Deck 16: Cultivating Organizational Culture

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a component of organizational culture?

A) organizational chart and hierarchy
B) norms shared by organizational members
C) routine means of communicating and language used
D) climate conveyed by the organization's physical layout

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Organizational ______ is/are the shared and learned values, beliefs, and attitudes of an organization's members.

A) values
B) culture
C) environment
D) behavior

Answer 2

B

Question 3

An organization's culture is the shared and learned values, beliefs, and attitudes of the organization's members.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

In the socialization of new employees, tough on-the-job training leads to mastery of one of the core disciplines of the business.

Question 5

Sam told his employees they would all receive a year-end bonus from the company. Sam knew he was promising something that the company might not be able to deliver, but he wanted to keep his employees motivated. Sam is acting ethically.

Question 6

In "Change Competency: Harley-Davidson's Culture," the Harley Hogs is a customer group formed to get people more actively involved in motorcycling.

Question 7

In "Learning from Experience: Cultivating Organizational Culture-Zappos," CEO Tony Hsieh maintains that customer service is the company's number one priority.

Question 8

In a market culture, the individual and the organization agree about each party's obligations in advance.

Question 9

In "Communications Competency: Texas Nameplate Company," the company has a flat organization structure that places decision-making authority in the hands of management.

Question 10

Organizational culture can have a significant impact on a firm's long-term economic performance.

Question 11

Tradition, personal commitment, extensive socialization, self-management, and social influence are characteristics of an entrepreneurial culture.

Question 12

An organizational culture emerges when members share knowledge and assumptions as they discover ways of coping with issues of external adaptation and internal integration.

Question 13

In "Across Cultures Competency: Ricardo Semler, CEO of Brazil's Semco Manufacturing," Semler changed the organization's culture by increasing the organization's hierarchy from three levels to eight.

Question 14

The component of organizational culture that includes norms and tends to be more visible and somewhat easier to change is the organization's

A) cultural symbols.
B) cultural values.
C) shared goals and objectives.
D) shared behaviors.

Question 15

Not every organization or group socializes its new members.

Question 16

External adaptation and survival refer to how the organization will find a niche in and cope with its constantly changing external environment.

Question 17

Jaleel notices that his coworker is selling used parts as "new" in order to increase his total sales revenue. Since this practice is against company policy, Jaleel tells his supervisor about the situation. Jaleel is a whistle-blower.

Question 18

A company's reward system has little effect on its culture.

Question 19

Joe's company is most concerned with earnings and gaining market share, while Jessica's company is most concerned with research and innovation. While both companies have different notions about what is most important, the notions all represent

A) organizational mission statements.
B) organizational shared behaviors.
C) organizational cultural values.
D) cultural symbols.

Question 20

In "Learning from Experience: Cultivating Organizational Culture-Zappos," how were the company's core values developed?

A) by analyzing surveys from customers
B) by adopting the values of its competitors
C) by asking all employees for their input
D) by input from an outside research company

Question 21

The establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships among the members of an organization is referred to as

A) external adaptation.
B) organizational culture.
C) socialization.
D) internal integration.

Question 22

When you walk into the manufacturing plant where Mike works, you immediately see a huge banner stating, "Proudly Made in the U.S.A." There are also numerous American flags hanging around the walls of the plant. These represent the firm's

A) shared behaviors.
B) cultural values.
C) cultural symbols.
D) shared mission.

Question 23

The aspect of an organization's culture that is communicated to its employees when leaders demonstrate the proper way of doing things is called

A) allocation of rewards.
B) role modeling.
C) sharing behavior.
D) external adaptation.

Question 24

When the Mary Kay Cosmetics company holds an elaborate ceremony to award pink Cadillac cars to its high achieving salespeople, it is an example of which organizational rite?

A) rite of passage
B) rite of enhancement
C) rite of degradation
D) rite of integration

Question 25

Viktor runs a small start-up company. He sees how technology in his industry is constantly changing. In order to adapt to this changing environment, Viktor needs to consider and address all of the external adaptation and survival issues EXCEPT the firm's

A) organizational structure.
B) mission and strategy.
C) goals and how to achieve them.
D) ways of measuring how well it is performing.

Question 26

Once a month, the employees in Tonya's department go out to lunch together. This behavior encourages common feelings and serves to create a bond among the employees. What type of organizational rite does this exemplify?

A) rite of passage
B) rite of enhancement
C) rite of degradation
D) rite of integration

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT one of the four pure types of organizational culture?

A) social
B) bureaucratic
C) clan
D) entrepreneurial

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a reason why changing culture is difficult?

A) Cultures give employees identity.
B) Culture provides stability.
C) Culture helps focus its employees' behaviors.
D) Culture is the basis for a firm's mission statement.

Question 29

The external environment of a firm is constantly changing. How a firm will find a niche in and cope with this changing environment is referred to as

A) external adaptation and survival.
B) survival of the fittest.
C) organizational adaptation.
D) external integration and adjustment.

