ANWSER
Question 1
1a. How relevant is the scope and nature of organisation theory to administration?
Answer:
Organisation theory is highly relevant to administration as it provides a framework for understanding how organisations function and are managed. It helps administrators design efficient structures, improve productivity, and foster effective decision-making. Additionally, it aids in conflict resolution, leadership development, and aligning organisational goals with external environmental changes.
1b. Identify and explain any four dimensions for understanding the scope and nature of organisation theory.
Answer:
- Structural Dimension: Focuses on how organisations are structured, including hierarchy, centralisation, and formalisation.
- Human Resource Dimension: Examines the role of people within an organisation, their motivation, leadership, and workplace culture.
- Environmental Dimension: Looks at how external factors like government policies, market forces, and technology influence organisational behaviour.
- Process Dimension: Covers organisational processes like decision-making, communication, coordination, and control mechanisms.
Question 2
2a. Identify and explain the five scientific management principles by Frederick Winslow Taylor.
Answer:
- Science, Not Rule of Thumb: Replace traditional methods with scientific analysis to improve efficiency.
- Harmony, Not Discord: Ensure cooperation between management and workers instead of conflicts.
- Mental Revolution: Encourage a change in mindset for both workers and managers to embrace efficiency.
- Scientific Selection and Training of Workers: Select and train employees scientifically for maximum productivity.
- Division of Work and Responsibility: Clearly define the roles of management and workers to enhance efficiency.
2b. Briefly discuss any two impacts of Taylor’s scientific management on productivity.
Answer:
- Increased Efficiency: Taylor’s principles led to better time management, standardised tasks, and improved output.
- Higher Employee Specialisation: Workers became more skilled in their specific tasks, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Question 3
Identify and critically explain any three features of the Hawthorne Studies.
Answer:
- Human Relations Impact: Demonstrated that social factors and employee interactions significantly influence productivity.
- Work Environment Influence: Showed that changes in physical conditions (e.g., lighting, breaks) could temporarily impact worker output.
- Motivation Beyond Money: Proved that recognition, teamwork, and job satisfaction were stronger motivators than financial incentives.
Question 4
4a. What is Behavioural Science in the understanding of organisation?
Answer:
Behavioural Science in organisations studies human behaviour, psychology, and interactions within workplace settings. It focuses on improving leadership, teamwork, and motivation to enhance overall organisational effectiveness.
4b. Write short notes on the following:
1. Social Learning Theory: Suggests that people learn behaviours through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.
2. Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Explains how individuals strive to maintain consistency between their beliefs and actions.
3. Self-Determination Theory: Highlights the role of intrinsic motivation in improving job performance and satisfaction.
4. Power and Dependency Theory: Describes how power is derived from dependence on resources controlled by others.
5. Marx Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy: Emphasises structured hierarchy, rules, and merit-based employment in organisations.
Question 5
5a. What do you understand by Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Answer:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that explains human motivation based on five levels of needs, starting from basic survival needs to self-actualisation.
5b. Identify and explain the first five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Answer:
- Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs such as food, water, and shelter.
- Safety Needs: Protection, job security, and financial stability.
- Love and Belongingness: Social relationships, friendships, and acceptance in groups.
- Esteem Needs: Recognition, self-respect, and a sense of achievement.
- Self-Actualisation: Personal growth, creativity, and fulfilling one’s potential.
Question 6
Critically explain the following theories related to decision-making in organisations:
1. Rational Choice Theory:
Answer: Suggests that individuals make decisions by evaluating all available options and choosing the one with the highest benefits and lowest costs.
2. Bounded Rationality:
Answer: Argues that decision-makers operate under cognitive and informational limitations, leading them to make satisfactory rather than optimal choices.
3. Prospect Theory:
Answer: Explains how people perceive gains and losses differently, often making risk-averse or risk-seeking decisions based on how choices are framed.