Understanding Organizational Structures

The video explains different organizational structures: hierarchical, flat, and matrix. It covers their features, advantages, and disadvantages. Hierarchical structures have many management layers, offering promotion opportunities but can hinder communication. Flat structures promote faster communication and autonomy but lack progression opportunities. Matrix structures combine traditional departments into project teams, enhancing collaboration but may cause priority conflicts. Key terms like span of control and chain of command are also discussed.

What is the 'span of control' in an organizational structure?

• The number of departments in a company

• The distance between the top and bottom of the organization

• The number of employees a manager oversees

• The number of layers in the hierarchy

Which of the following is a key feature of a hierarchical structure?

• Long chain of command

• No management layers

• Short chain of command

• Wide span of control

What is a potential disadvantage of a hierarchical structure?

• Limited employee motivation

• Lack of clear accountability

• High communication speed

• High management costs

In a flat organizational structure, what is a common benefit?

• Higher management costs

• Faster communication

• More management layers

• Limited employee autonomy

What is a drawback of a flat organizational structure?

• Power struggles due to lack of clear boss

• High management costs

• Clear hierarchy

• High opportunity for progression

Which structure combines traditional departments with project teams?

• Matrix structure

• Network structure

• Hierarchical structure

• Flat structure

What is an advantage of the matrix structure?

• Rapid communication within teams

• No need for project teams

• Limited team spirit

• Single management focus

What challenge might arise in a matrix structure?

• Single objective focus

• Lack of team formation

• Clear management priorities

• Conflicting objectives from different managers

What is a potential issue when forming new project teams in a matrix structure?

• Single manager oversight

• No need for team formation

• Delayed team cohesion

• Immediate team cohesion

What should you do after watching the video to apply your knowledge?

• Skip the task sheet

• Watch another video

• Download the task sheet and try it

• Ignore the task sheet