Question 1

Thorstein Veblen used the term______________to characterize situations in which workers have become so highly specialized,or have been given such fragmented jobs to do,that they are unable to come up with creative solutions to problems.
A)trained incapacity
B)bureaucratic personality
C)cheerful robot
D)organization men

Accepted Answer

Thorstein Veblen used the term "trained incapacity" to describe situations where workers have become too specialized or fragmented in their jobs, to the point that they are unable to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Question 2

In discussing the Japanese model of organization,the text points out that
A)most Japanese corporations have avoided guaranteed lifetime employment
B)the "teamwork approach" has failed for the Japanese
C)the Japanese system encourages worker loyalty and a high level of productivity
D)Japanese students are not prepared to work in most corporations

Accepted Answer

The text clearly states that the Japanese model of organization encourages worker loyalty and high productivity. It does not mention that most Japanese corporations have avoided guaranteed lifetime employment, the "teamwork approach" has failed for the Japanese, or that Japanese students are not prepared to work in most corporations.

Question 3

The informal structure has been referred to as______________,because it includes the ideology and practices of workers on the job.
A)casual component of bureaucracy
B)other face
C)hidden face
D)work culture

Accepted Answer

The informal structure of an organization refers to the unwritten, unofficial relationships and norms that exist between employees. This includes the work culture, which encompasses the beliefs, values, and practices of workers on the job. Therefore, choice D, "work culture," is the best option. Choice A, "casual component of bureaucracy," is incorrect because the informal structure is separate from the formal bureaucratic structure. Choice B, "other face," and choice C, "hidden face," do not accurately capture the nature of the informal structure.

Question 4

______________ occurs when the rules become an end in themselves rather than a means to an end,and organizational survival becomes more important than achievement of goals.
A)Trained incapacity
B)Organization syndrome
C)Goal displacement
D)Organizational rigidity

Accepted Answer

Goal displacement occurs when the organization becomes more focused on maintaining its own existence and following rules rather than achieving its established goals. This could result in the organization losing sight of its original purpose and using its resources and efforts to sustain itself instead of achieving its objectives.

Question 5

The self-protective behavior of officials at the top may render the organization ineffective.This is an example of which of the following types of problems of bureaucracies?
A)inefficiency and rigidity
B)resistance to change
C)excessive rationality
D)administrative incompetency

Accepted Answer

Self-protective behavior can lead to inefficiency and rigidity as officials may prioritize their own interests over the organization's goals, hindering effective functioning.

Question 6

The March of Dimes' initial objective was to raise funds in an attempt to find a cure for polio.Once the cure was discovered,they shifted their attention to raising funds for birth defect research.This illustrates:
A)organization syndrome
B)goal displacement
C)outcome conflict
D)bureaucratic incompetency

Accepted Answer

Goal displacement occurs when an organization's original objective is achieved, but instead of disbanding, the organization shifts its attention to a new goal. This is what occurred with the March of Dimes, as their original objective of finding a cure for polio was achieved, they then shifted their focus to birth defect research.

Question 7

In the early 1980s,there was a movement in the U.S.to humanize bureaucracy-to establish an organizational environment that develops rather than impedes human resources.More humane bureaucracies are characterized by:
A)more rigid hierarchical structures and concentration of power and responsibility at the top
B)encouragement of participants to share their ideas and try new approaches to problem solving
C)increasing numbers of people in dead-end jobs and part-time positions
D)unequal treatment for people with outside family responsibilities

Accepted Answer

Encouragement of participants to share their ideas and try new approaches to problem solving is the characteristic of a more humane bureaucracy. Option A is incorrect because rigid hierarchical structures and concentration of power and responsibility at the top are characteristics of traditional bureaucracies. Option C is incorrect because increasing numbers of people in dead-end jobs and part-time positions go against the idea of humanizing bureaucracy. Option D is incorrect because unequal treatment for people with outside family responsibilities is also against the idea of humanizing bureaucracy.

Question 8

An organization's______________is composed of those aspects of participants' day­to­day activities and interactions that ignore,bypass,or do not correspond with the official rules and procedures of the bureaucracy.
A)other face
B)work culture
C)informal structure
D)casual nature

Accepted Answer

The informal structure of an organization consists of the unofficial relationships and interactions that occur among employees, which may not align with the formal rules and procedures.

