Question 1

In all probability,the sociology professor who is giving this test would be totally unable to grade a test given in the chemistry department.What aspect of bureaucracy does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

This illustrates the aspect of specialization within bureaucracy, where individuals are trained and specialized in particular fields, and may not have the knowledge or skills to perform tasks outside their area of expertise.

Question 2

Explain the criticism of Robert Putnam's concern about the decline of participation in bowling leagues and what that means for U.S.society,using the example of virtual communities.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

What important role did Émile Durkheim suggest that social groups perform for individuals?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Google has implemented employment policies like increasing the use of women interviewers for female job applicants and expanding maternity leave from three months to five in order to hire and retain more female employees.Which characteristic of bureaucracy is Google attempting to address with these changes?

Accepted Answer

Google is attempting to address the characteristic of impersonality within bureaucracy. By implementing policies that focus on hiring and retaining more female employees, they are addressing the impersonal nature of bureaucracy, which can make it difficult for certain groups, such as women, to feel included in the workplace.

Question 5

Around the third week of a college class,a professor decides she's had enough,is tired of dealing with bureaucracies,and wants out.So one day,instead of coming to class,she flies to Tahiti and sells souvenirs on the beach.If this happened,the college would simply assign a substitute to finish the course.What does this tell you about the nature of the authority wielded by a professor?

Accepted Answer

The authority of a professor is legal-rational, meaning it is based on a system of rules and procedures established by the institution, not on the individual professor's personal qualities or charisma.

Question 6

A producer for a cable news show is feeling insecure.She complains to her boss that she isn't very smart and that she only does well because she's scared of being yelled at.Her boss tells her to stop whining and not worry about it.He says,"I'm a results-based guy.I don't care why it works,as long as it works!" What leadership style do you think her boss has?

Accepted Answer

The boss's focus on results over the producer's personal feelings or motives suggests an instrumental leadership style, in which the leader emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness in achieving goals. The boss's dismissive attitude towards the producer's concerns could also suggest a lack of consideration for the emotional and personal well-being of employees, which is not in line with charismatic or expressive leadership styles. Legal-rational leadership is characterized by adherence to rules and procedures, which is not directly applicable in this scenario.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of bureaucratic organization at colleges and universities?

Accepted Answer

Issuing ID numbers to students is an example of bureaucratic organization because it involves creating a standard procedure for identification purposes. A bureaucratic organization is characterized by rules and procedures that are rigidly followed to ensure consistency and uniformity.

Question 8

There are many members of social groups who are not influenced by peer pressure.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

A high school decides that its band needs to wear uniforms.To be more efficient,the school only buys uniforms in three sizes and forces students to pick the size that comes closest to fitting.What does this exemplify?

Accepted Answer

The decision to only buy three sizes of uniforms and force students to pick the closest one exemplifies rationalization, or the use of efficient and standardized procedures to achieve goals.

Question 10

What term did the sociologist George Ritzer use to describe the spread of rationalization and bureaucratic ways of operating into everyday life?

Accepted Answer

George Ritzer used the term "McDonaldization" to describe the spread of rationalization and bureaucratic ways of operating into everyday life. This term refers to the process by which rational principles, such as efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control, are applied to all aspects of society, not just fast food restaurants.

Question 11

In 2009 the Detroit Pistons fired head coach Michael Curry.Most sources agreed that Curry lost his job because of squabbles with players,as well as tensions between team members and the coaching staff.This was especially upsetting because Curry's main strength was supposed to be his ability to communicate well with players and command their respect.What type of leadership was Curry lacking?

Accepted Answer

Michael Curry's main strength was supposed to be his ability to communicate well with players and command their respect. This indicates that he lacked expressive leadership, which involves effective communication, building rapport, and creating a positive work environment.

Question 12

There is a social tie between my best friend's uncle and me even though I've never met him.

Accepted Answer

This is possible because of the transitive property of social ties. If my best friend is tied to her uncle, and I am tied to my best friend, then there is an indirect social tie between her uncle and me.

Question 13

According to Robin Leidner in fast food,fast Talk,how do fast-food restaurants rationalize the process of providing food to customers?

Accepted Answer

According to Robin Leidner in Fast Food, Fast Talk, fast-food restaurants rationalize the process of providing food to customers by developing standardized scripts for employees to use when dealing with customers. This helps ensure consistency in customer service and efficiency in the food preparation process.

Question 14

Activists sometimes advocate living "off the grid," which,in its simplest form,means living without buying electricity and water from utility companies.However,they also admit that living off the grid is getting harder and harder,because there simply isn't enough affordable land in places where it would be feasible to do so.This means that most Americans have to:

Accepted Answer

Most Americans have to deal with utility company bureaucracies because living off the grid is becoming increasingly difficult due to the lack of affordable land.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about bureaucracies is true?

Accepted Answer

According to sociologist Max Weber, bureaucracies are characterized by formal rules and procedures, specialized roles and functions, and hierarchy of authority. While this organizational structure can lead to efficiency and rational decision-making, it can also result in employees feeling alienated and dehumanized. Therefore, statement C is true. Statements A, B, and D are incorrect.

Question 16

Our social networks consist of just our closest friends and family.

Accepted Answer

Our social networks can consist of both close friends and family as well as acquaintances, colleagues, and even strangers we interact with online.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of McDonaldization,as George Ritzer used the term?

Accepted Answer

McDonaldization refers to the process by which fast food principles are applied to other aspects of society, such as work and education. The worker's experience of feeling like a robot and following mechanical procedures is an example of McDonaldization.

Question 18

A nightclub has several types of employees,each with a specialized task.Bartenders make drinks,bouncers check identification,bussers clear away used glasses,and so on.A shift supervisor is in charge,and a manager is in charge of the shift supervisor.At work the employees check the bulletin board,where their boss posts memos explaining changes in the rules.The bouncers are the most popular employees,because they usually let their friends in for free,even if their friends don't have ID.In many ways,the club is a bureaucracy,but there is at least one significant element of bureaucratic organization missing.What is it?

Accepted Answer

The missing element in this nightclub's bureaucracy is impersonality. The bouncers' behavior of letting their friends in for free, even if they don't have identification, shows that they are not following the rules in an impersonal manner.

Question 19

Secondary groups cannot be geographically dispersed.

Accepted Answer

Secondary groups can be geographically dispersed, as they are typically larger and less intimate than primary groups, and may involve communication through technology or occasional meetings.

Question 20

Explain how primary groups and secondary groups are not always distinct and unique from one another.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 5: Separate and Together: Life in Groups