OS ch. 5

21 flashcards · Other · by Daniel F.

1. Two things an organization does to improve its ability to control

2. Direct supervision

   A method of control because managers can continually question, probe and consult with subordinates about roblems or new issues they are facing to get a better understanding of the situation.

3. Tall organization

   An organization in which the hierarchy has many levels relative to the size of the organization.

4. Flat organization

   An organization that has few levels in its hierarchy relative to its size.

5. Problems with tall hierarchies

6. The Parkinson’s Law problem

7. Principal of minimum chain of command (ideal number of hierarchical levels)

   An organization should choose the minimum number of hierarchical levels consistent with its goals and the environment in which it operates.

8. Span of control

   The number of subordinates a manager directly manages.

9. The level of decentralization

   As the hierarchy becomes taller and the number of mangers increases, communication and coordination problems grow.

10. The level of standardization

    Manager can also gain control over employees by standardizing their behaviour to make their actions predictable.

11. Bureaucracy

    A form of organizational structure in which people can be held accountable for their actions because they are required to act in accordance with rules and standard operation procedures.

12. The Principles of Bureaucratic Structure

13. Rational-legal authority

    The authority a person possesses because his or her position in an organization.

14. Role conflict:

    The state of opposition that occurs when two or more people have different views of what another person should do and as a result, make conflicting demands on the person.

15. Role ambiguity

    The uncertainty that occurs for a person whose tasks or authority are not clearly defined.

16. Management by objectives

    A system of evaluating subordinates on their ability to achieve specific organizational goals or performance standards and to meet operating budgets.

17. specific steps of MBO

18. Empowerment

    The process of giving employees throughout an organization the authority to make important decisions and to be responsible for their outcomes.

19. Self-managed teams

    Work groups consisting of people who are jointly responsible for ensuring that the team accomplishes its goals and who are empowered to lead themselves.

20. Cross-functional teams

    Formal work groups of employees form across an organization’s different functions that are empowered to direct and coordinate the value-creation activities necessary to complete different programs or projects.

21. Contingent workers

    Workers who are employed for temporary periods by an organization and who receive no indirect benefits such as health insurance or pensions.