Classical Management Theories Quiz

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According to Taylor's theory of scientific management, how are workers selected for jobs?

Workers are scientifically selected based on their suitability for the job, as determined by time and motion studies.

What is the main focus of communication within an organization according to Fayol's principle of "subordination of individual interest to general interest"?

Communication should primarily focus on tasks and organizational goals rather than individual concerns.

What is the primary direction of communication flow in classical management theories?

The vertical flow of information along the organizational hierarchy is the most important route.

Explain why the written mode of communication is considered prevalent in classical management theories.

Classical theories favor written communication as a formal and documented way of conveying information within the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the typical style of communication within classical organizations.

Communication is often formal and structured, reflecting the bureaucratic and professionalized environment of these organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental difference between managers and workers according to Taylor's theory?

Managers specialize in thinking and planning, while workers are best suited for performing labor. Signup and view all the answers

Why are workers discouraged from suggesting ways to improve the organization according to Taylor's theory?

Taylor's theory assumes that the best way to do each job has already been scientifically determined, eliminating the need for worker suggestions. Signup and view all the answers

Despite being developed several decades ago, why are the classical management theories of Fayol, Weber, and Taylor still relevant today?

These theories provide a foundational understanding of organizational structure, communication, and efficiency, which are still applicable in modern organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key example of emotional labor in the airline industry, as described in the text?

Flight attendants are trained to display warmth and friendliness to customers, even when they are feeling frustrated or tired. Signup and view all the answers

What is one subtle way flight attendants resist control over their emotional expression?

They may smile less sincerely or challenge customer demands for smiles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of the flight attendant turning the smile requirement back on a passenger demonstrate?

It highlights the ability of employees to subvert corporate expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one specific way flight attendants resist the gender hierarchy status in the airline industry.

They use humor and irony to mock company rules that require them to keep pilots hydrated, undermining the authority of the typically male pilots. Signup and view all the answers

How does the airline industry control flight attendants' movement and space?

The airline industry monitors their movements during training, requiring them to live on-site with curfews and strict sign-in/sign-out procedures. Signup and view all the answers

How do flight attendants resist the regulation of movement and space, even in training?

They manipulate the sign-in/out process and set up communication networks to bypass the curfew. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way female flight attendants resist regulation of their appearance?

Prioritize comfort and practicality, like wearing heels only when required and applying makeup only for annual checks. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the resistance of flight attendants important to understand?

It demonstrates how employees can subvert corporate expectations and maintain a sense of agency despite strict organizational control. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concept of corporate colonization, as described by Deetz, impacts the workplace and beyond.

Deetz argues that corporations exert control not only over the workplace, but also over individuals' lives, shaping values, identities, and meaning systems. He uses the analogy of colonization to describe this influence, where corporate ideologies become dominant and impact individuals’ sense of community and self-worth. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of how education has been influenced by the corporate colonization model.

The focus of education has shifted from developing critical citizens to preparing students as corporate workers. Education is increasingly viewed as skills training rather than intellectual development, with a focus on passive learning and market-driven textbooks. Signup and view all the answers

What does Deetz mean by the "colonization of the lifeworld"?

Deetz uses this term to describe how corporations influence the beliefs and values that form our sense of community, shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it. Signup and view all the answers

How do corporations contribute to the formation of individual identity in the workplace?

Corporations invest in shaping employees’ beliefs and values, often embedding company philosophies into their daily lives. Employees may begin to define themselves based on their role within the organization and its values, leading to a blurred line between personal and corporate identity. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of "subversive activities" as a form of resistance to corporate control.

Subversive activities are subtle forms of resistance that challenge corporate ideologies without directly opposing power. They can involve undermining corporate practices through small acts of dissent or creating alternative meanings and sense-making processes within the organization. Signup and view all the answers

How do these acts of resistance demonstrate the potential for change in organizational dynamics?

Subversive activities demonstrate that organizations are not monolithic entities but are contested spaces. By challenging dominant ideologies, employees create opportunities for alternative ways of being and sense-making within the organization, potentially leading to shifts in power dynamics and organizational culture. Signup and view all the answers

What are the ethical concerns related to corporate practices that exploit employees and distort their sense of work?

These practices are considered unethical because they prioritize corporate interests over employee well-being. They exploit employees by demanding excessive identification with the company, limiting their autonomy and potentially impacting their mental health. They also distort the meaning of work by turning it into a means of fulfilling corporate goals rather than individual fulfillment. Signup and view all the answers

In your own words, explain why Deetz uses the term "corporate colonization" to describe the influence of corporations on society?

