107 Questions
What is a key characteristic of groups, as mentioned in the text?
They are a source of identity
What is one of the basic questions in sociology?
Are humans essentially group members?
What distinguishes organizations from groups, as mentioned in the text?
Organizations are pervasive structures in our lives
What is a common outcome of being part of organizations, according to the text?
Efficiency and frustration are both outcomes of being part of organizations
Which level of sociology involves the study of large groups, organizations, and communities?
Meso sociology
What is the main characteristic that distinguishes a group from a network?
Both B and C
What motivates action within a sports team according to the text?
Sharing common goals
How does the text define an organization?
Division of labor among specialists
What is a distinguishing feature of a close-knit network?
Every member knows each other
Which term best describes the web of social ties linking people with little common identity or interaction?
Network
What guides the behavior of members in a sports team according to the text?
'Group norms'
How do groups differ from networks in terms of boundaries?
Both A and B
'To achieve a common goal efficiently' is a defining characteristic of which entity discussed in the text?
'Organization'
'Division of labor' and 'common leadership' are essential aspects of which concept mentioned in the text?
'Organization'
What is the key difference between a strong tie and a weak tie in a network?
Strong ties are based on intense relationships, while weak ties are based on superficial connections.
What is the significance of weak ties in a network according to the text?
Weak ties facilitate the flow of information between distinct networks.
Based on the concept of bonding versus bridging in networks, which behavior strengthens trust in society according to the text?
Bridging behavior
What characterizes strong ties in a network?
Intense relationships with mutual sharing of information
In a network with three groups that bond intensely with each other but also have connections to different groups, which concept is being illustrated?
Bonding versus bridging
What does the text suggest about weak ties' role in crowd funding?
Weak ties form the basis for crowd funding endeavors.
Why are weak ties considered important connectors between networks?
They bridge distinct networks and facilitate information flow.
What contributes to group cohesion according to the text?
Interdependence
In the context of group cohesion, which factor is mentioned as a cause of group think?
Pressures for conformity and unanimity
What is the definition of group think as per the text?
Overwhelmed motivation for consensus over realistic appraisal
What is one outcome of excessive group cohesion?
Groupthink
Which statement about group cohesion is accurate based on the text?
'Liking among group members' enhances cohesion and conformity.
'Conflict with an outside group' is highlighted in the text as a means of increasing:
'Group cohesion'
What distinguishes 'group cohesion' from 'group conformity' in the text?
Pressure to conform vs. attraction and liking
What defines a small group according to the text?
A group where everyone knows each other to some degree
How does the structure of a group change when it grows from 20 to 100 members?
It must be formalized
What is a characteristic of instrumental leaders as discussed in the text?
They are focused on task accomplishment
What is a key difference between democratic and authoritarian decision-making styles?
Democratic leaders aim for majority agreement
What is the primary source of social identity according to the text?
Group identification
How do expressive leaders differ from instrumental leaders as mentioned in the text?
They prioritize building relationships within the group
How do laissez-faire leaders differ from autocratic leaders in decision-making?
Laissez-faire leaders delegate authority
"Consensus decision making" differs from "Democratic decision making" in that it emphasizes:
"Unanimity"
What tends to happen to leadership within groups over time, according to the text?
One or two members gain more influence and recognition over time.
What is a primary group characterized by?
Strong emotional ties and enduring relationships
Which of the following best describes a secondary group?
Large, impersonal groups focused on specific interests or activities
What is a distinguishing feature of a primary group?
Face-to-face interaction over extended periods
Which term refers to the fear of strangers?
Xenophobia
In primary groups, why do individuals relate to each other as whole people?
Due to varied activities and engagement in multiple realms of life
What distinguishes a secondary group from a primary group?
Role specialization and instrumental focus
Which type of groups are described as having roles that are based on specific task performance?
Secondary groups
What is the main purpose of secondary groups?
To achieve one specific end through instrumental means
Why do primary groups exert a lot of social control over individuals?
Because of the strong emotional investment and loyalty involved
What differentiates primary from secondary groups regarding the relationships within them?
Primary groups have strong emotional ties with face-to-face interaction, while secondary groups have large impersonal interactions.
What is the primary function of reference groups?
To judge ourselves based on their standards
In a dyad group, why does it require a high level of commitment?
Because it is the smallest group where one member leaving can break up the group
What distinguishes decision-making in dyads from that in triads?
Triads require unanimity, while dyads only need a majority
What is the relationship between group size and the number of relationships within a group?
Group size directly correlates with the number of relationships in a group
Why are triads considered more stable than dyads?
Triads can easily replace members without affecting the group's existence
How does the concept of alliances apply to triads?
Alliances in triads can lead to shifts in power dynamics between members
What change occurs when transitioning from a triad to a quadrant group?
The group becomes less intense but more formal
What is the primary way formal organizations seek efficiency, as highlighted in the text?
By dividing up into specialized roles
How do formal organizations differ from formal groups in terms of role specialization?
Formal organizations have more role specialization than formal groups
Which characteristic distinguishes formal organizations from primary groups, as mentioned in the text?
Longer duration and access to more resources
How does the Roman Catholic Church exemplify a formal organization, based on the text?
