Question 1

When participants in a research study know they are being studied,it has been suggested that they become more productive simply because they know their behavior is being studied.This phenomenon is known as the ______.

Accepted Answer

The Hawthorne effect refers to the alteration of behavior by the subjects of a study due to their awareness of being observed. This term originated from research conducted at the Hawthorne Works factory, where changes in work environment led to increased productivity, not necessarily because of the changes themselves, but because workers knew they were being observed.

Question 2

Which of the following critical perspective theories posits the idea that organizations exclude and discriminate against multiple groups?

Accepted Answer

The theory of "organizations as multiple oppressions" posits the idea that organizations can exclude and discriminate against multiple groups, focusing on how various forms of discrimination and oppression (such as racism, sexism, ableism, etc.) intersect within organizational contexts.

Question 3

The assumption that workers regard work as a natural activity,are self-directed and committed,and make creative contributions to the organization describes which of the following theories?

Accepted Answer

Theory Y, developed by Douglas McGregor, posits that employees are naturally motivated, enjoy their job duties, and work to fulfill their goals and responsibilities. It contrasts with Theory X, which assumes that employees inherently dislike work and must be coerced or controlled to achieve organizational objectives.

Question 4

Which of the following critical perspective theories posits the idea that organizations run by consensus,with few rules and with informality,and are least likely to oppress employees?

Accepted Answer

Nonhierarchical organizations emphasize consensus, minimal rules, and informality, which theoretically reduces the likelihood of employee oppression. This approach contrasts with traditional hierarchical structures, where power dynamics and formal rules can more easily facilitate oppressive practices.

Question 5

Which of the following represent a theory where the central idea is focused on interpersonal relationships for organizational efficiency and effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Human Relations Theory emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace, suggesting that strong, positive relationships among employees can lead to greater organizational efficiency and effectiveness. This theory emerged as a response to the limitations of earlier approaches like scientific management, which focused more on task and efficiency without considering the social aspects of work.

Question 6

Which term best represents the most efficient form of organization for goal accomplishment in the rational perspective?

Accepted Answer

Bureaucracy is considered the most efficient form of organization for goal accomplishment in the rational perspective because it emphasizes a structured and hierarchical organization, clear rules and procedures, and specialized roles, all of which are designed to operate efficiently and predictably.

Question 7

Which of the following interpretive perspective theories posits the central idea that organizational systems and practices should maximize the potential advantages of varied membership in organizational membership?

Accepted Answer

The managing diversity model emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives of all members within an organization. It suggests that organizations should adopt practices and systems that leverage this diversity to gain competitive advantages, enhance creativity, and improve decision-making processes. This approach is centered on the belief that a diverse workforce can contribute to organizational success by bringing a wide range of ideas, solutions, and perspectives.

Question 8

Which of the following perspectives has a basic premise that organizations are instruments of exploitation and domination?

Accepted Answer

The critical perspective in organizational studies focuses on the themes of power, domination, and inequality within organizations. It argues that organizations are arenas of struggle where various groups compete for resources and power, often leading to exploitation and domination. This perspective draws heavily on critical theory, which seeks to critique and change society by exploring the underlying power structures.

Question 9

______ is the name given to organizations that combine political advocacy and service provision in their core identity.

Accepted Answer

Hybrid organizations are known for blending elements of political advocacy and service provision in their core identity, making them distinct in how they operate and pursue their goals.

Question 10

Which of the following perspectives has a basic premise that organizations provide members with a sense of connection and are creations of human consciousness and reflect the worldviews of the creators,and are social constructions of reality?

Accepted Answer

The interactional/interpretive perspective emphasizes that organizations are social constructions, shaped by the interactions and interpretations of their members. This view holds that organizations are not objective realities but are created and maintained through the meanings and understandings that people attach to their actions and communications within the organizational context.

Question 11

Which of the following interactional/interpretive perspective theories posits the central idea that organizations are ongoing,interactive processes of reality construction,involving many actors,not just managers and owners?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following interactional/interpretive perspective theories...

Question 12

The assumption that workers have an inherent dislike of work,prefer to be told what to do,and respond to money as the primary motivator describes which of the following theories?

Accepted Answer

Theory X, developed by Douglas McGregor, posits that employees are inherently lazy, lack ambition, resist change, are not particularly clever, and must be coerced or motivated by financial incentives to perform tasks. This contrasts with Theory Y, which suggests that employees are self-motivated and thrive on responsibility.

Question 13

Which of the following represents a theory where the main idea centers on formal rationality and highlights rules,regulations,and structures that are essential to goal accomplishment?

Accepted Answer

Ideal-type bureaucracy, as proposed by Max Weber, emphasizes formal rationality, including a clear hierarchy, division of labor, and a set of rules and regulations, which are seen as essential for achieving organizational goals efficiently.

Question 14

Which of the following represents a theory that focuses on the most effective approach to maximizing internal efficiency and finding the one best way?

Accepted Answer

Scientific management, developed by Frederick Taylor, focuses on improving economic efficiency, especially labor productivity, by analyzing workflows and establishing the one best way to perform tasks.

Question 15

Which of the following systems perspectives posits the idea that rational planning is insufficient for an organization to be able to survive in a rapidly changing environment?

Accepted Answer

Learning organization theory suggests that for organizations to thrive in dynamic environments, they must be adaptable and capable of learning from their experiences. This perspective argues that merely relying on rational planning is not enough to ensure survival and success in rapidly changing contexts.

Question 16

Which of the following systems perspectives posits the idea that the organization depends on the environment for legitimacy,power,and market resources?

Accepted Answer

The political economy model emphasizes the interdependence between organizations and their external environment, particularly focusing on how organizations depend on the environment for legitimacy, power, and resources. This perspective considers the broader socio-economic and political context in which organizations operate.

Question 17

When a formal organization is viewed as a goal-directed and purposefully designed machine that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness,it is based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

This description aligns with the rational perspective, which views organizations as rational entities designed for maximum efficiency and effectiveness, similar to a well-oiled machine. This perspective emphasizes structured processes and goals.

Question 18

Which of the following perspectives has a major theme focused on the assumption that an organization is in constant interaction with multiple environments?

Accepted Answer

The systems perspective emphasizes that organizations are open systems in constant interaction with their environments, adapting and changing in response to external and internal influences.

Question 19

Which of the following represents a theory where the central idea is focused on the fact that organizational rationality has limits?

Accepted Answer

Decision-making theory, particularly bounded rationality, emphasizes that individuals and organizations have limits to their rational decision-making capabilities. This theory acknowledges that people cannot process all available information or foresee all possible outcomes, leading to decisions that are satisfactorily rational rather than perfectly rational.

Question 20

Which of the following is best described as a collectivity of people with a high degree of structure who work together to meet goals?

Accepted Answer

Formal organizations are structured groups created for a specific purpose or to achieve goals, such as businesses or non-profits. They have a high degree of structure in terms of roles, responsibilities, and hierarchies to efficiently work towards their objectives.

Quiz 12: Formal Organizations