Tag: KS3

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:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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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In terms of structure, Alex plc is a wide, flat organisation.

Which THREE of the following characteristics is the company most likely to exhibit?

• A Greater need to delegate
• B Higher administration and overhead costs
• C Many opportunities for promotion
• D Better communication between the strategic apex and operating core
• E Large spans of control
• F Slow decision making

Select ONE answer:

1. ABC
2. ABD
3. ABE
4. ABF

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

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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-A wide, tall organisation implies looking after many subordinates, so delegation will be called upon frequently (A). The vertical flow of information between the top and bottom of the company follows a shorter, more efficient route in a wide, flat organisation (D), so communication is likely to be improved. Looking after many employees implies large spans of control (E). The features you would expect to see in a tall narrow organisation are higher administration and overhead costs(B)to support the many levels within the structure; many opportunities for promotion (C) because there are more rungs in the ladder to the top; and slow decision-making (F) because the management structure requires more co-ordination and consultation before decisions are taken.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Lucy who is the chief executive of Alex plc has recently been discussing problems caused by the centralised nature of the company’s decision-making processes, which have led to accusations from staff and some customers that the company is increasingly slow and unresponsive.

Lucy is keen to increase the amount of decentralised decision-making over the next year.

Which THREE of the following are likely to increase the amount of decentralisation that is possible within Alex plc?

A The company’s authoritarian management style
B The well-skilled workforce
C The company’s large size
D The slow pace of technological change in the company’s markets
E The effectiveness of communication across the company

Select ONE answer:

1. ABC
2. ACD
3. BCD
4. BCE

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

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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-Decentralisation depends on workforce ability (B) company size (C) – the larger the organisation, the harder it is to centralise – and effective communication (E), which is an essential ingredient of effective delegation. Centralisation and decentralisation refer to the extent to which authority for decision-making is either retained at the top of the organisation or delegated to lower levels.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.