Early Approaches to Organisational Design
Read Early Approaches to Organisational Design and check the IELTS Reading answers. Determining the ‘best’ type of organisational structure for a particular situation has long been an important task for managers in all types of organisations. All structures have advantages and disadvantages and man…
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Determining the ‘best’ type of organisational structure for a particular situation has long been an important task for managers in all types of organisations. All structures have advantages and disadvantages and managers face the challenge of developing the most appropriate design for changing circumstances.
Answers with explanations
- 14-15: AD
Option A (a marked ranking order) matches "formal and hierarchical structure". Option D (a neutral working environment) matches the description of an "impersonal climate". The other options are not supported as classical approach characteristics.
- 16-17: BE
Option B matches the idea that advantages "become disadvantages if the theory were applied dogmatically" (implemented too strictly). Option E aligns with the statement that "the world no longer fits the assumptions" and expected "beneficial results" might not occur today.
- 18-19: AD
Option A matches the goal to "acknowledge human needs and feelings" (treating workers as individuals). Option D is supported by the goal of "permitting more subordinate participation in decision-making" (allowing workers a greater say).
- 20-21: CE
Option C aligns with the criticism that neoclassicists "overlook environmental... variables" (ignore workplace surroundings). Option E matches the criticism that "not everyone is motivated by the non-monetary aspects of work" (assumes people work for enjoyment, not just financial gain).
- 22. B
The belief that managers had **incorrect views** (**false assumptions**) about workers is directly attributed to Douglas McGregor. Therefore, B is the correct match.
- 23. D
Rensis Likert theorized that the **ideal organisation** features **shared decision-making** and **communication between groups** (interaction between teams). Therefore, D is the correct match.
- 24. A
Max Weber noted that efficient organisations featured the **specialisation of tasks**, which directly translates to **workers developing expertise in particular areas**. Therefore, A is the correct match.
- 25. C
Chris Argyris pushed for designs that **acknowledged human needs and feelings**, matching the statement about taking into account the **emotional demands of people**. Therefore, C is the correct match.
- 26. A
Max Weber believed that specified rules made **performance easier to evaluate** (**skills assessed in a straightforward way**). Therefore, A is the correct match.