Flash Card Quiz: Flexible Structures

Explain the value of a flexible organisation.

• A flexible organisation can quickly adapt to changes in the market.

• A flexible organisation has a rigid structure.

• A flexible organisation does not value employee input.

• A flexible organisation is resistant to change.

The decision to restructure an organisation is influenced by:

• market conditions

• internal policies

• technological advancements

• all of the above

Outsourcing is the practice of:

• hiring external organizations to perform services or create goods that were traditionally performed in-house by the company's own employees and staff

• selling company assets to external parties

• merging with another company

• hiring more in-house staff to increase production

Homeworking is a practice where employees work from a location other than the traditional office. How does it impact businesses?

• Increases flexibility and reduces overhead costs

• Decreases employee productivity

• Eliminates the need for technology

• Increases the need for office space

Rationalisation in a business context is defined as:

• The process of reorganizing a company to increase efficiency.

• The act of hiring more employees to expand operations.

• The strategy of reducing product prices to increase sales.

• The decision to enter new markets to grow the business.

Mechanistic structures in organisations are characterized by:

• flexibility and adaptability

• rigid hierarchy and strict procedures

• informal communication channels

• decentralized decision-making

Explain organic structures in a business environment.

• Organic structures are flexible and decentralized, promoting innovation and adaptability.

• Organic structures are rigid and centralized, focusing on efficiency and control.

• Organic structures are hierarchical and formal, emphasizing clear roles and responsibilities.

• Organic structures are informal and unstructured, lacking any clear organization.

Managing information and knowledge in a business is valuable because it:

• improves decision-making and efficiency.

• increases costs and complexity.

• reduces employee engagement.

• limits innovation and creativity.

What is the primary benefit of decentralization in an organization?

• It reduces the need for communication between departments.

• It increases the complexity of the organizational structure.

• It allows for faster decision-making at local levels.

• It centralizes control and decision-making.

How does a flat organizational structure impact employee communication?

• It creates barriers to communication.

• It enhances open communication and collaboration.

• It limits communication to formal channels only.

• It discourages feedback from employees.