Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

Which function is described as a service function within an organization?

1. Task ownership by individual employees

2. A designated unit relieving the rest of the organization from common functions

3. Collaboration between departments

4. All employees participating in contract negotiations

The correct answer is: A designated unit relieving the rest of the organization from common functions

The function described as a service function within an organization is defined by the idea of a designated unit that alleviates the burden of common functions from the rest of the organization. This allows the core departments to focus on their primary responsibilities while relying on this specialized unit to handle specific tasks, often those that are non-core but necessary for operations. For instance, a procurement department can take over duties related to purchasing supplies, vendor management, or contract administration, thus streamlining the process and helping other departments concentrate on their unique missions. This service function is crucial for operational efficiency, ensuring that resources and time are allocated effectively across the organization. In contrast, task ownership by individual employees highlights personal accountability rather than a collective service function. Collaboration between departments may improve communication and teamwork but does not specifically address the idea of a unit relieving others of responsibilities. Lastly, the involvement of all employees in contract negotiations suggests a more participatory approach rather than a dedicated service function designed to optimize processes within the organization.