Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about autonomous organizations is least accurate?

1. They have less hierarchy of authority.

2. They have less division of labor.

3. They emphasize technical competence.

4. They have more procedures.

The correct answer is: They have more procedures.

The statement that autonomous organizations typically have more procedures is the least accurate. In autonomous organizations, the structure tends to be flatter and less hierarchical, which allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness. These organizations often empower teams or individuals to make decisions without having to navigate a complex web of procedures and approvals that are more characteristic of traditional, hierarchical organizations. While there may be some established guidelines or general procedures to ensure that operations align with organizational goals, the emphasis is more on autonomy and empowerment rather than strict adherence to numerous formal rules. This approach fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration, which are essential components of an autonomous work environment. In contrast, other statements about autonomous organizations are more accurate. They do have less hierarchy of authority, as power is more distributed among members. There tends to be a reduced division of labor since teams are often expected to cross traditional boundaries and work collaboratively on various tasks. Additionally, a focus on technical competence is common, as team members may need to possess a diverse set of skills to adapt to different challenges and contribute effectively to their teams.