World of Management | List and explain the four basic functions of management

List and explain the four basic functions of management. 

ORGANIZING | Describe the steps involved in the process of delegation

Describe the steps involved in the process of delegation.

ANSWER

In the first step, the manager assigns responsibility by carefully explaining the work or duties someone else is expected to do. This responsibility is an expectation for the other person to perform assigned tasks. In the second step, the manager grants authority to act. Along with the assigned task, the right to take necessary actions (for example, to spend money, direct the work of others, or use resources) is given to the other person. In the third step, the manager creates accountability. By accepting an assignment, the person takes on a direct obligation to the manager to complete the job as agreed.

Source: Management, 11th Edition & 12^th Edition- John R. Schermerhorn

ORGANIZING | What are the advantages and disadvantages of network structures?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of network structures?

ANSWER

The advantages of network structures include: network structures are lean and streamlined. They help organizations stay cost-competitive by reducing overhead and increasing operating efficiency. Network concepts allow organizations to employ outsourcing strategies and contract out specialized business functions. Within the operating core of a network structure, furthermore, interesting jobs are created for those who coordinate the entire system of relationships.

The potential disadvantages of network structures lie largely with the demands of new management responsibilities. The more complex the business or mission of the organization, the more complicated it is to control and coordinate the network of contracts and alliances. If one part of the network breaks down or fails to deliver, the entire system suffers. Also, there is the potential to lose control over activities contracted out and to experience a lack of loyalty among contractors who are used infrequently rather than on a long-term basis.

Source: Management, 11th Edition & 12^th Edition- John R. Schermerhorn

ORGANIZING | Identify the advantages of matrix structures

Identify the advantages of matrix structures.

ANSWER

The main benefits of matrix structures rest with the teams whose members work closely together to share expertise and information in a timely manner to solve problems. The potential advantages of matrix structures include:

• Better cooperation across functions.

• Improved decision making; problem solving takes place at the team level where the best information is available.

• Increased flexibility in adding, removing, or changing operations to meet changing demands.

• Better customer service; there is always a program, product, or project manager informed and available to answer questions.

• Better performance accountability through the program, product, or project managers.

• Improved strategic management; top managers are freed from lower-level problem solving to focus more time on strategic issues.

Source: Management, 11th Edition & 12^th Edition- John R. Schermerhorn

ORGANIZING | Explain the concepts of organization chart, formal structure, and informal structure. Why must a manager understand both the formal structure and the informal structure of an organization?

Explain the concepts of organization chart, formal structure, and informal structure. Why must a manager understand both the formal structure and the informal structure of an organization?

ANSWER

An organization chart  which is a diagram identifying key positions and job titles within an organization, as well as lines of authority and communication  provides a representation of the organization’s formal structure. The formal structure is the organization’s official structure; it reflects the official pattern of relationships in an organization. The informal structure is a “shadow” organization made up of the unofficial, but often critical, working relationships among organizational members.

By understanding the formal structure, a manager knows about the organization’s division of work, supervisory relationships, communication channels, major subunits, and levels of management. This knowledge indicates how the organization is supposed to work. However, an organization does not always operate according to the dictates of the formal structure. Knowledge of the informal structure is needed as well since the informal structure supplements rather than replaces the formal structure.

Source: Management, 11th Edition & 12^th Edition- John R. Schermerhorn

ORGANIZING | What is a social network analysis and why is it, in many ways, essential to organizational success?

What is a social network analysis and why is it, in many ways, essential to organizational  success?

ANSWER

Social network analysis is one way of identifying informal structures and their embedded social relationships. Such an analysis typically asks people to identify others whom they turn to for help most often, and with whom they communicate regularly, and who energize and de-energize them. 6 Social networks are then drawn with lines running from person to person according to frequency and type of relationship maintained. The result is an organizational map that shows how a lot of work really gets done in organizations, in contrast to the formal arrangements depicted on organization charts. This information is useful for redesigning the formal structure for better performance, and it also legitimates the informal networks people use in their daily work. Informal structures and social networks are in many ways essential to organizational success. This is especially true during times of change, when out-of-date formal structures may fail to provide the support people need to deal with new or unusual situations. Because it takes time to change or modify formal structures, the informal structure helps fill the void. The emergent and spontaneous relationships of informal structures allow people to make contacts with others who can help them get things done. Informal learning also takes place as people work and interact together throughout the workday. And, informal structures are sources of emotional support and friendship that satisfy important social needs.

Source: Management, 11th Edition & 12^th Edition- John R. Schermerhorn