Question 9

Some bureaucracies perpetuate inequalities of race,class,and gender because this form of organizational structure creates a specific type of work or learning environment.This structure was typically created for:
A)lower class women
B)minorities
C)middle and upper-middle class white men
D)middle class women

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic organizational structure was historically created by and designed for middle and upper-middle class white men. This structure perpetuates inequalities because it is built around hierarchies and competition, which often favor those who already hold power and privilege. Minorities and lower class women may struggle to advance within such a structure, as they may lack the resources and social capital necessary to navigate its complexities. Middle class women may also face barriers, but may have more resources and social capital to draw upon.

Question 10

The textbook cites three of the major problems of bureaucracies.Which of the following is NOT identified as a major problem of bureaucracies?
A)inefficiency and rigidity
B)resistance to change
C)excessive rationality
D)perpetuation of race,class,and gender inequalities

Accepted Answer

Excessive rationality is not typically cited as a major problem of bureaucracies. The other options are commonly recognized issues, such as inefficiency, resistance to change, and perpetuation of inequalities.

Question 11

______________ used the term "trained incapacity" to characterize which workers have become so highly specialized,or have been given such fragmented jobs to do,that they are unable to come up with creative solutions to problems.
A)Robert Merton
B)Michael Murphy
C)Karl Marx
D)Thorstein Veblen

Accepted Answer

Thorstein Veblen coined the term "trained incapacity" in his book "The Engineers and the Price System" (1921), to refer to workers who have become so specialized that they are unable to think creatively or outside of their narrow area of expertise. Veblen argued that specialization, while increasing efficiency in the short term, can ultimately hinder innovation and problem-solving.

Question 12

According to political sociologist Robert Michels,all organizations encounter the______________- the tendency to become a bureaucracy ruled by the few.His central idea was that those who control bureaucracies not only wield power but also have an interest in retaining their power.
A)iron cage
B)totalitarian circumstance
C)iron law of oligarchy
D)absolute power arrangement

Accepted Answer

The concept described by Robert Michels is known as the "iron law of oligarchy," which suggests that all organizations, even democratic ones, will eventually be controlled by a small group of elites who hold on to their power. Michels argued that this was due to the inherent efficiencies of bureaucracy and the fact that those in power have an incentive to maintain their control. This theory has been used to explain the rise of political parties, labor unions, and other formal organizations.

Question 13

Gender inequalities that are perpetuated in bureaucracies:
A)indirectly benefit white women and people of color
B)can negatively impact white women and people of color when they are underrepresented within an organization
C)makes it easier for white women and people of color to be promoted to better paying jobs
D)has the same impact on all workers regardless of gender or race/ethnicity

Accepted Answer

Gender inequalities that are perpetuated in bureaucracies can negatively impact white women and people of color when they are underrepresented within an organization. This can lead to limited opportunities for advancement and a lack of access to resources and support systems. While indirect benefits may exist for some, such as the potential for affirmative action policies, the negative effects of gender inequality are likely to outweigh any potential benefits. Additionally, the impact of gender inequalities on workers is not the same regardless of their gender or race/ethnicity, as individuals may face unique challenges and experiences based on their intersecting identities.

Question 14

The assessment of outcomes based on quantifiable rather than subjective criteria is referred to as:
A)predictability
B)efficiency
C)calculability
D)control

Accepted Answer

The term "calculability" refers to the ability to measure and quantify outcomes in a precise and objective manner. This is often used as a way to assess efficiency and productivity within a system, and is a key factor in the development of performance metrics and evaluation tools. While predictability, efficiency, and control may all be related to quantifiable outcomes, they do not specifically refer to this concept of calculability.

Question 15

Which of the following are NOT one of the four main dimensions of McDonaldization identified by Ritzer?
A)efficiency
B)competition
C)control
D)predictability

Accepted Answer

Competition is not one of the four main dimensions of McDonaldization identified by Ritzer. The four dimensions are efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control.

