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. 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. 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. 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