By existing for 2000 years and having means of control over members
What is one of the key ways formal organizations exert social control over their members, according to the text?
By using coercive power
How do formal organizations shift the focus away from individuals towards roles, as emphasized in the text?
By highlighting the importance of certain roles over individual qualities
What distinguishes an informal organization from a formal organization?
It is based on personal connections rather than bureaucratic roles.
How does a bureaucracy differ from other forms of authority according to the text?
It is based on impersonal and efficient organization rather than personal characteristics.
What is the primary goal of a bureaucracy as defined in the text?
To perform complex tasks efficiently in a rational and impersonal manner.
What characterizes the informal organization within a formal organization?
Both A and B
What differentiates bureaucracy from traditional and charismatic forms of authority?
Bureaucracy prioritizes rational legal authority over personal charisma.
Why is efficiency highlighted as a key aspect of bureaucracy in the text?
To perform complex tasks in a logical, impersonal manner.
What defines the relationship between individuals in an informal organization compared to a formal one?
Personal connections are more significant than official roles.
How do members of an informal organization interact according to the text?
Based on personal qualities and feelings rather than official positions.
Why are informal organizations considered significant in understanding formal organizations?
Due to their influence on day-to-day operations beyond official structures.
What is a key characteristic of bureaucracy mentioned in the text?
Both B and C
What is the relationship between responsibilities and authority in a bureaucratic hierarchy?
Responsibility flows up while authority flows down.
How are bureaucratic offices differentiated from each other?
By the range of authority each office holds.
What aspect of bureaucracy ensures that responses are objective and regularized?
Treating cases according to general rules and regulations.
What is a distinguishing feature of bureaucratic relationships?
They are defined by technical competence rather than personal qualities.
In a bureaucratic organization, why are responsibilities divided among different offices?
To ensure specialization and competence in various areas.
What is the primary factor that influences hiring, firing, and promotions within a bureaucracy?
Technical competence.
How are roles within a bureaucratic hierarchy assigned?
'What you know' method based on merit.
What is the main focus of all bureaucratic organizations according to the text?
'How well rules can be followed' within the system.
What is one of the benefits of bureaucracy mentioned in the text?
Ensures decisions are made objectively
What is a common problem associated with bureaucracies as discussed in the text?
Incompetence and wastefulness
What characteristic distinguishes bureaucracies in their decision-making process?
'Impersonal rules' for decision-making
What is the danger highlighted in the text with regards to classifying cases in bureaucracies?
Misclassification of cases
How do bureaucracies protect officeholders according to the text?
By ensuring adherence to predetermined rules
What concept describes the phenomenon where bureaucrats get promoted until they reach a level of incompetence?
'Peter Principle'
In what way do bureaucracies differ from promoting based on individual performance?
'Promotion based on competence'
What are the four characteristics of McDonaldization based on the text?
Efficiency, calculability, predictability, control
What is the fifth and final characteristic of McDonaldization?
Irrationality of rationality
What is emphasized as the ultimate outcome of the 'irrationality of rationality' within McDonaldization?
Dehumanization
In what way does the text associate 'irrationality' with 'rationality' within McDonaldization?
'Rationality becomes irrational' when means sabotage ends
What type of power is primarily used in prisons, according to the text?
Coercive power
In what type of organization do members have the lowest commitment and high levels of alienation?
None of the Above
What is a distinguishing feature of normative power organizations mentioned in the text?
Promote high commitment and low alienation
Which type of organization relies on the personal qualities of officials for control?
Churches
What is a key difference between coercive power and utilitarian power organizations?
Both B and C
Which factor helps selectivity in organizations to reduce the need for control, according to the text?
Choosing members selectively
What differentiates normative power organizations from utilitarian power organizations?
'High commitment, low alienation' vs. 'medium commitment, medium alienation'
Why do individuals in churches or religious groups have high commitment and low alienation, as mentioned in the text?
'Because they are drawn by effective resources'
Which type of organization is likely to experience very medium commitment and medium alienation among its members?
'Factories'
How does leadership differ in normative power organizations compared to coercive power organizations?
'Relies on personal charm, charisma' vs. 'uses physical force'
What is the primary concern with bureaucracy?
Dehumanization and depersonalization
What does Richard's concept of McDonaldization primarily emphasize?
Efficiency and speed over quality
How does Max Weber describe bureaucracies?
Both A and C
How is bureaucracy linked to Marx's notion of alienation as discussed in the text?
It leads to a sense of dehumanization and depersonalization
What does the term 'ritualism' refer to in the context of bureaucracy?
'Going through the motions' behavior
How does bureaucracy contribute to structured inequality as discussed in the text?
Through its hierarchical and anti-democratic nature
What does it mean when bureaucracy is described as 'inflexible' in the text?
Unable to adjust quickly to new situations
How does bureaucracy contribute to 'trained incapacity' as mentioned in the text?
By hindering the ability to adapt to new situations effectively
Explore the concept of small groups and what defines them. Learn about the differences between small groups and non-small or large groups, beyond just numerical size. Understand how a small group is characterized by the ability to know each member to some degree.
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