Question 16

According to Robert Merton,the term______________describes those workers who are more concerned with following correct procedures than they are with getting the job done correctly.These workers are usually able to handle routine situations effectively but are frequently incapable of handling a unique problem or an emergency.
A)trained incapacity
B)bureaucratic personality
C)organization men
D)cheerful robots

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton coined the term "bureaucratic personality" to describe workers who prioritize following procedures over results. They are capable of handling routine situations but can struggle with unique or emergency situations.

Question 17

______________ thrive in contemporary organizations because e-mail and Web sites have made it possible for people to communicate throughout the day without ever having to engage in face-to- face interaction.
A)Formal networks
B)Informal networks
C)Formal bureaucracy
D)Informal bureaucracy

Accepted Answer

Informal networks thrive in contemporary organizations because communication can occur through virtual channels without the need for face-to-face interaction. This allows for people to connect with others outside of their formal work groups and create relationships that can lead to increased collaboration and innovation.

Question 18

The optimum method of completing a task that involves a rational determination of the best mode of production is referred to as:
A)predictability
B)efficiency
C)calculability
D)control

Accepted Answer

Efficiency is the most appropriate choice as it directly relates to finding the best method of production to ensure the task is completed in the most time and cost-effective way. Predictability, calculability, and control may also play a role in completing a task, but they do not necessarily involve determining the best mode of production.

Question 19

Because of the assumed relationship between size and importance,officials tend to press for larger budgets and more staff and office space.To justify growth,administrators and managers must come up with more tasks for workers to perform.This is an example of what type of problem associated with bureaucracies?
A)inefficiency and rigidity
B)trained incapacity
C)bureaucratic personality
D)resistance to change

Accepted Answer

The answer of Because of the assumed relationship between size...

Question 20

The "grapevine" spreads information (with varying degrees of accuracy)much faster than do official channels of communication,which tend to be slow and unresponsive.The "grapevine" is an example of:
A)casual nature
B)informal structure
C)rules and regulations
D)hierarchy of authority

Accepted Answer

The description of the grapevine as a communication channel that is faster and less formal than official channels implies that it is an example of an informal structure.

Quiz 6: Groups and Organizations

Thorstein Veblen used the term______________to characterize situations in which workers have become so highly specialized,or have been given such fragmented jobs to do,that they are unable to come up with creative solutions to problems.

In discussing the Japanese model of organization,the text points out that

The informal structure has been referred to as______________,because it includes the ideology and practices of workers on the job.

______________ occurs when the rules become an end in themselves rather than a means to an end,and organizational survival becomes more important than achievement of goals.

The self-protective behavior of officials at the top may render the organization ineffective.This is an example of which of the following types of problems of bureaucracies?

The March of Dimes' initial objective was to raise funds in an attempt to find a cure for polio.Once the cure was discovered,they shifted their attention to raising funds for birth defect research.This illustrates:

In the early 1980s,there was a movement in the U.S.to humanize bureaucracy-to establish an organizational environment that develops rather than impedes human resources.More humane bureaucracies are characterized by:

An organization's______________is composed of those aspects of participants' daytoday activities and interactions that ignore,bypass,or do not correspond with the official rules and procedures of the bureaucracy.

Some bureaucracies perpetuate inequalities of race,class,and gender because this form of organizational structure creates a specific type of work or learning environment.This structure was typically created for:

The textbook cites three of the major problems of bureaucracies.Which of the following is NOT identified as a major problem of bureaucracies?

______________ used the term "trained incapacity" to characterize which workers have become so highly specialized,or have been given such fragmented jobs to do,that they are unable to come up with creative solutions to problems.

According to political sociologist Robert Michels,all organizations encounter the______________- the tendency to become a bureaucracy ruled by the few.His central idea was that those who control bureaucracies not only wield power but also have an interest in retaining their power.

Gender inequalities that are perpetuated in bureaucracies:

The assessment of outcomes based on quantifiable rather than subjective criteria is referred to as:

Which of the following are NOT one of the four main dimensions of McDonaldization identified by Ritzer?

______________ thrive in contemporary organizations because e-mail and Web sites have made it possible for people to communicate throughout the day without ever having to engage in face-to- face interaction.

The optimum method of completing a task that involves a rational determination of the best mode of production is referred to as:

The "grapevine" spreads information (with varying degrees of accuracy) much faster than do official channels of communication,which tend to be slow and unresponsive.The "grapevine" is an example of: