Syllabus B: Organisational structure, culture, governance

[Section A] 'NovaTech', a rapidly growing AI startup, was initially built around its charismatic founder who made all critical decisions. As the company expanded to 500 employees, it restructured into specialized departments (e.g., R&D, Marketing, Finance) with strict job descriptions and hierarchical reporting lines. According to Charles Handy's cultural typologies, what cultural shift has NovaTech experienced?

[Section A] A publicly listed water utility company is restructuring its board of directors to comply with corporate governance best practices. They are appointing several Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). Which of the following individuals would be considered an INDEPENDENT Non-Executive Director?

[Section A] A fast-fashion retailer launches a highly publicized 'Eco-Collection' made from recycled plastics. However, investigative journalists reveal that this collection makes up only 1% of their total output, while the remaining 99% relies on highly polluting manufacturing processes and exploitative labor. The company's marketing strategy is best described as an example of:

[Section A] An aerospace engineering firm organizes its staff so that an engineer reports to both the 'Head of Mechanical Engineering' (for technical standards and appraisals) and the 'Project Manager for the Mars Rover' (for daily task assignments). What type of organizational structure is this?

[Section A] A multinational food conglomerate reorganizes its operations. It creates three distinct, semi-autonomous units: 'Beverages', 'Snacks', and 'Frozen Foods'. Each unit has its own dedicated HR, Marketing, and Finance teams, and is responsible for its own profit and loss. What type of organizational structure has been adopted?

[Section A] True or False: In the context of corporate governance, 'Agency Theory' suggests that the interests of the directors (agents) and the shareholders (principals) are naturally perfectly aligned.

[Section A] In Charles Handy's cultural typologies, which Greek god is associated with a 'Role culture' (characterized by bureaucracy, strict hierarchies, and job descriptions)?

[Section A] True or False: Executive Directors are full-time employees involved in the daily management of the company, whereas Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) are part-time and provide independent oversight.

[Section B - MTQ] SCENARIO: 'HarvestCo' is a large, family-owned agriculture business. The founding patriarch recently retired, and the family has decided to transition the business into a publicly listed company (PLC). This requires adopting a formal corporate governance code and shifting from a 'Power culture' to a 'Role culture'. Select the FOUR correct statements regarding HarvestCo's transition.