Question 30

The term used to refer to multiple cultures being present within an organization is

A) countercultures.
B) subcultures.
C) microcultures.
D) multicultures.

Question 31

Unity in a ______ culture is achieved by means of a long and thorough socialization process in which long-time employees serve as mentors and role models for new employees.

A) clan
B) social
C) market
D) bureaucratic

Question 32

The entrepreneurial culture is MOST characterized by high levels of

A) goal achievement.
B) formality.
C) social influence.
D) risk taking.

Question 33

In Betsy's firm, each employee is given a detailed employee manual and all employees are expected to "go by the book." In addition, leaders are seen as enforcers of the written rules and standards. In which type of culture does Betsy work?

A) clan
B) bureaucratic
C) market
D) entrepreneurial

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT an issue addressed by internal integration?

A) language and concepts
B) goals and measurement
C) group and team boundaries
D) rewards and punishments

Question 35

An organization that practices formality, rules, standard operating procedures, and hierarchical coordination has which type of culture?

A) market
B) entrepreneurial
C) structured
D) bureaucratic

Question 36

A powerful way of sustaining organizational culture involves what leaders and teams pay attention to. An example of this would be

A) Carolyn holds a meeting every morning with her team to discuss the day's priorities and to reinforce what is expected of the team.
B) Jeff got a promotion and along with it, a corner office.
C) the IT team must respond quickly when the company's server goes down.
D) new employees of the company are shown training videos on how to improve customer service.

Question 37

In "Across Cultures Competency: Ricardo Semler, CEO of Brazil's Semco Manufacturing," how did leaders govern employees when Semler first took over the organization?

A) by empowering employees
B) by allowing employees to make all decisions
C) through the use of concentric circles
D) through fear of unemployment

Question 38

In "Change Competency: Harley-Davidson's Culture," Richard Teerlink changed the company's culture by

A) restructuring top management.
B) having employees give product demonstrations.
C) increasing employee involvement at all levels.
D) by improving employee reward systems.

Question 39

Because the ______ culture emphasizes extensive socialization and teamwork, peer pressure to adhere to important norms is strong.

A) entrepreneurial
B) clan
C) market
D) bureaucratic

Question 40

Fiona wants to encourage her employees to take initiative in solving problems, so she personally recognizes each time an employee does so to thank them and offer words of encouragement. Which issue of internal integration does this represent?

A) rewards and punishments
B) group and team boundaries
C) power and status
D) language and concepts

Question 41

A leader who wants to instill an organizational culture that encourages ethical behavior will

A) set lofty goals regarding employment relationships, even if the organization cannot deliver on those goals.
B) make sure to only solicit input from management regarding ethical concerns; employees tend to exaggerate the issue.
C) provide training programs for leaders and teams on adopting and implementing the organization's ethical values.
D) discourage employees from whistle-blowing or registering complaints as this only creates a negative atmosphere.

Question 42

When it comes to ethics, organizational culture involves a complex interplay of _______ that may support either ethical or unethical behavior.

A) formal systems
B) informal systems
C) formal and informal systems
D) formal, informal and legal systems

Question 43

_______ contract refers to a person's overall set of expectations regarding what they will contribute to the organization and what the organization will provide in return.

A) psychological
B) employment
C) operational
D) social

Question 44

In "Communications Competency: Texas Nameplate Company" the dominant culture at Texas Nameplate is

A) a clan culture.
B) a bureaucratic culture.
C) an entrepreneurial culture.
D) a market culture.

Question 45

In a(n) _______ culture, individual initiative, flexibility, creativity, and freedom all foster growth. Therefore, these attributes are encouraged and well rewarded.

A) entrepreneurial
B) bureaucratic
C) market
D) clan

Question 46

All of the following are steps an employee might take to reduce unethical behavior in a firm EXCEPT

A) report unethical behavior to a higher level within the firm.
B) go to work for a competing firm.
C) refuse to implement an unethical order.
D) report unethical actions to someone outside the firm.

Question 47

Becca is a college graduate and just landed her first teaching job. The older teachers in her school are showing Becca around, familiarizing her with how things are done, and showing her how to use the office and classroom equipment. Becca is in the process of organizational

A) learning.
B) integration.
C) accreditation.
D) socialization.

Question 48

Why do people typically engage in whistle-blowing?

A) They lack the power to change the practice they see as undesirable.
B) It is easier to bring the practice to someone else's attention rather than handle it themselves.
C) Employees are usually given a promotion for highlighting poor business practices.
D) They don't like the offending employee and want to see him or her get in trouble.

Question 49

Which type of culture places emphasis on monthly performance goals based on profits rather than social relations among employees?

A) clan culture
B) market culture
C) bureaucratic culture
D) entrepreneurial culture

Question 50

Which statement is TRUE regarding the relationship between culture and performance?

