CHAPTER 6 - Groups, Networks, Organizations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What do organizations rely on to monitor employees' performance?

Annual reports from subordinates (correct)

Team-building activities

Incentive programs

Direct supervision only

How does effective organizational operation relate to employee behavior?

It requires employees to work irregular hours

It relies on consistent coordination of activities (correct)

It depends solely on financial rewards

It focuses only on individual performance

What role do records and files play in an organization?

They serve no real function

They provide a structured way to assess performances (correct)

They are used solely for historical purposes

They enable casual monitoring of employee activity

What consequence would a university face if it did not observe a lecture timetable?

Complete chaos in scheduling Signup and view all the answers

What does Foucault imply about timetables in organizations?

They efficiently coordinate people’s activities Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of employees' work is critical for effective operation in a business firm?

Regular hours and structured activities Signup and view all the answers

Why are activities scheduled according to precise timetables in organizations?

To maintain organizational discipline Signup and view all the answers

How do weak ties in networks serve individuals?

They facilitate new opportunities and information Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of remote workers currently work outside the office 80 percent or more of the time?

33% Signup and view all the answers

Which industry has the highest proportion of remote workers?

Transportation Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated annual savings that Cisco achieved by allowing employees to telecommute?

$277 million Signup and view all the answers

How much did Cisco estimate the reduction in carbon footprint due to telecommuting?

47,320 metric tons Signup and view all the answers

Why do employers view longer hours as a benefit of telecommuting?

Increased productivity is observed. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major downside of telecommuting mentioned in the content?

Loss of face-to-face interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What age group is typically more prevalent among remote workers?

50 years and older Signup and view all the answers

What substantial financial impact would occur if all workers compatible with home work could telecommute?

$700 billion savings per year Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant change occurring in large organizations today regarding their structure?

Organizations are adopting horizontal, collaborative models. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the detrimental effect of concentrated power in an organization, as articulated by Robert Michels?

Iron law of oligarchy Signup and view all the answers

According to Burns and Stalker, what main drawback did they associate with traditional bureaucratic structures?

They stifle innovation and creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to a shift away from strict hierarchical models in organizations?

The demand for more creative and innovative responses Signup and view all the answers

What has been the traditional view of how large organizations function according to Weber's model?

Knowledge and power should be concentrated at the top. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do large corporations face that limits original thinking?

Delegation of policy issues to others Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of contemporary organizations in the electronic economy?

Decentralization of power and authority Signup and view all the answers

What happens to innovation as organizations become more bureaucratic according to past theories?

Innovation is often stifled. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Robert Michels introduce to describe the flow of power in organizations?

Iron law of oligarchy Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of bureaucracies concerned Weber the most?

The specialization and hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, in what scenario might power relationships become looser?

As organizations expand in size Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'oligarchy' mean as referenced in the content?

Rule by the few Signup and view all the answers

Michels claimed that unequal power distribution exists even in which type of organizations?

Moderate-sized groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of bureaucratic power delegation mentioned in the content?

Loss of control over administrative decisions Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Weber's major concerns regarding modern organizations?

Governance by faceless bureaucrats Signup and view all the answers

Why does the content suggest that the 'iron law of oligarchy' may not be universal?

Power dynamics can vary based on organizational conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of secondary groups compared to primary groups?

They are typically larger and more impersonal. Signup and view all the answers

What concern did early sociologists like Cooley have regarding modern interactions?

They were worried about a loss of personal connections. Signup and view all the answers

How does conformity to group pressure often manifest among teenagers?

Through behaviors like drug abuse and violent acts. Signup and view all the answers

What did Solomon Asch's classic experiment primarily investigate?

How people conform to group pressure in making judgments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of secondary groups?

High levels of intimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What role does conformity play in the behavior of males with respect to earring styles over time?

It has increased as pressure to conform to styles has grown. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about the impact of group standards on individuals?

They often lead to a loss of personal identity. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of groups are more likely to concern themselves with strict group standards?

Primary groups. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the tendency to judge oneself based on how one believes others perceive them?

Looking-glass Self Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a reference group?

A group that provides standards for judging one’s attitudes or behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of an out-group?

Members of a rival fraternity Signup and view all the answers

How might children benefit from exposure to positive reference groups?

They adopt standards of behavior that promote self-esteem and resilience Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reference group?

A group that includes an individual’s family Signup and view all the answers

What does the term in-groups refer to?

Groups toward which one feels particular loyalty and respect Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding secondary reference groups?

They serve a similar purpose as primary groups but are less personal. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario demonstrates a person identifying with a reference group they do not belong to?

A worker feeling pride in the achievements of Nobel Prize winners Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Military Discipline at West Point

West Point Academy's military discipline relies heavily on fear of punishment from superiors, positive reinforcement from superiors, group loyalty and conformity to social norms, and personal motivation and self-discipline.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the principles of military discipline at West Point Academy. This quiz covers the importance of punishment, reinforcement, group loyalty, and personal motivation in shaping disciplined individuals. Test your understanding of how these elements contribute to the overall military ethos.