> > IMPORTANT NOTE < < This test will be permanently withdrawn from testing after June

30, 2004. If you wish to take it, you must register for it AND test by that date.

ORGANIZATION THEORY AND ANALYSIS

This test focuses on the organizational level of analysis and how organizations confront internal and external forces. Internal issues examined are structure, organizational types and models, leadership and power relationships, communication and decision-making, as well as change and effectiveness. External issues examined are identifying important environmental forces and how organizations interact with each other. Given the complexity of organizations and organization theory, the student will be expected to understand the basics of the various theories that have been developed to understand the dynamics of organizations. (3 s.h.) MAN-411-TE This is a three-hour examination that includes 30 multiple-choice questions (worth 1 point each), 10 shortanswer questions (worth 4 points each), and 3 essay questions (worth 10 points each). A passing score is 50 out of 100 points. Here are the topics covered and their approximate importance on the test: I. II. ORGANIZATIONAL TYPES AND MODELS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE A. Dimensions B. Design III. IV. V. VI. LEADERSHIP AND POWER RELATIONSHIPS COMMUNICATION AND DECISION-MAKING CHANGE AND EFFECTIVENESS (20%) (10%) (10%) (15%) (25%) (20%)

ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES AND ANALYSIS

Textbooks to help you prepare: Daft, Richard L. Organization Theory and Design. 8th ed. Cincinnati: South-Western, 2003. ISBN 032415691X > Comprehensive and probably the easiest to read. Hall, Richard H. Organizations: Structures, Processes and Outcomes. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, Prentice-Hall, 2003. ISBN 0130336793 > Most in-depth focus on Organization Theory. Scott, W. Richard. Organizations: Rational, Natural and Open Systems. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, Prentice-Hall, 2003. ISBN 013016559X > Focuses on organizations as theoretical systems.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Multiple-Choice 1. Which structural condition emphasizes top-down decision-making? a. b. c. d. 2. Formalization Complexity Centralization Ineffective

Power based on the threat of punishment is known as a. b. c. d. coercive legitimate illegitimate co-optation

3.

Which communication problem results from altered meaning of a message as it passes through the organization? a. b. c. d. Omission Distortion Stereotyping Halo effect

4.

Which of the following are established to accomplish specific outcomes? a. b. c. d. Policies Official goals Principles Operating goals

5.

The Woodward study of technology found that a. b. c. d. mechanistic structures did not fit contemporary business conditions an effective structure is dependent on the operating core technology the size of the organization is the key determinant of an effective structure mass production can no longer employ bureaucratic structures

6.

Which grouping type is characterized by a department of accountants? a. b. c. d. Functional Multifocused Divisional Vertical

7.

Which is the most likely structure for a start-up software development firm? a. b. c. d. Professional Adhocracy Bureaucratic Simple

Short-Answer 8. 9. 10. Essay 11. A. Describe the basic attributes of a bureaucratic structure. B. C. Describe two strengths and two weaknesses of the bureaucracy. Do modern day corporations still use elements of bureaucracy? Which aspects? Describe the basic difference between inter-organizational and intra-organizational. What are the characteristics of a firm employing a mechanical structure? Describe the resource dependence theory of effectiveness.

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS 1. c 8. 9. 2. a 3. b 4. d 5. b 6. a 7. d

Inter-organizational means interactions between organizations and intra-organizational means interactions within a single organization. A firm employing a mechanical structure would have a high degree of formalization and centralization and probably complexity. It would be designed similar to a bureaucracy with a well-defined hierarchy and would attempt to emphasize efficiency. The resource dependence model of effectiveness examines the ability of a firm to extract necessary resources from the environment. This model evaluates managements ability to manage both the internal and external environments, and focuses on acquiring and managing needed inputs and throughputs. A. The bureaucracy as envisioned by Max Weber has a well-defined hierarchy, fixed division of labor, a well-defined set of rules and procedures, and employment viewed as a career by participants, with promotion based on performance and expertise. B. Two strengths are that bureaucracies tend to be efficient users of resources and provide stable working environments. Two weaknesses are that the form is resistant to change and does not react well to change, and often alienates workers. C. Yes, all organizations still apply bureaucratic principles to a greater or lesser extent. All organizations use rules and procedures, have hierarchies, promote based on merit and expertise and want employees to be loyal.

10.

11.