Organizational Culture and Theory Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of managerial ethics?

  • Promoting social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
  • Ensuring legal compliance and avoiding penalties.
  • Guiding managers in making morally sound decisions regarding right and wrong. (correct)
  • Maximizing profits for shareholders.

What is an ethical dilemma?

  • A conflict between personal values and professional obligations.
  • A situation where the best decision is clear and straightforward.
  • A conflict between values, where adhering to one value may violate another. (correct)
  • A choice between two options, both of which are considered morally acceptable.

How can top executives help resolve ethical dilemmas within their organization?

  • By setting strict rules and regulations for all employees to follow.
  • By promoting a culture of fear and punishment for ethical breaches.
  • By offering training programs on ethical decision-making.
  • By establishing organizational values that provide guidance for moral decision-making. (correct)

What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?

<p>A voluntary commitment by businesses to contribute to the well-being of stakeholders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who plays the most crucial role in shaping an organization's ethical culture?

<p>The CEO and other top executives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can leaders effectively communicate ethical values within an organization?

<p>By using speeches, publications, policies, and personal actions to model desired behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for managers at all levels to actively promote ethical values?

<p>To establish a strong foundation of ethical principles that influence employee behavior. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two primary approaches can managers use to shape ethical values within an organization?

<p>Values-based leadership and formal structures and systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reflects the deeper values of an organization primarily?

<p>Ceremonies, stories, and rites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of structure would indicate a flexible cultural value in an organization?

<p>Flexible organic structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What identifies the surface level of organizational culture?

<p>Physical artifacts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the non-visible norms and beliefs expressed by employees?

<p>Espoused values (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are basic assumptions considered the most influential level of culture?

<p>They shape behaviors without explicit expression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between cultural values and organizational performance?

<p>Cultural values can enhance performance when aligned with strategy and structure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a function of slogans within an organization?

<p>Motivate employees and market products (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment requires an organization to foster adaptability in its culture?

<p>Flexible and responsive environment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which culture emphasizes meeting the needs of employees to achieve high performance?

<p>Clan Culture (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a bureaucratic culture?

<p>Rules and procedures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is key for a learning organization?

<p>Continuous capacity to adapt (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to organizations with strong cultures that resist change?

<p>They may struggle to adapt to new challenges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do bureaucratic cultures view as important roles for leaders?

<p>Coordinating and enforcing rules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organizational aspect is enhanced by a strong adaptive culture?

<p>Unified motivation around shared goals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a danger when an organization becomes too successful?

<p>Institutionalization of previous practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does culture play in a learning organization?

<p>It creates an enabling climate for learning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of a strong but non-adaptive culture?

<p>Promotes rigidity and stability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which value is emphasized in an adaptive culture?

<p>Equal treatment and trust among members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do strong adaptive cultures view the relationship between their parts and the whole system?

<p>Boundaries between parts are minimized (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does risk taking play in an adaptive culture?

<p>It is celebrated as part of learning and growth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to happen in an organization with a strong culture that promotes constant questioning?

<p>Innovative ideas and continuous improvement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of treating employees with care and respect in a healthy culture?

<p>A climate of safety and trust (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when organizations focus too heavily on their existing values and behaviors?

<p>They may become victims of their own success (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key characteristic of adaptive cultures?

<p>They prioritize communication and coordination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes unadaptive cultures in organizations?

<p>Strong focus on personal interests and discouragement of risk taking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ethics in organizations?

<p>To establish a code of moral principles governing behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do societal morality and personal ethics differ?

<p>Societal morality reflects collective consensus on right and wrong (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence an individual's ethical stance?

<p>Cultural, societal, and personal backgrounds all contribute (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact can organizational culture have on individual ethics?

<p>Strong cultures can either support ethical actions or encourage unethical behavior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of strong, unhealthy organizational cultures?

<p>They can push organizations away from appropriate directions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do laws relate to ethics in society?

<p>Some ethical principles are codified into laws, shaping behavior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of ethical values?

<p>They are shaped by personal experiences and societal influences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a chief ethics officer in a corporate ethics department?

<p>To oversee ethical standards and training programs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ethics hotlines in organizations?

<p>To provide a platform for reporting unethical behavior and seeking guidance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a code of ethics usually clarify?

<p>Employee conduct expectations and company values (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ethics training programs contribute to a company's strategic competitiveness?

<p>By ensuring that ethical issues are integrated into daily decision making (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Whistle blowing refers to what action by employees?

<p>Disclosing illegal or unethical activities within the organization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically covered by a code of ethics?

<p>Guidance on product pricing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dual role do ethics offices play in addition to overseeing ethical standards?

<p>Helping employees resolve ethical dilemmas and counseling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is employee willingness to report unethical practices important?

<p>It holds organizations accountable for ethical practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cultural Symbols

Ceremonies, stories, rites, and artifacts that symbolize deeper values.

Organization Structure

The arrangement of people and departments reflecting the organization's culture.

Language in Organizations

The use of vocal sounds and written signs to convey meaning among members.

Slogans

Short, catchy phrases used for advertising and motivating employees.

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Espoused Values

The norms and beliefs expressed by employees about the organization.

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Basic Assumptions

Deep-seated beliefs that shape behavior and decision-making in an organization.

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Cultural Reinforcement

The alignment of corporate culture with strategy and structure for effectiveness.

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Environmental Adaptability

The need for corporate culture to foster flexibility in response to external changes.

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Unadaptive cultures

Cultures where managers prioritize self-interest over change and risk taking.

