Question 1

Sociologists find that individuals in groups are more likely to take risks than they would take when acting alone. This tendency is called ___________.

Accepted Answer

The tendency of individuals to take more risks when in a group is known as risky shift. This occurs because individuals may want to conform to the group's behavior or feel a sense of diffusion of responsibility when the decision is made collectively. Groupthink refers to the phenomenon where individuals in a group prioritize maintaining harmony and consensus rather than making a rational decision. Deindividuation occurs when individuals lose their sense of self-awareness and accountability when in a group, often leading to impulsive or deviant behavior. Norm breakdown is when individuals deviate from the normative behavior of their group or culture.

Question 2

The sociologist who first noted and described in detail the characteristics inherent to bureaucracies was ________.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber is credited with identifying and describing the key features of bureaucracies in his essay "Bureaucracy" (1922).

Question 3

A collective is

Accepted Answer

A collective is a small organization whose members are strongly committed to a democratic ideal and provides goods and services in the community. It often operates with a non-hierarchical structure and is focused on shared decision-making and mutual support.

Question 4

A ________ is a leader who helps maintain the cohesion of a group and oversees the emotional-based needs of group members.

Accepted Answer

The term "expressive leader" refers to a leader who is focused on maintaining the emotional and social bonds within a group, rather than on the accomplishment of specific tasks or goals (which would be the role of an instrumental leader).

Question 5

When the needs and objectives of an organization are negotiated behind the scenes despite the formal organizational structure, this is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Negotiated order refers to the informal ways in which members of an organization come to agreement about how things should be done, even if those agreements conflict with the formal organizational structure. This can include unwritten rules, interpersonal relationships, and power dynamics that allow certain individuals or groups to influence decision-making processes. The negotiated order often reflects the underlying values, beliefs, and power relations within an organization.

Question 6

When organizational rules and procedures are viewed as more important than getting a job done properly, this is referred to as _____________.

Accepted Answer

Ritualism refers to the excessive focus on following rules and procedures at the expense of achieving the goals of the organization. It can lead to a lack of flexibility and innovation, as well as a focus on maintaining the status quo instead of adapting to changing circumstances.

Question 7

Amir is a manager who helps workers define their jobs and determine how best they should approach their work. Amir is an example of a(n) ___________.

Accepted Answer

Amir is an instrumental leader because he helps workers define their jobs and determine how best they should approach their work. Instrumental leaders are task-oriented and focus on achieving goals and objectives.

Question 8

Workers assigned to complete small tasks along a conveyor belt that determines the rate of their work with no negotiation or ability to alter the pace for their human needs is an example of what?

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of rationalization, which is the process of organizing tasks to maximize efficiency and productivity, often at the expense of individual autonomy and creativity. The assignment of workers to specific tasks and the use of a conveyor belt to determine the pace of work reflects a rationalized approach to production. Bureaucracy (A) and hierarchy (B) may also play a role in this scenario, but they are not the central concept being illustrated. Authoritarianism (C) typically involves a concentration of power in one individual or group, and is not necessarily present in this scenario.

Question 9

Which of the following is an ideal-type characteristic of a bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

The key characteristic of a bureaucracy is its hierarchical structure, meaning that there is a clearly defined chain of command with each level having a specific job function and authority. This allows for efficient decision-making and task delegation, as well as orderly organization. The other choices (A, B, D) are not typically associated with a bureaucracy.

Question 10

Karl Marx argued that the ruling class ensures that everyone in an organization works in a way that maximizes profits and control for the owner of the company through what organization feature?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx argued that hierarchy is used by the ruling class to ensure that everyone in an organization works in a way that maximizes profits and control for the owner of the company. The hierarchical structure of an organization enables those in power to control and exploit those working below them, through the use of various means such as supervisory control, wage differentials, and the creation of a culture of fear and competition. This, in turn, leads to the subordination and exploitation of the working class, and the perpetuation of the ruling class's power and authority. Profit-sharing, equality, and goal displacement are not directly related to Marx's theory of exploitation and class struggle in organizations.

Question 11

According to Farley and Flota, within a bureaucracy a supervisor's prestige is largely determined by:

Accepted Answer

Farley and Flota argue that within a bureaucracy, a supervisor's prestige is largely determined by the number of people that they supervise, as this indicates the level of responsibility they have within the organization. Pay and extra incentives may also be factors, but the number of subordinates is the primary determinant of a supervisor's prestige.

Question 12

Sarah Smith has a reputation at work as being a "by the book" person who regardless of the outcome follows the rules and insists that her employees do the same even if it negatively impacts productivity or morale. Sarah Smith's rigid work approach is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Sarah Smith's work approach is characterized by strict adherence to rules and procedures, which is a key trait of a bureaucratic personality. This type of personality tends to value rules and regulations over people and relationships, which can lead to negative consequences for productivity and morale.

Question 13

Democratic leaders

Accepted Answer

Democratic leaders provide guidance and encourage group participation in decision-making, but they do not impose decisions on the group.

Question 14

Leaders who tell workers what to do leaving little room for worker input are called:

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian leaders are those who dictate what needs to be done by the workers and offer no room for worker input or feedback.

Question 15

In industrialized countries with democratic governments which type of leadership is most effective?

Accepted Answer

In industrialized countries with democratic governments, the most effective leadership style is democratic, as it involves the participation and input of all members of society through processes such as elections, debate, and compromise. This allows for diverse perspectives to be considered and for decisions to be made in the interest of the majority of people. Laissez-faire leadership is not effective in government as it involves letting individuals or groups do as they choose without much guidance, which can lead to chaos and lack of accountability. Authoritarian leadership is not effective in democratic governments as the decisions are made by one person or a small group without input or consensus from the people. Collective leadership could work in theory, but in practice, it can be difficult to ensure that all members are equally influential, leading to potential power struggles and inefficiency.

Question 16

Women leaders tend to utilize which type of leadership form?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that women leaders tend to utilize a democratic leadership style, which involves collaboration, communication, and inclusivity, allowing for a more open and participatory decision-making process. This style is often associated with higher levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment from employees.

Question 17

According to George Ritzer, which type of organization has created the most jobs in recent decades in the US?

Accepted Answer

According to George Ritzer, small firms have created the most jobs in recent decades in the US.

Question 18

The Soloman Asch study conducted in 1956, examined ___________.

Accepted Answer

The Soloman Asch study conducted in 1956 examined conformity and groupthink.

Question 19

When a group arrives at a decision that individual members privately oppose but will not challenge it is called:

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes groupthink, which occurs when group members prioritize harmony and agreement over critical thinking and individual dissent. As a result, they reach a decision that may not be the best course of action but is strongly supported by the group.

Question 20

Women who work outside the home are at greater risk for

Accepted Answer

The answer of Women who work outside the home are...

Quiz 9: Groups, Organizations, and the Workplace