Human resource management practice questions.

The span of control refers to:

• the number of layers in the hierarchy
• the number of subordinates directly accountable to a manager
• the route along which instructions pass down the organisation
• the degree to which decisions are delegated

Answer: the number of subordinates directly accountable to a manager

Span of control = number of people directly reporting to one manager. A wide span suits a flat structure; a narrow span suits a tall one.

Which leadership style gives employees a high degree of freedom to make their own decisions with minimal supervision?

• autocratic
• paternalistic
• laissez-faire
• democratic

Answer: laissez-faire

Laissez-faire ('leave to do') leaders delegate and interfere little; it suits skilled, self-motivated teams but can lack direction if used poorly.

In Herzberg's two-factor theory, which of the following is a hygiene (maintenance) factor rather than a motivator?

• recognition for achievement
• the work itself
• pay and working conditions
• opportunity for advancement

Answer: pay and working conditions

Hygiene factors (pay, conditions, supervision) prevent dissatisfaction but do not motivate; true motivators are achievement, recognition, responsibility and advancement.

Centralisation of an organisation means that:

• decision-making is concentrated among senior managers
• decisions are delegated to local branches and junior staff
• the business has many layers of management
• the span of control is very wide

Answer: decision-making is concentrated among senior managers

Centralised firms keep authority at the top for consistency and control; decentralised firms delegate decisions closer to the point of action for speed and motivation.

A matrix organisational structure is one in which:

• employees report only to a single line manager
• staff from separate functions in project teams
• there are no managers at all
• the chain of command is extremely long

Answer: staff from separate functions in project teams

In a matrix structure employees answer to both a functional manager and a project manager; it improves collaboration but can create conflicting demands.

In Charles Handy's classification of organisational culture, which type concentrates power in a few central figures and relies on trust and personal communication?

• Role culture
• Task culture
• Power culture
• Person culture

Answer: Power culture

Handy's four cultures are power, role, task and person. A power culture (web) centres on a dominant individual/small group, enabling quick decisions but risking over-reliance on key people.