Question 1

The pluralist theory of business power was supported by Karl Marx.

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx was a critic of capitalism and argued that the bourgeoisie (or capitalist class) held too much power, at the expense of the working class. The pluralist theory, on the other hand, suggests that power in society is dispersed and not held by any one group or individual. Therefore, Marx would not have supported the pluralist theory.

Question 2

The laws of the United States have been shaped by the consequences of the industrial activities.

Accepted Answer

Industrial activities have led to environmental concerns, worker safety issues, and consumer protection needs, which have all influenced the development of laws in the United States.

Question 3

Political scientist Thomas R.Dye identified an "institutional elite" of individuals who occupied the top positions in 10 sectors.

Accepted Answer

Thomas R. Dye did identify an "institutional elite" consisting of individuals who held top positions across 10 key sectors in society.

Question 4

The strength to act or to compel another entity to act is called power.

Accepted Answer

This is a correct definition of power. It refers to the ability to control or influence others or the environment in a desired way. It can be exercised by individuals, organizations, or governments, through the use of different resources such as authority, expertise, wealth, or physical force. Power can have positive or negative effects, depending on the intentions and values of those who hold it, and the consequences of their actions.

Question 5

An argument that supports the dominance theory is that there exists a small group of individuals who,by virtue of wealth and position,control the nation.

Accepted Answer

The argument that there exists a small group of individuals who control the nation by virtue of their wealth and position is a key premise of the dominance theory. This theory posits that power relations are based on domination and subordination, and that those who control the means of production and resources have the most influence over society. Therefore, the statement supports the dominance theory's perspective on power dynamics in society.

Question 6

G.William Domhoff argues the existence of a cohesive American upper class based on wealth,socialization in private schools,memberships in exclusive clubs,and occupancy of high positions in business,government,and nonprofit institutions.

Accepted Answer

G.William Domhoff believes that there is a cohesive American upper class, which is based on several factors such as wealth, attendance in private schools, memberships in exclusive clubs, and occupying high positions in business, government, and nonprofit institutions.

Question 7

The grounds of legitimacy of business power are the same in all societies.

Accepted Answer

The grounds of legitimacy of business power vary across different societies and are influenced by cultural, social, and legal factors. What may be considered legitimate business practices in one society may not be viewed the same way in another. Furthermore, the idea of what constitutes legitimate business power may change over time as societal norms and values evolve.

Question 8

Predictable and strong forces in a pluralistic,free market society limit business power.

Accepted Answer

In a pluralistic, free market society, there are multiple factors that limit the power of businesses. Competition, consumer choices, government regulations, and public opinion are some of the predictable and strong forces that keep businesses in check and prevent them from exerting too much power over the market or the society at large. Therefore, it is true that predictable and strong forces in a pluralistic, free market society limit business power.

Question 9

Elites challenge the logic of democratic ideology because in spite of being few in number they pilot the vast majority.

Accepted Answer

Elites, by definition, constitute a relatively small group of individuals who possess a disproportionate amount of power, wealth, or status compared to the average citizen. This contradicts the democratic ideal of political equality, which holds that each citizen should have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. The fact that elites are able to exert significant influence over the majority of people challenges the logic of democratic ideology.

Question 10

During the period from 1895 to 1904,the public saw the growth of huge firms as a natural,inevitable,and desirable response to the new economic incentives.

Accepted Answer

During this period, the public and many in the government viewed the growth of huge firms, often referred to as trusts or monopolies, with suspicion and concern, fearing that they stifled competition, controlled prices unfairly, and wielded excessive power over the economy and politics. This led to the enactment of antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, aimed at regulating and breaking up these large conglomerates.

Question 11

There are five major boundaries on managerial power: government and laws,social interest groups,social values,markets and economic stakeholders,and demographics of the society in which the managerial power wants to operate.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are five major boundaries on managerial...

Question 12

According to sociologistC.Wright Mills,the American society was a pyramid of power and status where a group of elites carried out the lieutenant's policies.

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills argued that American society was dominated by a power elite, a small group of military, corporate, and political leaders who held the majority of power, rather than a pyramid structure where a group of elites carried out a lieutenant's policies.

Question 13

The dominance theory holds that business is preeminent in American society,primarily because of its control of wealth,and that its power is both excessive and inadequately checked.

Accepted Answer

The dominance theory argues that business holds a dominant position in American society due to its control of wealth, and that this power is excessive and not sufficiently restricted.

Question 14

On the surface level,corporate power shapes society over time through the aggregate changes of industrial growth.

Accepted Answer

The answer of On the surface level,corporate power shapes society...

Question 15

Democratic values are one of the features of a pluralistic society.

Accepted Answer

Pluralistic society values diversity and inclusivity which is reflected in the democratic values of equal representation and respect for different opinions and beliefs.

Question 16

Corporate actions have an impact on society at two levels.

Accepted Answer

Corporate actions can influence both the economy and society as a whole. For example, if a company chooses to implement environmentally-friendly practices, it can have a positive impact on the environment and the health of individuals living in the surrounding area. On the other hand, if a company engages in unethical practices such as exploitation of labor, it can have a negative impact on society by perpetuating inequality and creating economic instability. Thus, corporate actions can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the business realm.

Question 17

Activity in the environmental sphere is the primary force for change.

Accepted Answer

While environmental activity is a significant force for change, it is not the only or primary force. Economic, political, social, and technological forces also play crucial roles in driving change.

Question 18

According to the dominance theory,business abuses the power its size and wealth confer in a number of ways.

Accepted Answer

The dominance theory argues that businesses use their economic power to dominate and exploit consumers, workers, and smaller competitors. This can take many forms, such as price fixing, wage suppression, and anti-competitive behavior.

Question 19

Within a pluralistic society,the authoritative entity has an overriding power over all other entities.

Accepted Answer

In a pluralistic society, there are multiple authoritative entities with different voices, perspectives, and interests. Therefore, no single authority has an overriding power over all other entities. Instead, power is distributed among various groups and individuals, and decisions are typically reached through negotiation, compromise, and consensus-building.

Question 20

Constitutional support has no role in encouraging pluralism.

Accepted Answer

Constitutional support can encourage pluralism by protecting the rights of individuals and groups with different beliefs and backgrounds, ensuring equality under the law, and promoting diversity in representation and participation in government. This can create a society that fosters tolerance, respect, and inclusivity of diverse perspectives and identities.

Quiz 3: Business Power