40 Questions
How do sociologists view individuals?
As merely the living parts of a group
What does the author suggest about the concept of the totally independent individual?
It is a myth according to sociologists
What does the author imply about the organization of the groups people belong to?
It determines individuals' level of personal freedom
What is emphasized as the basic unit of humanity in the sociological discipline?
The group
Why do sociologists note that no human being thrives or survives in isolation from other humans?
Because human beings are interconnected with others and reliant on social groups
What term is used to describe the lines of authority in a formal organization?
Vertical lines
What is the structural design of personnel positions in formal organizations similar to?
An arch
Which type of organization usually lacks formal positions or job descriptions on paper?
Informal organizations
What distinguishes informal organizations from large corporations, according to the text?
The level of interaction with top-level executives
What term is used to describe the Headmen's role in hunter-gatherer groups?
Spokesperson
According to Merton, what is the consequence of formal organizations adding new goals to their mission?
They tend to avoid reaching their original goals
What does 'trained incapacity' refer to in the context of formal organizations?
Robbing formal organizations of adaptability
What is the main concern related to authoritarian structure within formal organizations?
Freedom of individuals working in formal organizations
How does bureaucratic enlargement relate to the survival of formal organizations?
It allows organizations to grow larger for survival
Why might a tiny informal network emerge within a formal organization according to the text?
To disrupt the formal chain of command structure
What is the defining characteristic of a primary group?
Intimate interaction and personal emotional support
Which type of group tends to stay small due to its members' need for personal emotional support?
Primary group
What is the distinguishing feature of an informal organization?
No official leadership or official positions
In which type of group do the members interact on a temporary and impersonal basis, knowing each other only in particular roles?
Secondary group
What type of group is rationally designed and formally structured to reach specific goals, with a chain of command to control its members?
Formal organization
What is the main concern raised in the passage?
The lack of public oversight of government organizations
What does the passage suggest about the existence of secret government organizations?
They may compromise the functioning of a real democracy
What is an example of a poorly planned secret operation mentioned in the passage?
The destruction of a building in Sudan based on incorrect information
What impact did the attack on Iraq have on the United States' global reputation?
It led to a decline in respect for the United States among developed nations
What was Manuel Noreiga's connection to the CIA?
He was a former CIA leader who seized power in Panama with U.S. support
What did Edward Deming's management model aim to do?
Serve the interests of the workers and the management
Why did Apple Computer initially organize itself with lateral lines of authority?
To encourage informal decision making and equal status structures
Why did Deming's ideas generally not gain traction in his native country, the USA?
The USA has a long tradition of highly individualistic culture
What is the potential issue with informal organizations as they grow in size?
Interactive distance increases and personal trust is lost
What is the essence of democracy according to the text?
Participating in decision making
What is the estimated payback per family of four for the USA's war debt?
$40,000
Who are some of the high-level staff that served President George H. Bush and later served his son's Presidency?
Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld
Why do multinational corporations maintain substantial secret operations staff?
To secure mining or timber opportunities in sensitive environmental areas
Who was the leader of the infamous mercenaries known as the 'Contras'?
Adolfo Calero
Why does the text argue that trust in a civil society depends upon keeping the public educated and aware of the facts?
To help citizens make informed decisions and be real participants in democracy
What did German sociologist Robert Michels claim about formal organizations?
They tend to become oligarchic in nature, with power concentrated in the hands of a few.
What did the National Labor Committee (NLC) observe about the working conditions at the Foxconn facility?
Workers as young as 13 years of age were involved in 12-hour day/7 days a week shifts.
What is the main issue highlighted by opponents of large corporations like Wal-mart?
The mistreatment of employees due to the design of the authority structure.
What sets apart some progressive Japanese corporations from those in the USA, according to the text?
Prioritizing worker enhancement policies that benefit productivity and quality control.
What did Edward Deming, known as the Father of the Japanese Industrial Revival, promote?
Worker enhancement policies that put a positive spin on life in the workplace.
Explore the concepts of democracy, universal participation, and government transparency with this quiz. Test your knowledge on the establishment of universal participation to ensure freedom for everyone.
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