Question 1

Which of the following is the best example of worker empowerment?

Accepted Answer

Worker empowerment involves giving employees the authority and responsibility to make decisions. In option B, the work team has the power to make a significant decision, such as firing a team member, which exemplifies empowerment.

Question 2

Sam, an aspiring and talented young attorney, has been promoted every year since he joined the law firm of Howard, Howard, and Fine. Unfortunately, Sam feels he cannot handle the responsibilities of his latest promotion. In an effort to keep his newly acquired job title, Sam has begun to take credit for the work done by the employees he supervises. Sam's behavior is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Sam's behavior is an example of the Peter principle, which states that individuals are promoted to their level of incompetence. Sam feels overwhelmed and unable to handle the responsibilities of his latest promotion, yet he has been promoted every year. His behavior of taking credit for the work done by the employees he supervises is a way to keep his job title and avoid being demoted back to his previous position where he was competent.

Question 3

In the past most workers were while men, today in the U.S. __________ % of workers are women and __________ % are racial/ethnic minorities.

Accepted Answer

Today in the U.S., approximately 47% of workers are women and 31% are racial/ethnic minorities, reflecting increased diversity in the workforce.

Question 4

The domination of organizations by a small, self-perpetuating elite is called ________.

Accepted Answer

The iron law of oligarchy states that in any organization, a small, self-perpetuating elite will eventually come to dominate the organization, even if the organization was originally democratic in nature. This occurs due to factors such as bureaucracy, delegation of power, and the development of specialized skills among the ruling elite. The other options (A, B, and D) do not describe this phenomenon.

Question 5

Max Weber's prediction that ________ would come to dominate social life has withstood the test of time more than any other prediction in sociology.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's prediction that bureaucracies would come to dominate social life has proved to be true over time. Bureaucracies are now a common feature in almost all forms of organizations, including government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. The principles of bureaucracy, such as division of labor, formal rules and procedures, and hierarchical authority, have become widely accepted as the most efficient and effective way to organize and manage complex social systems. The dominance of bureaucracies in modern social life is evident in the everyday activities of individuals, from applying for a government service to buying products from a large corporation.

Question 6

It is believed by some sociologists that attempts to humanize the workplace are simply ways to manipulate workers into cooperating in their own exploitation. This belief is most aligned with the ________ perspective.

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective views social structures as being in a constant struggle for resources and power, with the dominant group working to maintain their power and control over the subordinate group. From this perspective, attempts to humanize the workplace may be seen as manipulations to make workers more compliant and productive, ultimately benefiting the owners and managers at the expense of the workers.

Question 7

Using the number of consultants specializing in quality circles as the measurement, how has the use of quality circles in U.S. companies changed since 1983?

Accepted Answer

The number of consultants specializing in quality circles has decreased significantly since 1983, indicating a decrease in the use of quality circles in U.S. companies.

Question 8

The Boy Scouts, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, most civic organizations, and many groups that people join because of mutual interest are all examples of ________.

Accepted Answer

Voluntary associations are organizations that people join voluntarily because of mutual interest or common cause. The other options are not applicable to the examples given in the question.

Question 9

One of the latest fads to build corporate teamwork and solidarity is the "cook-off." Which statement best summarizes this activity?

Accepted Answer

The "cook-off" is an activity in which teams of employees prepare culinary dishes to be judged by professional chefs, with the goal of building corporate teamwork and solidarity.

Question 10

When the former Soviet Union collapsed, NATO forces were no longer needed to protect Europe from a communist invasion. Rather than disband NATO, it was turned into a "rapid response force" to fight terrorism. Sociologists would call this shift in focus an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

Goal displacement is the phenomenon in which an organization shifts its focus from its original goal to a new, often unforeseen goal. In this case, NATO's focus shifted from protecting Europe against communism to fighting terrorism.

Question 11

By a narrow margin, Dr. Moreau was elected chair of the largest academic department at Faber College. She appointed faculty members who support her views to the most influential and important committees in the department. This group of loyal colleagues, on which Dr. Moreau is relying to advance her policies, is an example of a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

The group of loyal colleagues appointed by Dr. Moreau to influential committees is an example of an inner circle. This term refers to a close-knit group of people who are trusted and relied on by a leader to advance their policies. The other options, consortium, primary group, and out-group, do not accurately describe this situation.

Question 12

In her study of 47 corporations, what was the relationship that Rosabeth Moss Kanter discovered between the flexibility of a corporation and corporate profit?

Accepted Answer

Rosabeth Moss Kanter discovered that there was a direct relationship between the flexibility of a corporation and corporate profit. This means that as corporations become more flexible, they are more likely to increase their profits.

Question 13

__________ refers to preconceived ideas of what someone is like that lead to the person's behaving in ways that match the stereotype.

Accepted Answer

A self-fulfilling stereotype is a phenomenon where a person's beliefs about a particular group become true, as their behavior unconsciously aligns with the stereotype. This can happen because people may inadvertently fulfill the expectations of others or the expectations they hold themselves.

Question 14

As voluntary organizations, what do the College Young Democrats, Kiwanis Club, Uptown Stamp Collectors' Club, and National Rifle Association all have in common?

Accepted Answer

All four organizations offer people an identity, whether it be a political identity, a stamp-collecting hobby, or a belief in gun rights. They provide a sense of belonging and a way for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests or beliefs.

Question 15

It is becoming more common for corporations to provide daycare facilities as a fringe benefit for their employees. What has evaluative research found regarding the costs and benefits of these facilities?

Accepted Answer

Evaluative research has found that operating on-site daycare facilities reduces employee absenteeism, improves production, and increases staff morale. Therefore, providing daycare facilities as a fringe benefit can be cost-effective for corporations in the long run.

Question 16

Nick was a promising caseworker for an agency. After earning several lower-level promotions, he was appointed to a supervisory position. Supervisory work did not mix well with Nick's abilities and he fell into a professional rut. This is an example of the ________.

Accepted Answer

The description matches the concept of the Peter Principle, which states that individuals may be promoted to a level where they are no longer competent, leading to a decrease in job performance and job satisfaction.

Question 17

Bob works at an automobile factory that organizes its workers into small groups that meet regularly to discuss ways to increase production and efficiency. Individual workers are often singled out and recognized for their contributions to the organization. These are examples of attempts to ________.

Accepted Answer

The organization's approach to organizing workers into small groups and recognizing individual contributions suggests a focus on humanizing the work setting to develop employees' potential. This approach aims to improve workplace culture and increase employee satisfaction, which can lead to improved productivity and efficiency, rather than simply focusing on downsizing or increasing the number of employees.

Question 18

Organizing a workplace in such a way that it develops rather than impedes human potential is known as ________.

Accepted Answer

Organizing a workplace in such a way that it develops rather than impedes human potential is known as humanizing a work setting. This involves considering the physical, social, and emotional needs of workers, creating a culture of respect and open communication, and providing opportunities for growth and development. Restructuring a workplace and empowering workers are related concepts but may not necessarily focus on human potential. Instilling employee loyalty is also important but does not necessarily address the development of human potential.

Question 19

The Internet has become a major means by which many millions of people connect to others. As we find ourselves more and more connected by social networking, what does your author predict this new form of social organization will replace?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Internet has become a major means...

Question 20

A common thread that runs through all voluntary associations is ________.

Accepted Answer

Mutual interest among members is the common thread that runs through all voluntary associations, regardless of the size or purpose of the association. Members come together based on shared interests or goals, and work together towards achieving them. This mutual interest is what binds the members together and defines the purpose of the association.

Quiz 7: Bureaucracy and Formal Organizations