Question

Which of the following would be a characteristic of an "organic" design?

1) Many department boundaries
2) Wide spans of control
3) Many rules and regulations
4) Centralized decision making
5) None of the above

Answer 1

An 'organic' design in organization structuring is characterized by wide spans of control, contrasting with the hierarchy, explicit rules, division of labor, and impersonality found in bureaucracies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic of an "organic" design in organizational structuring is represented by wide spans of control. Organic structures are typically more flexible and have fewer formalized procedures and fewer hierarchical levels, allowing for more personal initiative and lateral communication. This contrasts with a bureaucracy, which tends to have a hierarchy of authority, explicit rules, and a clear division of labor. Bureaucratic organizations emphasize impersonality and are designed to efficiently serve large volumes of customers but may struggle with agility and adapting to change. In contrast, an organic organization emphasizes flat structures, decentralization, broad tasks, and high levels of communication to remain agile and responsive in dynamic environments.