Tag: Non-Profit

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.