

In which type of organization is authority based more on professional norms and standards rather than exclusively on organizational rank?

A) matrix organization
B) organic organization
C) tall hierarchy
D) professional bureaucracy
E) None of the above.

Question 7

The faith-based initiative of President George W. Bush is an example of the increasing use by government of what kind of organization?

A) network organizations
B) tall hierarchies
C) professional bureaucracies
D) mechanistic organizations
E) None of the above.

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE of organic organizations?

A) In organic organizations, roles and responsibilities are fluid and may change considerably over time.
B) Because of their flat hierarchy integration and coordination are easier to achieve in organic organizations than in other types of organizations.
C) Because they are highly centralized organizations tend to value standardization and routine.
D) Organic organizations are characterized by formalization and concentration of authority.
E) None of the above is true of organic organizations.

Question 9

Network structures differ from traditional bureaucratic organizations in that

A) no one is in charge.
B) network structures require extensive collaboration among the parties.
C) there is an emphasis on coalition-building rather than hierarchical control.
D) All of the above.
E) None of the above.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT considered a base of organizational power?

A) referent power
B) electoral power
C) legitimate power
D) coercive power
E) expert power

Question 11

Employees' authority, discretion, responsibility, status, and opportunities for promotion are largely determined by their position in an organization's structure.

Question 12

The first step in job standardization usually involves preparing job descriptions that specify the exact tasks of the position along with the specific types of knowledge and skills necessary for its performance.

Question 13

Generally, organizations like the armed forces and police require the greatest conformity because of the overriding need for internal control and predictability, particularly in dangerous or volatile situations.

Question 14

The politician's power stems from specialized knowledge or skills, but the professional is typically a generalist.

Question 15

When comparing advantages and disadvantages of centralization, of the two values, centralization is viewed more positively in the U.S. political culture.

Question 16

Coordination is the glue that holds an organization together; organizations need coordination in order to take full advantage of specialization and to accomplish crucial tasks.

Question 17

Classical bureaucracy exemplifies an organic organization characterized by adaptation and flexibility rather than control.

Question 18

As a result of flat hierarchy and decentralization, integration and coordination of activities become more difficult to achieve in organic organizations than in bureaucracies.

Question 19

Because matrix organizations provide a less demanding workplace, employees experience less ambiguity and stress resulting in a lower degree of employee turnover.

Question 20

When the overall tasks of the organization are divided into smaller parts, it is inevitable that some tasks will come to be more important than others.

Question 21

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Legitimate power

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 22

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Complexity

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 23

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Tall hierarchy

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 24

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Expert power

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 25

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Referent power

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 26

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Centralization

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 27

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Reward power

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 28

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Organic organization

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 29

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Formalization

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.

Question 30

Matching Exercise
Match the concepts in the left-hand column to their counterparts in the right-hand column.
-Coercive power

A) Refers to an administrator's ability to punish or discipline subordinates.
B) The level of standardization of jobs, employee behavior, and work processes in an organization.
C) Power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills and professional training.
D) The concentration of decision-making power and control within an organization.
E) Involves the ability to adjust behavior by means of promotions, raises, and other forms of material or psychological inducements.
F) The structural levels and diversity of occupational specializations within an organization.
G) A classic bureaucratic structure in which authority and communication flow from the top down and involves close supervision of subordinates all along the chain of command.
H) Relates to the level of psychological identification we share with the people we work for and with.
I) An organization that is characterized by less formalization and concentration of authority than classical bureaucracy.
J) Power within an organization that is based on an individual's formal position in the organization.