Question 1

The basic concept of "deep structure" power or rules in organizations concerns the way that
A) communication distorts the contradictions within a system.
B) unquestioned assumptions within the organization influence behaviors.
C) those with authority have the ability to create rules.
D) individual interests are presented as universal interests.

Accepted Answer

The concept of "deep structure" power in organizations refers to the underlying, often unexamined assumptions that influence behaviors and decision-making within the organization. These assumptions are so ingrained that they shape how individuals within the organization think and act without being explicitly stated or questioned.

Question 2

According to the analysis of the Lucille Burger story, Watson's deep structure power is obscured in the story because
A) Lucille knew him and still asked him for his badge.
B) he only has to raise his hand to have someone get his badge.
C) Lucille follows the rules in asking him for his badge.
D) he did not have to follow the rules if he chose not to do so.

Accepted Answer

Watson's deep structure power is obscured because he has the authority to bypass the rules if he chooses, highlighting his power and control over the situation.

Question 3

The company president persuades a team of employees to work overtime "so the company continues to grow." This is probably an example of
A) the political function of ideology.
B) denying or transmuting contradictions.
C) naturalizing the present.
D) representing sectional interests as universal.

Accepted Answer

The company president is framing the interests of the company (or the management/ownership) as being in the universal interest of all employees, suggesting that what benefits the company inherently benefits everyone, which is a representation of sectional interests as universal.

Question 4

The explanation of hegemonic participation is best summarized as
A) coercion that is so powerful in organizations that members have no control.
B) feminist organizations, which are superior to traditional organizations.
C) workplace democracy that delegitimizes oppressive organizational systems.
D) members of dominated groups participating in their own oppression.

Accepted Answer

Hegemonic participation refers to the phenomenon where individuals or groups, often unknowingly, participate in or contribute to their own oppression or domination within societal or organizational structures. This concept is rooted in the idea of hegemony, where power and control are maintained not just through force but also through cultural and ideological means, leading those who are oppressed to accept and perpetuate their own subjugation.

Question 5

The company president persuades a team of employees to work overtime "because teams in our competitors' companies work overtime." This is probably an example of
A) denying or transmuting contradictions.
B) representing sectional interests as universal.
C) the political function of ideology.
D) naturalizing the present.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The company president persuades a team of...

Question 6

The company president praises the employees for their work and tells them they will all be receiving raises but fails to mention that a number of employees are also being laid off at the same time. This is probably an example of
A) the political function of ideology.
B) naturalizing the present.
C) denying or transmuting contradictions.
D) representing sectional interests as universal.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of denying or transmuting contradictions because the president is highlighting the positive aspect of raises while omitting the negative aspect of layoffs, thus presenting a skewed or incomplete picture of the reality.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of covert rather than overt resistance to new work regulations?
A) Employees slow down their work so that supervisors know they are unhappy.
B) Employees do not follow new procedures when their supervisors are not present.
C) Employees request a meeting with management to voice their opinions.
D) Employees refuse to comply with the new procedures from their supervisors.

Accepted Answer

Covert resistance involves subtle, hidden, or indirect actions, unlike overt resistance which is open and direct. In option B, employees not following new procedures when supervisors are not present is an example of covert resistance because it is done secretly, without openly challenging or confronting the supervisors.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of "real resistance" rather than "decaf resistance" to a new work regulation?
A) Workers complain to each other about the work regulation.
B) Workers request a meeting with management to voice their opinions.
C) Workers occasionally use the old procedures when management is not watching.
D) Workers occasionally work slowly by following the procedures exactly.

Accepted Answer

Real resistance involves taking direct action to oppose a change, such as formally voicing opposition to management, which can lead to discussions or negotiations. Choices A, C, and D represent passive or indirect forms of resistance that don't directly challenge the change.

Question 9

Compare and contrast resource dependency and social exchange theories of power.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast resource dependency and social...

Question 10

Using French and Raven's five power bases, compare and contrast the power of a dictator to the power of a beloved athletic team captain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using French and Raven's five power bases,...

Question 11

Explain a resource dependency view of power in an organizational setting. Then, explain how resource dependency changes for an employee who moves from being a newcomer to being an established member of the organization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain a resource dependency view of power...

Question 12

What are the four ways employees voice their dissent? Label and define each. Then, rank them according to their perceived competence.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the four ways employees voice...

Question 13

Define and explain the five characteristics of deep structure power.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define and explain the five characteristics of...

Question 14

Explain why deep structure can be difficult for employees to resist.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why deep structure can be difficult...

Question 15

Differentiate real from decaf resistance. Explain situations where employees may prefer to use one over the other. Consider issues of surface and deep structure power.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Differentiate real from decaf resistance. Explain situations...

Question 16

Volunteers can also resist the exercise of power by paid employees in a nonprofit organization. What might real and decaf resistance look like in a volunteer organization setting?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Volunteers can also resist the exercise of...

Quiz 11: Communication, Power, and Resistance

The basic concept of "deep structure" power or rules in organizations concerns the way that

According to the analysis of the Lucille Burger story, Watson's deep structure power is obscured in the story because

The company president persuades a team of employees to work overtime "so the company continues to grow." This is probably an example of

The explanation of hegemonic participation is best summarized as

The company president persuades a team of employees to work overtime "because teams in our competitors' companies work overtime." This is probably an example of

The company president praises the employees for their work and tells them they will all be receiving raises but fails to mention that a number of employees are also being laid off at the same time. This is probably an example of

Which of the following is an example of covert rather than overt resistance to new work regulations?

Which of the following is an example of "real resistance" rather than "decaf resistance" to a new work regulation?