A) Organizational cultures that inhibit strong long-term financial performance are rare.
B) In the future, organizational culture will no longer be a crucial factor in a firm's long-term success.
C) It is impossible to change an organization's culture to become more performance enhancing.
D) Organizational culture can have a significant impact on a firm's long-term economic performance.

Question 51

An employee who has "learned the ropes,"-in other words, has learned what to pay attention to and what to ignore has been successfully

A) integrated.
B) socialized.
C) cultured.
D) modernized.

Question 52

The first step in the organizational socialization process is to

A) determine if a candidate is worthy of hiring.
B) train the employee in the company's culture.
C) provide the employee with a mentor.
D) provide the employee with a "rule book" and standard operating procedures.

Question 53

Edwin works at an oil refinery that has been violating EPA requirements by dumping contaminated waste into a nearby waterway. Edwin reports what he knows to a local news reporter with the intention of getting the company to change this harmful practice. Edwin's behavior would be classified as

A) external survival.
B) internal integration.
C) whistle-blowing.
D) cultural sabotage.

Question 54

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a market culture?

A) The relationship between the individual and the organization is contractual.
B) An adherence to formal rules and standard operating procedures is expected.
C) Employees who have been with the firm for a long-time act as role models for newer employees.
D) There is a strong commitment to experimentation, innovation, and being on the "cutting-edge."

Question 55

A psychological contract is

A) a written contract with clearly defined terms.
B) developed by the employee, apart from the organization.
C) an understanding between the employee and the organization.
D) a written contract listing the employee's benefits and compensation.

Question 56

Disclosure by current or former employees of illegal, immoral, or illegitimate organizational practices to people or organizations that may be able to change the practice is called

A) snitching.
B) whistle-blowing.
C) tattle-telling.
D) squawking.

Question 57

The systematic process by which an organization brings new employees into its culture is called

A) internal integration.
B) organizational learning.
C) organizational socialization.
D) employee awareness.

Question 58

The process by which older members of society transmit to younger members the social skills and knowledge needed to function effectively in that society is referred to as

A) learning.
B) socialization.
C) acculturalization.
D) empowering.

Question 59

All of the following are suggestions for creating organizational cultures that encourage ethical behavior EXCEPT

A) allowing the creation and implementation of ethical guidelines to be given solely to management.
B) being realistic in offering only what the organization can deliver.
C) opting for a strong culture that encourages and rewards diversity and principled dissent.
D) providing training programs in how to adopt and implement the firm's ethical values.

Question 60

What role does management play in establishing the ethical culture of a firm?

A) The presence of ethical behavior by managers is influential to the organization's culture, but the absence of ethical behavior is not.
B) Whether managers act ethically or not has no bearing on the ethical culture of a firm's organization.
C) Only managers that deal with entities outside the firm have a responsibility to act ethically and thus impact the firm's organizational culture.
D) The presence or absence of ethical behavior in managerial actions both influences and reflects the organization's culture.

Question 61

Before David became the store manager at Casual Clothes for Men, he worked in the store's stockroom, was a cashier, and worked as an assistant manager. This progression of jobs relates to which step of the organizational socialization process?

A) careful selection
B) rewards that sustain culture
C) training to develop capabilities consistent with culture
D) role model to sustain culture

Question 62

What step of the organizational socialization process is an employee in who is learning all aspects of a business in order to develop mastery in one or more skills?

A) challenging work assignments
B) training to develop capabilities consistent with culture
C) adoption of cultural value policies
D) role model to sustain culture

Question 63

In the organizational socialization process, the saying "baptism by fire" means that new employees

A) should be left to figure out work tasks on their own.
B) won't be properly socialized unless they've handled a crisis situation.
C) should be given challenging work assignments their first year on the job.
D) must outperform coworkers by any means necessary.

Question 64

Describe the elements of a market culture.

Question 65

Any time Luis notices that one of his employees has made a significant contribution to the success of the company-whether in customer service, sales, or in billing-he writes a personal note to the employee to recognize their contribution to the firm. What step of the organizational socialization process does this represent?

A) rituals, taboos, rites, and stories to reinforce culture
B) rewards that sustain culture
C) careful selection
D) adoption of cultural value policies

Question 66

Describe the difference between external adaptation and survival and internal integration. What must leaders be aware of in each?

Question 67

Describe the elements of an entrepreneurial culture.

Question 68

How can leaders help to create an organizational culture that encourages ethical behavior?

Question 69

In the organizational socialization process, when folklore is reinforced in a company, it serves

A) as a step-by-step training guide for how to perform each job.
B) as a reward system for employees who go "above and beyond."
C) as a benchmark for the selection of new employees.
D) to reinforce a code of conduct for "how we do things around here."

Question 70

What role does culture play in an organization and what is included in an organization's culture?

Question 71

Describe how an organization's culture may be modified.

Question 72

What is whistle-blowing? Why do employees resort to using this tactic?

Question 73

Describe the elements of a clan culture.

Question 74

Describe the elements of a bureaucratic culture.

Question 75

Define organizational socialization. What are the steps in the organizational socialization process?