Question 1

The president of the United States is considered a leader, while the White House chief of staff is considered a manager.

Accepted Answer

The president of the United States is the top leader, while the White House chief of staff manages the day-to-day operations of the White House and staff.

Question 2

If you worked in a fast-food restaurant while attending high school or college, you probably experienced a high degree of differentiation and specialization of tasks.

Accepted Answer

Fast food restaurants often use highly specialized and differentiated roles for their employees, such as those responsible for cooking, taking orders, assembling food, and cleaning.

Question 3

Which item below is the best example of an organizational ritual or routine?

Accepted Answer

"Soup Wednesday" is a regular, recurring event within the organization, which is why it is the best example of an organizational ritual or routine. Choices A, B, and D are more examples of organizational norms, language, and communication methods.

Question 4

A convenience store is owned by two brothers, and they employ many family members. This is probably a strongly hierarchical organization.

Accepted Answer

Family-owned businesses, like the convenience store described, often operate with less formal hierarchies and more on familial relationships and informal structures.

Question 5

Your co-worker can be said to have expert power because she knows more about software development than any other person in your department.

Accepted Answer

Expert power is derived from an individual's knowledge, skill, or expertise in a particular area. In this case, the co-worker's expertise in software development gives her expert power over others in the department.

Question 6

Eleanor asks a few questions about the people at her workplace. The general consensus is that Arman is a superstar because he takes charge and makes sure he gets his way. What does this tell Eleanor about her workplace culture?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the general consensus is that Arman is a superstar because he takes charge and makes sure he gets his way suggests that the workplace culture values people who push for new opportunities and take initiative.

Question 7

Most groups prefer laissez-faire leaders because they offer the most structure to group members.

Accepted Answer

Most groups actually prefer a leader who provides more structure and guidance, rather than a laissez-faire (hands-off) leader. Laissez-faire leaders can often lead to confusion and disorganization within a group.

Question 8

Differentiation and specialization increase uncertainty in an organization.

Accepted Answer

Differentiation and specialization typically lead to more efficiency and clarity in roles within an organization, reducing uncertainty by clearly defining tasks and responsibilities.

Question 9

What term best describes the role of the auto assembly worker whose sole job is to put on the wheel bolts and the fast-food employee whose sole task is to produce hamburgers?

Accepted Answer

This term best describes the scenario where an employee has a very narrow and repetitive function in the production or service process. Specialization refers to breaking down complex tasks into simpler, repetitive tasks that can be performed quickly and efficiently by workers with limited skills or training.

Question 10

If Ivan wanted to investigate the prominent cultural markers in his new company's organizational culture, which question would he ask?

Accepted Answer

The location or size of offices based on professional status is a visible cultural marker that reflects the company's values and hierarchy.

Question 11

Which term below best describes the approach of an organization that has a very thick manual revealing pages of rules, regulations, requirements, prohibitions, and expectations?

Accepted Answer

Formalization is a term used to describe the extent to which an organization has official rules, regulations, procedures, and written documentation to guide organizational behavior. An organization with a very thick manual containing rules, regulations, requirements, prohibitions, and expectations is exhibiting high formalization.

Question 12

Mentoria asks the associates at her new job if people usually e-mail each other or speak face-to-face when there is a question or an issue. Which aspect of the company's culture is Mentoria investigating?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mentoria asks the associates at her new...

Question 13

In Organization X, the CEO supervises the vice presidents, who in turn supervise the division chairs, who are in charge of the line workers in the plant. This organization illustrates

Accepted Answer

The organization illustrated in the scenario follows a hierarchical structure, with the CEO at the top, followed by the vice presidents, division chairs, and line workers in descending order.

Question 14

You are trying to understand the culture of an organization, so you approach several people and say, "Who in the organization is often discussed as a hero or role model?" With this question, you are trying to understand the organization's

Accepted Answer

This question aims to uncover the stories and narratives that circulate within an organization, which is a part of how language use and storytelling reflect and shape the culture. Heroes or role models are often central characters in organizational stories, embodying values, behaviors, and attitudes that are admired and emulated.

Question 15

Which method would best help you find out about an organization's treatment of women and their prospects for promotion?

Accepted Answer

Asking a woman who has worked in the organization would be the best method to learn about their treatment of women and promotion prospects. They would have firsthand experience and be able to offer insights based on their own experiences. Gossip in the break room may not be accurate, and asking a male executive may not provide a complete and unbiased perspective. Reading the organization's mission statement may offer some information, but it may not provide a complete picture of their practices.

Question 16

When you listen with empathy, you are engaged in supportive communication.

Accepted Answer

When we listen with empathy, we are demonstrating understanding and support for the speaker, which is a key aspect of supportive communication. This type of communication can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

Question 17

The first step in an effective decision-making process is brainstorming because a group cannot make decisions without numerous ideas on the table.

Accepted Answer

The first step in an effective decision-making process is typically identifying the decision to be made or defining the problem, not brainstorming. Brainstorming comes later in the process to generate possible solutions.

Question 18

Imagine that after graduation you are seeking a job with a large information technology firm. You are not sure if this firm is a good fit for you. During your visit, you notice the language that employees use and the stories they tell. This is a valuable source of information for you in evaluating the firm.

Accepted Answer

The language that employees use and the stories they tell can provide insights into the company culture, values, and working environment. Therefore, it can be a valuable source of information for someone looking to evaluate a potential employer.

Question 19

Which of the following is the best illustration of a prominent cultural marker?

Accepted Answer

The physical layout of the office with bosses having offices on the top floor and workers having cubicles with no windows is a clear and tangible marker of cultural hierarchy and status within the workplace.

Question 20

An organization in which all information comes from "corporate" and is disseminated among supervisors and then among the employees is using upward communication.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication refers to the flow of information from lower levels of an organization to higher levels. In this scenario, information is flowing from higher levels (corporate) to lower levels (supervisors and employees), which is the opposite of upward communication. This is an example of downward communication.

Quiz 8: Organizational and Small-Group Communication