human resources

• What influences the internal structure of a business?

  Factors like management views and industry
• What are the factors that determine a business's internal structure?

  • Views and philosophy of management
  • Need for different communication systems
  • Industry of operation
  • Traditions of the business
  • Skills of the workforce
• How do democratic managers influence internal structure?

  They encourage workers to take responsibility
• What is the effect of controlled communication on business structure?

  It leads to many layers and narrow spans
• How does the industry affect organisational structure?

  Retailing encourages hierarchical structures
• What is a common structure for businesses that have been government-owned?

  A traditional hierarchical structure
• How does a highly skilled workforce affect organisational structure?

  It leads to a flatter, more open structure
• What does layers of hierarchy indicate in an organisation?

  Who is responsible to whom
• What is an example of a chain of command in the police force?

  From Chief Constable to Constable
• What are chains of command?

  Paths for communication and instructions
• What determines the level of responsibility in a hierarchy?

  Delegated control from above
• What does span of control indicate?

  How many workers report to a manager
• What happens to span of control with high delegation?

  It becomes wider
• What is a traditional hierarchical structure often referred to as?

  A 'tall' structure
• What are the advantages of a traditional hierarchical structure?

  • Central control and clear responsibilities
  • Defined paths of communication
  • Departments understand their positions
  • Workers know their roles
• What are the disadvantages of a traditional hierarchical structure?

  • Senior management distanced from implementation
  • Difficult vertical communication
  • Hampered inter-department communication
• What are the advantages of a flatter organisational structure?

  • Increased motivation through delegation
  • Quicker decision-making
  • Faster communication with less distortion
  • Empowerment of workers
• What are the disadvantages of a flatter organisational structure?

  • Loss of central control
  • Departments may not align objectives
• What is a matrix structure designed to do?

  • Organise management across departments
  • Enable collaboration on projects
  • Utilize specialist skills in teams
• What are the advantages of a matrix structure?

  • Specific skills contribute to projects
  • Improved communication and coordination
  • Enhanced idea and innovation spread
  • Efficient use of human resources
• What are the disadvantages of a matrix structure?

  • Difficulties in defining responsibilities
  • Potential strain from dual reporting
  • Expensive due to support systems
  • Coordination challenges across departments
• What is the overall objective of alternative organisational structures?

  • To improve efficiency of the organisation
• What are some methods to solve problems in traditional hierarchies?

  • Implementing cell working
  • Establishing quality circles
  • Encouraging open communication
• What does 'delayering' mean in organisational context?

  Removal of layers of hierarchy
• What is the impact of delayering on traditional businesses?

  It can lead to compulsory redundancy
• What is the role of supervisors in a traditional hierarchical structure?

  To monitor performance at the bottom
• How does a traditional hierarchical structure affect communication?

  It can distort information received
• What is the relationship between span of control and management style?

  Narrow spans indicate tight control
• How does a matrix structure affect project teams?

  Members report to two bosses
• What is the effect of a high level of delegation on management?

  It increases employee trust and autonomy
• What is the significance of communication pathways in organisational design?

  They define how information flows
• What does a 'tall' structure imply about an organisation?

  It has many layers of hierarchy
• What is the role of middle management in a traditional structure?

  To bridge communication between levels
• How does a traditional structure affect innovation?

  It can stifle innovation and communication
• What is the purpose of quality circles in organisations?

  To improve communication and problem-solving
• What is the impact of a narrow span of control on management?

  It leads to tight and centralized control
• What is the relationship between organisational design and business efficiency?

  Good design improves overall efficiency