MPA Organizational Theory and Management

Question 1

Max Weber's model of bureaucracy is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Hierarchy, written rules, specialization, and impersonality

Answer

Weber's ideal-type bureaucracy features a clear hierarchy, formal rules and procedures, specialized division of labor, impartial treatment, and appointment based on technical competence.

Question 2

Which management theory argues that workers are primarily motivated by social relationships and a sense of belonging rather than financial incentives alone?

Accepted Answer

Human relations theory

Answer

Human relations theory, inspired by the Hawthorne Studies, argues that social factors, group dynamics, and worker morale are powerful determinants of productivity.

Question 3

What does 'span of control' refer to in organizational management?

Accepted Answer

The number of subordinates a manager directly supervises

Answer

Span of control is the number of direct reports a supervisor manages; wider spans require less hierarchy, while narrower spans require more levels of management.

Question 4

Which concept describes the tendency of organizations to adopt similar structures, practices, and cultures over time due to environmental pressures?

Accepted Answer

Institutional isomorphism

Answer

Institutional isomorphism (DiMaggio and Powell) explains how organizations in the same field tend to become similar through coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures.

Question 5

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs applied to public organizations, what level must be satisfied before employees can be motivated by higher-order needs like esteem and self-actualization?

Accepted Answer

Both physiological and safety needs must be met first

Answer

Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs at the base and safety needs second; both lower-order needs must be reasonably satisfied before higher needs become motivating.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Organizational Theory and Management