Final answer:
Functional departmentalization groups individuals based on their specialized activities, which is a feature of bureaucratic organizations with clear labor divisions. Modern trends show a shift towards less hierarchical structures emphasizing teamwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of departmentalization in which everyone engaged in one functional activity, such as engineering or marketing, is grouped into one unit is known as functional departmentalization. This structure is often part of a larger bureaucratic system, which typically includes a hierarchy of authority, clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality. In functional departmentalization, each department focuses on its own area of expertise, contributing to the organization's overall objectives.
For example, in modern engineering projects, such as the creation of a jetliner, the complexity of engineered systems necessitates specialized teams. Similarly, within a bureaucratic organization like a university, different departments handle specific functions - psychology professors focus on teaching psychology, while the Office of Admissions manages the distribution of financial aid forms.However, the modern trend in organizational structure is shifting towards less hierarchical forms, emphasizing teamwork and collegial relationships, even in formal organizations. This shift often results in the blurring of strict departmental lines, with more cross-functional collaboration and flat structures.