Ex. 4. Match the words on the left with the words on the right.

staff marketing chain of temporary success manufacturing permanent hierarchical entire coal-mining range of line relational

business organizations level battles authority position products group command problems structure department project

Comprehension

Ex. 5. Which of the following three paragraphs most accurately summarizes the text, and why?

First summary:

Although most organizations are hierarchical, with a number of levels, and a line of command running from the top to the bottom, hierarchies should be avoided because they make decision-making slow and difficult. A solution to this problem is matrix management, which allows people from the traditional functional departments of production, finance, marketing, sales, etc. to work together in teams. Another solution is decentralization: the separation of the organization into competing autonomous divisions.

Second summary:

Most business organizations have a hierarchy consisting of several levels and a clear line of command. There may also be staff positions that are not integrated into the hierarchy. The organization might also be divided into functional departments, such as production, finance, marketing, sales and personnel. Larger organizations are often further divided into autonomous divisions, each with its own functional sections. More recent organizational systems include management and teams, both of which combine people from different functions and keep decision-making at lower levels.

Third summary:

Most businesses are organized as hierarchies, with a clear chain of command: a boss who has subordinates, who in turn have their own subordinates, and so on. The hierarchy might be internally divided into functional departments. A company offering a large number of products or services might also be subdivided into autonomous divisions. Communication among divisions can be improved by the introduction of matrix management or teams.

Ex. 6. Match the sections below with their correct definition.

Warehousing Planning

Stock control Recruitment

Credit control Distribution

Research & Development (R&D) Wages & Salaries (Payroll)

Purchasing Plant Maintenance

Office Services Market Research

Sales Promotions Quality control

With your partner, match the following descriptions to the correct sections

a) this section is responsible for the goods that the company produces, once they have been

produced. It has to make sure the company doesn't have too much (because then money is being

wasted) or too little (because then the company can't fulfill orders and will lose sales)

b) this section is responsible for trying to find and create new products that the company can sell,

and for improving or modifying old ones.

c) this section is responsible for making sure that the equipment in the factory is working properly.

d) this section is responsible for looking after the goods the company produces. It has to make sure

that all the goods are properly arranged so that they don't get damaged and are easy to find.

e) this section is responsible for making sure that high standards in production are maintained.

f) this section is responsible for buying all the raw materials that a company would need for its

production (i.e. the things that the company needs in order to be able to make its own products

e.g. metal, coal, etc.).

g) this section is responsible for finding out what the consumers think (e.g. about the company's

products).

h) this section is responsible for hiring new staff,

i) this section sets out the strategy for the company.

j) this section is responsible for making sure the company's products get to the right place at the

right time.

k) this section has to think of ways to make people buy more of the company's products e.g. "Buy 2,

get 1 free".

l) this section makes sure that everyone gets paid the right amount at the right time.

m) this section is responsible for making sure that the company's debtors pay the company when

they are supposed to

n) this section is responsible for making sure there is enough stationary, that the telephones are

working properly etc.

Ex. 7. Who would I ask to in order to resolve the following problems:

• I work in production. There’s been a sudden increase in orders. We don’t have the necessary steel to meet this order.

• I work in Office services. There’s been mistake in my pay-cheque.

• I work in Sales. The photocopier in the department is starting to cause lot of problems.

• I work in the Mail Room & I am bored with my job. I can type quite well & I’d like to change my job within the company.

• I don’t work in this company. I’m a very experienced industrial scientist & I would like to work in this company.

• I work in Accounts. We’ve run out of computer printing paper.

• I work in Sales. Recently, I’ve had a lot of complains from retailers about the quality of our new product.

Ex. 8. What company structure is better for:

1. a big automobile plant

2. private grocery shop

3. a small branch of a tourist firm

4. airline company

5. research department of a big company

DISCUSSION

1. Why are there so many organizations in today’s society?

2. Do all organizations need structure? Give your reasons.

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