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authority the right to direct with permission to act.

centralization/decentralization the degree of delegation of decision making, authority, and power within an organization.

departmentalization organizing people into different departments or divisions in which collections of tasks are place together, such as accounting, marketing, and production.

formalization the presence of rules and procedures.

job a set or series of tasks performed by an individual on behalf of an organization.

job analysis the process of assigning tasks to jobs.

job description a formal list of tasks and duties.

job design what occurs when managers determine the tasks needed to be done, who will do them, and what selection criteria will be used to choose employees and place them on the job.

job specification a list of the eligibility requirements or qualifications needed to perform a job.

mechanistic organization characterized by high use of rules and procedures, a greater number of levels in the organization, and formal relationships between workers, and that is, as a result, a less flexible method of operation.

mechanization/computerization measures the reliance on computers and technology to maintain operations.

organic structures that employ few rules and procedures, have a small number of organizational levels and ranks, allow for informal relationships among workers and supervisors, and are much more flexible and adaptable as a result.

organizational design the process by which managers make specific organizing choices that result in the particular kind of organizational structure they will utilize.

organizational structure a formal system of task and reporting relationships that coordinates the activities of members so that they work together to achieve organizational goals.

organizing the process of bringing people and resources together to create products and services in an efficient and effective manner.

responsibility (or accountability) the obligation to complete tasks as assigned.

standardization the use of a series of job titles that are exactly the same, and the assignment of workers to perform the same activities.