Lawren Andes-Miller
Online MGT 155
- Define the organizing function, unity of command, the span of mgt principle, and explain how they relate.
Organizing function – grouping activities and assigning them to specific work units.
Unity of command – principle that says each employee should report directly to only one immediate supervisor.
Span of mgt – an upper limit to the # of subordinates a supervisor can manage effectively.
Organizing function depends on such aspects such as unity of command and span of mgt. The job would be confusing and unorganized if you did not follow the principles.
- What is an informal organization? How does the informal organization affect the formal organization? Discuss the approach the supervisor can take to foster cooperation with informal groups and their leaders.
Informal organization – informal gatherings of people, apart from the formal organizational structure, that satisfty members social and other needs. An example of this is the “grapevine”.
It affects the formal organization by influencing behavior of individuals in the group. An informal groujp may pressure individuals to conform to performance standards to which most group members subscribe. Also influences opinions/attitudes.
To foster communication between the group and leaders is to accept it and understand it. Build good relationships with the leader. Periodically give leader info before anyone else or even ask them for advice.
- Define and Discuss the application of the following organizational tools at the supervisory level:
a)organizational charts: Graphic portrayal of a company’s authority and responsibility relationships. A chart could enable the supervisor to spot where dual reporting relationships exist, or where positions overlap. May also suggest whether the span of mgt is too wide and or too narrow. Also are convenient ways to acquaint new employees with the structure of the department and the enterprise.
b)Organizational manual: written description of the authority and responsibilities of managerial and supervisory positions as well as formal channels, major objectives, and policies and procedures. It provides in written form, the decisions about a company’s organizational structure.
c)job description: written description of the principle duties and responsibilities of a job. Included in organization manual. Describes major duties based on info attained from employees who do the job and those employees supervisors.
d)Job specification: written description of the personal qualifications needed to perform a job adequately. Refers to skills, capabilities and qualities.
- What is meant by downsizing (restructuring)? Are downsizing and radical restructuring likely to render organizational principles obsolete?
Large scale reduction and elimination of jobs in a company that usually reduces middle level managers, removes the organizational levels, and widens the span of mgt for remaining supervisors. Organizational principles will always be part of supervision and that any orgranizational change will require supervisors to understand how to apply and adapt certain organizational principles.