Deck 4: Bureaucratic Organization

Question 1

The line of authority in matrix organizations has both vertical and horizontal dimensions.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Computers reduce the need for high-level work activities.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

One important example of a matrix organization is the use of "quality teams"

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Division of labor within an organization can

A) Lower labor costs
B) Make workers easier to control
C) Increase specialization
D) All of the above
E) A and C only

Question 5

Bureaucratic work procedures work best when goals are ____________.

A) Indefinite
B) Explicit
C) Open-ended
D) Unlimited

Question 6

In addition to maintaining order and collecting taxes, preindustrial bureaucracies occasionally involved themselves in economic activities.

Question 7

Weber thought that _________ was crucial to the design and operation of modern organizations.

A) Logic
B) Empiricism
C) Rationality
D) All of the above

Question 8

One key feature of McDonald's operations that Ritzer described was:

A) Conventionality
B) Wastefulness
C) Predictability
D) Instability

Question 9

___________ should be irrelevant when it comes to filling positions in a bureaucracy.

A) Acquired skills
B) Personality traits
C) Social skills
D) Ascribed characteristics

Question 10

One characteristic of bureaucratic organizations is their:

A) Egalitarian structure
B) Decision making based on individual judgment
C) Extensive use of and reliance on written records
D) A and C

Question 11

Formal rationality refers to the achievement of goals that are in accordance with society's ethical values.

Question 12

Effective bureaucratic organization has little need for evaluation.

Question 13

The public education system should _________________ bureaucratic procedures only when applicable.

A) Preserve
B) Use
C) Manipulate
D) Disregard

Question 14

Bureaucracies were an essential feature of preindustrial empires such as:

A) Rome
B) Greece
C) England
D) France

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a Matrix organization?

A) Wikipedia
B) McDonald's
C) Chrysler's "platform teams"
D) None of the above

Question 16

Members of an adhocracy are in a perpetual learning mode.

Question 17

Weber referred to bureaucracy as an "ideal type" because it is perfect in its structure and operation

Question 18

A hierarchical structure of authority is an important feature of most bureaucratic organizations.

Question 19

Weber described a negative effect of rationality using the term:

A) Disenchantment
B) Disillusionment
C) Dissatisfaction
D) Discontentment

Question 20

Which of the following is a drawback of computerized systems in retail trade?

A) Computers cannot discuss or negotiate purchasing prices.
B) Computers cannot give advice when customers need it.
C) Computers cannot communicate knowledge about products or services, therefore failing to gain the customer's trust.
D) All of the above
True / False Questions

Question 21

All kinds of work could benefit from the adoption of bureaucratic modes of organization.

Question 22

What is the difference between "formal" and "substantive" rationality?

Question 23

Describe two alternatives to bureaucracy and note where they might be used..

Question 24

Why is impersonality an important feature of bureaucratic organization?

Question 25

How did Weber link the idea of rationality to the ideal bureaucratic organization?

Question 26

List and describe two strengths and two weaknesses of bureaucracies.

Question 27

In what ways does "Mcdonaldization" resemble the precepts of Scientific Management?

Question 28

How may "de-skilling" of the worker work to the advantage of management