Day: July 22, 2024

Tom Burns and G M Stalker classified organisations as ‘mechanistic’ or ‘organic’.

Which of the following is an appropriate description of a mechanistic organisation?

Select ONE answer:

1. Commitment to organisation’s mission
2. Network structure of control
3. Relatively flexible job descriptions
4. Suitable for slow moving environments

Show your workings to arrive at your answer, and explain and justify your reasons:

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This multiple-choice question is suitable for Accounting KS5 classes.

The answer is 4

1. Not correct
2. Not correct
3. Not correct
4. Correct – Mechanistic organisations are machine-like and efficient at performing the same task over and over, implying a slow-moving environment. Organic organisations are flexible and adaptable (like a living organism), implying they are suitable for dynamic environments. Employees working for a mechanistic organisation are expected to obey superiors, whereas for those working for an organic organisation, commitment to mission is more highly valued than loyalty as such. In terms of structure of control, the network structure is more prevalent in organic organisations as is the relatively flexible job descriptions. Precise job descriptions and hierarchical structure of control are typical features of a mechanistic organisation.

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