Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a component of Mintzberg’s five categories of organizations?

1. Simple structure

2. Social bureaucracies

3. Machine bureaucracy

4. Adhocracy

The correct answer is: Social bureaucracies

Mintzberg’s five categories of organizations are well-known frameworks that categorize organizational structures based on their characteristics and the environments in which they operate. These categories include the simple structure, machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, divisionalized form, and adhocracy. In this context, the option referring to "social bureaucracies" does not align with Mintzberg's original typology. While the other choices—simple structure, machine bureaucracy, and adhocracy—are part of his established models, "social bureaucracies" is not a recognized category by Mintzberg. This term may refer to certain organizational types in a broader context but does not fit within his specific five-part model. Understanding these classifications helps in comprehending how different organizations operate and adapt to various conditions, emphasizing the importance of organizational structure in achieving efficiency and effectiveness in distinct operational environments.