Deetz uses this term to illustrate the way corporations exert control over individuals’ lives, similar to how empires colonize and dominate weaker countries. This control extends beyond the workplace and impacts a wide range of aspects, including education, values, and identity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the "Information Seeking" phase of organizational socialization helps newcomers reduce uncertainty.

During the "Information Seeking" phase, newcomers actively seek information to reduce uncertainty about their roles and the organization. They ask questions, observe colleagues, and consult organizational documents to gain a better understanding of their responsibilities and the organizational culture. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between high-quality and low-quality Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) relationships within the context of role development.

High-quality LMX relationships are characterized by mutual trust and respect, leading to increased responsibilities and opportunities for the employee. Low-quality LMX relationships involve limited trust and fewer opportunities, potentially hindering the employee's growth and development within the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is meant by "organizational exit" and how it can impact the remaining members of an organization.

"Organizational exit" refers to the departure of an individual from an organization. It can be voluntary or involuntary, and its impact goes beyond the departing individual, potentially disrupting team dynamics and requiring adjustments among remaining members. Signup and view all the answers

According to the "Classical Approach" to organizational socialization, what is the primary goal of the socialization process?

The "Classical Approach" views socialization as a process to ensure employees conform to established organizational structures and roles. The focus is on aligning individual behavior with established norms and procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What does the "Human Relations Approach" prioritize during the organizational socialization process?

The "Human Relations Approach" emphasizes the creation of positive social relationships and employee satisfaction during socialization. It recognizes the importance of interpersonal connections in fostering a positive work environment. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key focus of the "Human Resources Approach" to organizational socialization.

The "Human Resources Approach" focuses on maximizing employee potential and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives during the socialization process. It emphasizes the development and utilization of individual talents for the benefit of the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the "Systems Approach" interprets organizational socialization.

The "Systems Approach" views socialization as a complex, systemic process involving multiple interconnected components within the organization. It recognizes that different elements within the organization interact and influence the socialization process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the "Cultural Approach" to organizational socialization?

The "Cultural Approach" highlights the transmission of organizational culture, values, and norms during socialization. It emphasizes the role of organizational culture in shaping how new employees adapt and integrate into the workplace. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key advantage of an 'All-Channel Network' communication structure.

An 'All-Channel Network' promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern associated with 'Information Overload' in the decision-making process?

Information overload can lead to analysis paralysis, where decision-makers become overwhelmed and unable to make a decision. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how 'Filtering' can negatively impact decision-making in an organization.

Filtering occurs when employees selectively share information based on biases, power dynamics, or organizational politics, leading to distortion and potential misrepresentation of crucial facts. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one challenge associated with implementing participative decision-making (PDM) in an organization.

One challenge of PDM is the potential for conflict between managerial control and employee input. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of implementing PDM?

PDM enhances employee commitment and ownership of decisions. Signup and view all the answers

According to the classical approach to decision-making, who has the primary responsibility for decision-making?

Upper management. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key difference between the human relations and human resources approaches to decision-making?

The human resources approach encourages full participation from employees at all levels, while the human relations approach primarily focuses on recognizing the importance of employee involvement in decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying principle behind the human resources approach to decision-making?

The human resources approach values employees as key contributors to decision-making, aiming to maximize their potential. Signup and view all the answers

According to Cotton (1993), what is the primary goal of employee involvement?

The primary goal of employee involvement is to create a "knowledge-enabled organization" where collective knowledge enhances performance and fosters commitment to organizational success. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pfeffer (1998) refer to as "putting people first" and what are the seven key practices he identifies?

Pfeffer (1998) refers to the practice of successful organizations prioritizing their employees and focusing on seven key practices such as compensation, employment security, organizational structure, communication for information sharing, teamwork, training, and reducing status differentials. Signup and view all the answers

Despite the potential benefits of human resource management, why do such programs often fail in practice?

Many human resource programs, despite their potential benefits, often fail in practice due to factors such as poor management of collaborative teams, lack of commitment from top management, employee cynicism, and inadequate understanding of new terminology. Signup and view all the answers

In what type of environment are team-based structures most effective?

Team-based structures are most effective in complex, innovative, and cross-functional environments. Signup and view all the answers

Why is top management commitment crucial for the success of change initiatives?

Top management commitment is crucial for change initiatives because they ultimately drive the change process and create a supportive environment for its implementation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of employees understanding new terminology associated with human resource programs?

Employees understanding new terminology is crucial because it helps them effectively adopt their roles, grasp the concepts, and participate in the new program effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two key approaches to organisational communication discussed in this chapter?

The two key approaches to organisational communication discussed are the human relations approach and the human resources approach. Signup and view all the answers

Scientific Management

A system where scientific methods determine the best way to perform tasks.

Recruitment in Scientific Management

Selection of workers based on scientific methods to match jobs to their skills.