Question 1

Which of the following terms refers to the sense of normlessness and unease that results when rules lose their force.

Accepted Answer

Anomie is a term used in sociology to describe a condition of instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values or from a lack of purpose or ideals. It is often associated with a sense of normlessness and unease when societal norms become unclear or are no longer effective.

Question 2

We form impressions about possible careers during which stage of the socialization process?

Accepted Answer

Vocational anticipatory socialization is the stage where individuals form impressions about various careers and professions, often influenced by family, education, and media, before they actually enter the workforce.

Question 3

______ describes how employees gradually move up the ladder of corruption during the socialization process.

Accepted Answer

Incrementalism describes the process by which employees may gradually accept more and more unethical behavior, moving up the ladder of corruption as they become socialized into a corrupt environment. This concept suggests that unethical behavior can start with small compromises and gradually become more significant over time.

Question 4

Which best describes a mission statement's purpose?

Accepted Answer

A mission statement's purpose encompasses communicating the central identity and purpose of an organization, communicating core values to inform organizational decision-making, and reflecting the ideals of its members.

Question 5

Which is NOT a characteristic of an ethically transformed organization?

Accepted Answer

An ethically transformed organization is proactive rather than reactive in its approach to ethics, meaning it seeks to prevent destructive behaviors and does not merely react to them.

Question 6

______ outline an organization's reason for being.

Accepted Answer

Mission statements outline an organization's reason for being, defining its purpose and primary objectives.

Question 7

At Carol's company, employees routinely talk about the ethical consequences of their decisions. This suggests that Carol is working for which kind of organization?

Accepted Answer

Ethically transformed organizations actively engage in discussions about the ethical implications of their decisions, indicating a culture that prioritizes ethical considerations in its operations and decision-making processes.

Question 8

Erika knows the right thing to do by watching her leader Ellen. Ellen is shaping the organization's ethical culture through ______.

Accepted Answer

Ellen is influencing the organization's ethical culture through role modeling, as Erika learns what is right by observing Ellen's behavior. Role modeling is a powerful way of shaping behaviors and norms within an organization by setting examples for others to follow.

Question 9

Which is NOT a characteristic of ethically decoupled organizations?

Accepted Answer

Ethically decoupled organizations typically do not give power away; they tend to centralize power and control rather than distribute it.

Question 10

Which is NOT a formal element of ethics culture for an organization?

Accepted Answer

Norms are considered informal elements that influence the ethics culture of an organization, whereas core values, ethics officers, and structure are formal elements designed to guide and enforce ethical behavior.

Question 11

According to the Ethical Climate Questionnaire, which type of climate is MOST likely to encourage immoral behavior?

Accepted Answer

The instrumental climate, as described in the Ethical Climate Questionnaire, is most likely to encourage immoral behavior because it emphasizes self-interest and achieving goals often at the expense of ethical considerations.

Question 12

Tim knew his office culture well. The phrase "Customers first" was frequently used in conversations and people were described as "partners." Which informal element of ethics is described above?

Accepted Answer

The use of specific phrases like "Customers first" and referring to people as "partners" reflects the informal use of language to convey and reinforce the organization's ethical values and culture.

Question 13

Followers pick up on ethical priorities through what leaders measure and control. This is which cultural change mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Leaders signal their priorities, including ethical ones, through what they choose to measure and control. This is known as the mechanism of attention, where what leaders focus on communicates to followers what is valued within the organization.

Question 14

Which type of ritual is designed to strengthen and improve the current system?

Accepted Answer

A rite of renewal is designed to strengthen and improve the current system by encouraging change and innovation.

Question 15

Which is NOT an element of informal ethics?

Accepted Answer

Informal ethics are typically comprised of elements that are not formally codified or structured within an organization, such as language, stories, and rituals, which help shape the culture and ethical behavior indirectly. Boards of directors, however, are formal governance structures with explicit roles and responsibilities, making them an element of formal rather than informal ethics.

Question 16

Which statement best describes "socialization"?

Accepted Answer

Socialization refers to the process through which individuals learn and adopt the norms, values, behaviors, and social skills appropriate to their social positions, such as becoming a member of a group, community, or society.

Question 17

An organization's core ideology is made up of ______.

Accepted Answer

Core ideology of an organization is fundamentally composed of its core values and its purpose or mission, guiding its actions and decisions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a true statement about codes of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Codes of ethics are fundamental components of an organization's ethical culture, providing guidelines for behavior and decision-making that align with the organization's values and standards. They do not guarantee moral improvement nor are they unrelated to an organization's ethical performance.

Question 19

A strong culture in which norms and values are very different from the rest of society is referred to as a ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A strong culture in which norms and...

Question 20

Which type of ritual has manifest (obvious) ethical functions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of ritual has manifest (obvious)...

Quiz 9: Building an Ethical Organization