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Strong Culture Impact

A strong culture can have both positive and negative impacts on an organization.

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Strong healthy cultures

Cultures that help organizations adapt positively to external changes.

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Ethics

Moral principles guiding behavior regarding right and wrong.

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Whole System Perspective

Understanding that the organization functions as a whole, not just individual parts.

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Ethical values

Standards defining good or bad conduct and decision making.

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Societal morality

Common beliefs about right and wrong in a society.

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Equality and Trust

Valuing mutual respect and creating a community of trust among members.

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Encouragement of Risk-Taking

A cultural value that supports questioning the status quo and trying new ideas.

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Influences on personal ethics

Factors like family, culture, and society shaping individual morality.

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Communication for Trust

Open and honest communication fosters an environment of safety and trust.

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Organizational culture

Shared values and norms influencing behavior in organizations.

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Individual ethical stance

A person’s unique view of ethics, shaped by various influences.

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Continuous Learning

Organizations that promote learning from mistakes and new ideas.

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Influence of Subcultures

While subcultures may exist, they align with the dominant organizational culture.

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Chief Ethics Officer

A high-level executive overseeing corporate ethics activities.

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Ethics Department

A department managing and coordinating corporate ethics activities.

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Ethics Hotline

A confidential line for employees to report ethical concerns.

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Whistle Blowing

Employee disclosure of illegal or unethical practices in an organization.

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Code of Ethics

A formal statement of a company's values and expectations regarding ethics.

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Ethics Training Programs

Programs designed to teach employees about ethical behavior and decision making.

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Ethical Dilemmas

Situations where employees face difficult ethical choices.

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Accountability Mechanisms

Tools that hold organizations responsible for ethical practices.

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Managerial Ethics

Principles guiding managers' decisions on right and wrong.

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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Obligation of management to contribute to stakeholders' welfare.

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Leadership in Ethics

Top managers must demonstrate commitment to ethical values.

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Values-Based Leadership

Leadership based on shared, strongly internalized values.

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Impact of Manager's Actions

Every action or statement by managers influences culture and values.

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Organizational Values

Core beliefs that guide decisions and behaviors within an organization.

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Ethics Programs

Formal structures to promote ethical behavior within organizations.

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Clan Culture

A culture that prioritizes employee needs to enhance performance.

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Bureaucratic Culture

An organizational culture emphasizing rules, hierarchy, and policies.

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Learning Organization

An organization capable of continuous learning and adaptation.

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Adaptation in Culture

The ability of an organization's culture to evolve with change.

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Employee Involvement

Engagement of employees in decision-making increases commitment.

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Norms of Bureaucracy

Behavioral expectations that prioritize formality over informality.

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Impact of Strong Culture

A strong culture can energize and motivate employees but may hinder adaptation.

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Manager's Role in Culture

Managers create and influence an adaptive culture for high performance.

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Study Notes

Organizational Culture and Theory

  • Culture is the shared values, beliefs, and norms of an organization. It influences how members think, feel, and behave. Culture is often unspoken but vital to company operations.
  • Organizational culture exists at three levels:
    • Observable Artifacts: Physical aspects like office design, architecture, and dress codes. Includes artifacts, rites, ceremonies, stories, and myths.
      • Artifacts: Physical objects—tools, furniture, etc. items that express cultural values.
      • Rites and ceremonies: Planned activities, like opening events.
      • Stories: Narratives about company heroes, often embellished through time.
      • Myths: Consistent with values, but not always factual.
    • Espoused Values: The stated principles and beliefs espoused by the organization. Includes mission statements, commitment to EEO, etc.
    • Basic Assumptions: The deeply held, often unconscious beliefs that guide behavior. These are the most influential, but hardest to change.
  • Adaptability Culture: Focuses on the external environment. Emphasizes flexibility, risk-taking, and creativity.
  • Mission Culture: Clear vision, measurable goals, and performance-based rewards.
  • Clan Culture: Focuses on internal relationships. Values teamwork, participation, and shared leadership.
  • Bureaucratic Culture: Emphasis on rules, procedures, and stability. Value predictability and efficiency in processes.
  • Organizational Culture and Performance: A strong and adaptive culture can enhance organizational performance. A good strategy and structure aligned with cultural values is ideal.
  • Ethics in Organizations: Ethical codes and principles, individual principles, and societal/cultural values are important components of organizations. Ethical behavior and values shape behavior.

Leadership, Culture, and Ethics

  • Managerial ethics: Principles guiding managerial decisions, focusing on what's right and wrong related to values.
  • Ethical dilemmas: Conflicting values and decisions.
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR): Managers' obligation to consider broader stakeholder interests (employees, customers, communities).
  • Values-based leadership: Leadership that promotes shared and strongly held values throughout the organization.
  • Charactersitics of Values-Based Leaders.
    • Interpersonal Behaviors: Caring, helpful, supportive relationships.
    • Fairness with Others: Fair, respectful treatment of others.
    • Personal Expectations: Ethical standards, honesty, and trustworthiness.
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Articulate, communicate clear expectations of high ethical standards throughout organization.
  • Formal Organizational Structures and Systems to support ethics include:
    • Ethics committee
    • Ethics officer
    • Disclosure mechanisms (hotlines)
    • Codes of ethics
    • Training Programs
  • Organizational culture profoundly influences individual decisions, supporting ethical behavior or discouraging it. The culture can reinforce ethical actions, encourage ethical decision making, or encourage unethical actions.

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