Organizing & Structure
What is the purpose of organizational structure?
To define roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships
A manager gives public praise after a team hits their goal. Which theory supports this?
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (motivator: recognition)
A manager uses their job title to assign tasks. What type of power is this?
Legitimate power
One team member is falling behind. As their manager, what’s your first step?
Have a one-on-one conversation to understand the issue
A manager finds out their top performer is fudging numbers. What should they do first?
Investigate and report the behavior according to company policy
What is departmentalization?
Grouping jobs into logical units
An employee is more productive after getting a raise. What type of motivator is that?
Extrinsic motivator
An employee follows a leader because they admire and respect them. What type of power is this?
Referent power
Two employees are arguing during a team meeting. What should you do?
Address the conflict calmly and redirect the conversation
You overhear a coworker making inappropriate comments. What’s the ethical thing to do?
Address it directly or report it through the proper channel
What’s the main difference between centralized and decentralized organizations?
Centralized = decisions made at the top; Decentralized = decisions spread out
A company offers a learning and development stipend. What need does that fulfill in Maslow’s hierarchy?
Self-actualization
A manager promises bonuses for meeting a deadline. What type of power are they using?
Reward power
Your team says they don’t feel challenged by their work. What motivation theory might help?
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (lack of motivators)
A company cuts corners on safety to save money. What ethical principle is being violated?
Responsibility to employees and stakeholder safety
What’s the chain of command?
The reporting hierarchy from top to bottom
What theory explains why an employee might feel unmotivated if a coworker with similar work gets paid more?
Equity Theory
A team leader adapts their approach based on how experienced the team is. What leadership style is this?
Situational leadership
A project is behind schedule. You need buy-in from the team to stay late this week. What leadership style fits best?
Participative or democratic leadership
A manager promotes a friend over a more qualified candidate. What ethical issue is this?
Nepotism or conflict of interest
What is a matrix structure?
A structure where employees report to two managers (usually functional and project-based)
What are the three key beliefs in Expectancy Theory?
Expectancy, instrumentality, and valence
What leadership style inspires employees through vision, energy, and change?
Transformational leadership
An employee wants more feedback and coaching. What leadership behavior would support this?
Providing supportive leadership and regular communication
Why is it important for managers to model ethical behavior?
It sets the tone for the workplace and builds trust