Author Question: Which of the following is true regarding specificity? A) In such a system, social relations are ... (Read 29 times)

HCHenry · **on:** Jul 6, 2018

Which of the following is true regarding specificity?

A) In such a system, social relations are given high importance.
B) In such a system, social feedback is vital for successful performance.
C) In such a system, managers are expected to gather data and debate the implications when making decisions.
D) In such a system, quality improvement is about a continual awareness of the whole product.
E) In such a system, the emphasis is on collaboration and coordination as opposed to efficiency.

Question 2

Describe the matrix subtype of organizational design. What are its advantages and disadvantages?

What will be an ideal response?

Beatricemm · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 6, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C

Answer to Question 2

Organizations that use the matrix design, also known as the dual authority or lattice structure, attempt to maintain a dual focus both on functional tasks and on either projects, product lines, or customer groups. Some employees have dual reporting relationships or even more. Organizations use the matrix design because it promises several advantages. It attempts to achieve efficiency. It focuses employees on multiple (though sometimes conflicting) business goals, such as lowering cost and improving quality. By requiring the participation of many functional experts, it also fosters cooperation and innovation while it improves a company wide focus instead of a department or work unit focus. Perhaps its most important advantage over other designs is that it allows for flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment. But the matrix design also comes with some significant trade-offs. Dual reporting relationships can create power struggles, overlap in responsibilities, and confusion and conflict between managers in positions of authority, leaving those who report to multiple managers caught in the middle. Unity of command is more difficult to achieve when two bosses are involved in decision making.