45. a flat organization structure is one with relatively few levels of hierarchy and is characterized by wide spans of management control. a tall organization has many levels of hierarchy and narrow spans of control. which of the following situations is consistent with a flat organization structure ?
a.tasks require little direction and control of subordinates.
b. work areas are geographically dispersed.
c.tasks are highly complex and varied.
d.subordinates perform distinctly different tasks.
a yes. flat structures have the advantages of fast information flow from top to bottom of the organization and increased employee satisfaction. tall structures are faster and more effective at problem resolution because of the increased frequency of interaction between superior and subordinate and the greater order imposed by the hierarchy. for a flat structure to be successful, employees must be able to work without supervision much of the time because a manager with many employees has little time for each one.
b no. geographically dispersed work areas are very difficult for a manager with many subordinates to control.
c no. tasks that are highly complex and varied are more appropriate for a narrow span of control.
d no. a narrow span of control ( a tall structure is more appropriate when subordinates perform distinctly different tasks.
46. the optimal span of control of a manager is contingent upon several situational variables. for instance, a manager supervising workers within the same work area who are performing identical tasks that are simple and repetitive would best be able to supervise
a.an unlimited number of employees.
b.only a few workers (a narrow span of control).
c.a relatively large number of employees (a wide span of control).
d.fewer workers than if the workers were geographically dispersed.
c correct. in any situation. there are underlying variables that influence the number of subordinates a manager can supervise. in general, if jobs are similar, procedures are standardized, and physical dispersion is minimized, a wide span of control is most effective.
a incorrect. although a manager under these conditions would be able to supervise a large number of employees, an upper limit must exit.
b. incorrect. the conditions described support a wide rather than a narrow span.
d incorrect. geographical dispersion would decrease rather than increase the span of control.
47. control by management is the result of effective and proper
a . planning, organizing, and directing of organizational activities.
b . ascertaining needs, identifying alternative courses of action, setting standards for measuring performance, and comparing outcomes with predetermined standards.
c authorizing and monitoring performance, and comparing actual performance with planned performance.
d determining efficiency and economy of operations, including whether objectives and goals have been met.
a correct. according to sias 1 , control: concepts and responsibilities: “a control is any action taken by management to enhance the likelihood that established objectives and goals will be achieved”. management plans, organizes, and directs the performance of sufficient actions to provide reasonable assurance that objectives and goals will be achieved. thus, control is the result of proper planning, organizing, and directing by management.”
b incorrect. this activity is encompassed by the basic management functions.
c and d are incorrect same as b.