Definitions to Learn
Organisational structure
Chain of command
The levels of management and division of responsibilities within an organisation
The structure in an organisation which allows instructions to be passes down from senior management to lower levels of management
Advantages of job description
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People applying for the job could see if they were suitable for the work expected of them
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Once in the job, the new employee would know exactly what their duties and responsibilities were
Advantages of an organisation chart
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The chart shows how everybody is linked together in the organisation
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Every individual can see their own position in the organisation
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It shows the links and relationship between different departments within the organisation
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Everyone is in a department and this gives them a sense of belonging
Definitions to Learn
Span of control
Line managers
Staff managers
The number of subordinates working directly under a manager
Have direct responsibility over people below them in the hierarchy of an organisation
Specialists who provide support, information and
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assistance to line managers
Advantages of short chain command
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Communication is quicker and more accurate
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Top managers are less remote from the lower level of the hierarchy
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Spans of control will be wider, it’s an advantage because
 If supervisors have more people to manage, it will encourage managers to delegate more
 There will be less direct control of each worker and they will feel more trusted
Planning
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Setting aims or targets for the future of the organisation
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Aims or targets will give the organisation a sense of direction or purpose
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A manager must also plan for the resources which will be needed
Organising
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Tasks must be delegated to others in the organisation
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It is manager’s responsibility to organise people and resources effectively and carefully
Coordinating
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Coordinating, which means ‘bringing together’, is very necessary for the business
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Senior managers try to make sure that all departments in the organisation work closely together to achieve the business aims
Commanding
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Managers have to make sure that all supervisors and workers are keeping to targets and deadlines
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Instructions, guidance and making sure the tasks are carried out is the manager’s responsibility
Controlling
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Managers must evaluate the work to make sure that workers are on target
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Managers may have to take some corrective action when certain groups are failing
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Without clear and effective management, a business will lack:




A sense of control and direction
Coordination between departments, leading to wastage of effort
Control of employees
Organisation of resources, leading to low output and sales
Definitions to Learn
Delegation The number of subordinates working directly under a manager
Advantages of delegation for the manager

Managers cannot do every job themselves

Managers are less likely to make mistakes if some of the tasks are being performed by their subordinates
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Managers can measure the success of their staff more easily
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Advantages of delegation for the subordinate
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The work becomes more interesting and rewarding
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The employee feels more important and does the job more well
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Delegation helps to train workers for more progress in the organisation
Why a manager might not delegate
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Reduction in direct control by supervisors
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Managers once tasks are done by workers
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Increasing trust of workers by supervisors and managers
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Make managers feel very insecure
Why having good managers is important

To motive employees
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To give guidance and advice to their employees
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To inspire their employees
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To keep costs under control
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To increase profitability of the business
Definitions to Learn
Leadership styles The different approaches to dealing with people when in a higher position
Autocratic leadership Where the manager expects to be in charge of the business
Democratic leadership Gets other employees involved in the decision-making progress
Laissez-faire leadership
Makes the broad objectives of the business, but then the employees are left to make their own decisions
Autocratic leadership
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Manager expects to be in charge of the business and to have their orders followed
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They’re separate from the employees
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Democratic leadership
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Get the other employees involved in the decision-making process
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Future plans are discussed before final decision is made
Laissez-faire leadership
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French for ‘leave to do’
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Employees are left to make their own decisions and organise their own work

The leader has a very limited role to play
Definitions to Learn
Trade union A group of workers who have joined together to ensure their interests are protected
Closed shop All employees must be a member of same trade union
Reasons why workers join a trade union
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Strength in numbers
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Improved conditions of employment
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Improved environment where people work
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Improved benefits for members who are not working because they’re sick, retired or made redundant
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Improved job satisfaction by encouraging training
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Advice and/or financial support if a member thinks that they have been unfairly dismissed or made redundant
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Benefits that have been negotiated or provided for union members
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Employment where there is a closed shop
Disadvantages of trade union membership

Costs money to be a member

May be required to take industrial action even if they don’t agree
Trade unions seek to
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Put forward their views to the media and influence government decisions
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Improve communications between workers and management
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