The current kneejerk preference for organic over mechanistic organizat

Question

The current kneejerk preference for organic over mechanistic organizational structures may be misguided. Simply by synonymizing the humanistic with the organic model for organizational structures, many reveal an imprudent preference for the  organic  model. Similarly positive connotations adhere to the word flexible, often used interchangeably with organic.

The mechanistic model, derived in part perhaps from Max Weber’s behavioral structures, suffers from unfortunate nomenclature but is based on tried and true principles of centralization and vertical interaction. It yields the greatest efficiency by providing a clear hierarchy, a clear system of rules, and standardized procedures: in short, all the benefits of clarity, regularity, and predictability.

Organic models, sometimes characterized both pejoratively or positively as adhocracies, leave employees to muddle through in roles that are not thoroughly defined and within ambiguous reporting structures. In this system, promotion seems more a matter of the serendipitous project success than individual talents and achievement. In assessing those companies with a penchant for the organic, one must wonder what they thought was wrong with the locus of knowledge and authority at the peak of a well regulated, well-defined hierarchy.  
 1 
 1. Which of the following best expresses the author’s primary criticism of the organic model of business organization?

(A) It makes humanistic a synonym for organic.
(B) It overemphasizes the benefits of clarity and regularity.
(C) It ties promotion to the success of projects rather than to the success of individuals.
(D) It makes little use of individual talents and, by implication, favors the team over the individual.
(E) It ignores the proven advantages of a well-regulated, well defined hierarchy.

2 
 2. If the author of this passage applied the term adhocracy to an organic model, the connotations of the term would be

(A) pejorative.
(B) slightly negative.
(C) neutral.
(D) somewhat positive.
(E) praising.

3 
 3. Which of the following best expresses the function of the first paragraph in relation to the paragraphs that follow?

(A) To establish an objective definition of key terms 
(B) To identify a problem with nomenclature, which is then explored and explained in detail
(C) To discuss a secondary issue as a prelude to a more detailed examination of a primary issue
(D) To provide a historical and linguistic backdrop for a discussion of a modern day issue 
(E) To establish and build support for a point of view

AnkitHRD · Answer

For Q 3. Which of the following best expresses the function of the first paragraph in relation to the paragraphs that follow? Can't see a break in paragraph, so difficult to answer  Sajjad1994

Sajjad1994 · Answer

I have edited the paragraphs spacing. The source I have available contains this text as one paragraph so I have edited it according to the setting of the question so this is not the official paragraph setting.

Thanks

shauryahanda · Answer

for que 3 why are option c and d wrong

Sajjad1994 · Answer

It is clear from  sentence 1  that the writer finds a preference for organic models to be  “misguided.”  Explanation follows in the remainder of  paragraph 1 , as does support in  paragraphs 2  and  3.  and that is the reason the  options C  and  D  are wrong.

Harsh9676 · Answer

Hi @Sajaad1994

Why is option E incorrect in Q3?

The author did make a point that the Preference for Organic Organizational structure is misguided and then he supports that point by explaining the same in P2 & P3

acegmat20 · Answer

Yes I have the same doubt, could you please explain  Sajjad1994  ?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

In the  first paragraph  the author has introduced the agenda or problem and in the later paragraphs ho or she explained that point/issue/agenda.  E  says the author established and built support for a point of view while actually author did this in the  second  and  third paragraph  not in the  first paragraph.  Question ask us about the  first paragraph , You might be misinterpreting the question statement.

Thank you

kntombat · Answer

Sajjad1994 , could you post the Official Explanations for this RC as and when possible. 
Thank you.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. Which of the following best expresses the author’s primary criticism of the organic model of business organization?

Difficulty Level:   Hard

Explanation

The author argues for the  “tried and true,”  or proven success of the mechanistic model, which is characterized by hierarchy and efficiency.  Choice (C)  is tempting because it accurately states a criticism, but it does not  “best”  or most fully express the author’s  “primary”  or central criticism.

The correct answer is (E).

2. If the author of this passage applied the term adhocracy to an organic model, the connotations of the term would be

Difficulty Level:   Hard

Explanation

While the author states in  paragraph 3  that organic models are sometimes characterized positively or negatively as adhocracies, the reader must use other facts from the passage to infer that the author prefers rigid systems, not ad hoc methods, and that the context of an adhocracy as a place where employees are left to  “muddle through”  conveys a criticism.

The correct answer is (A).

3. Which of the following best expresses the function of the first paragraph in relation to the paragraphs that follow?

Difficulty Level:   Hard

Explanation

It is clear from sentence 1 that the writer finds a preference for organic models to be  “misguided.”  Explanation follows in the remainder of  paragraph 1 , as does support in  paragraphs 2 and 3.

The correct answer is (B).

JoeKan1234 · Answer

answered the first two questions correctly. For Q3, I got stuck btween B and E and eventually chose E because I didnt know the meaning of the word "nomenclature".

The current kneejerk preference for organic over mechanistic organizat

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

The current kneejerk preference for organic over mechanistic organizat

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