Final answer:
The statement that managers who are effective at meeting organizational goals always act efficiently is false. Effectiveness in achieving goals doesn't necessarily equate to efficiency in process, as various factors can impact a manager's ability to perform in the most efficient manner.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Managers who are effective at meeting organizational goals always act efficiently' is false. The premise assumes a perfect correlation between effectiveness in meeting goals and efficiency in actions, which is not always the case. While effective managers often aim to act efficiently, there are scenarios where effectiveness in achieving organizational goals might require actions that may not seem immediately efficient, such as investing in employee training or taking the time to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.
In the context of management and organizational structure, it is important to recognize the distinction between efficiency and effectiveness. Efficiency is about doing things in an optimal way, for example, with the least waste of time and effort. Effectiveness is about doing the right things to achieve the desired end result. Therefore, a manager can be effective by achieving the objectives even if the process is not the most efficient. Complications can arise due to a variety of issues such as unexpected changes in the market, human factors, or the need for innovation.
For instance, the intended positive aspects of bureaucracies, such as increased productivity and increased efficiency, require an effective management structure to implement. However, actual practices might differ, and in a Theory X management style, for example, the emphasis on control and supervision can sometimes hinder efficiency rather than aid it.