Question

A hierarchical organization where each employee has one clear superior, staff are grouped by areas of specialization and managed by a person with expertise in that area is known as a:

a. composite organization
b. functional organization
c. projectized organization
d. weak matrix organization

Answer 1

The organizational structure the student described is a functional organization, which has a clear hierarchy of authority and specialization. However, modern trends are shifting towards team-based, flat structures for greater flexibility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The organizational structure described in the student's question is known as a functional organization. This type of organization is characterized by a hierarchy of authority, where each employee reports to a single superior, and the staff is organized into departments based on specialization. Each department is led by someone with expertise in that specific area. This creates a clear division of labor and ensures that employees are managed by supervisors with the appropriate technical knowledge.

While functional organizations can be efficient due to specialization, the modern workplace is experiencing a shift towards more team-based structures and flat organizational models that foster collaboration and quicker responses to changing environments. However, the classic bureaucratic structure of a functional organization remains prevalent in both private and public sectors, focusing on clear roles, a chain of command, and adherence to explicit rules.