Deck 16: Organizational Culture

Question 1

________ are indicators of a strong organizational culture.

A) High levels of dissension
B) High rates of employee turnover
C) Completely horizontal organizational charts
D) Narrowly defined roles
E) Widely shared values

Answer 1

E
Explanation: In a strong culture, the organization's core values are both intensely held and widely shared. The more members who accept the core values and the greater their commitment, the stronger the culture and the greater its influence on member behavior.

Question 2

Minicultures that tend to develop in large organizations to reflect common problems or experiences faced by the members in the same department or location are often called ________.

A) micro-cultures
B) subcultures
C) divisional cultures
D) microcosms
E) countercultures

Answer 2

B
Explanation: Subcultures tend to develop in large organizations to reflect common problems, situations, or experiences faced by groups of members in the same department or location. The purchasing department can have a subculture that includes the core values of the dominant culture plus additional values unique to members of the purchasing department.

Question 3

A strong culture should increase employee loyalty because it results in ________.

A) a highly centralized organization
B) narrow spans of control
C) cohesiveness and organizational commitment
D) a highly formalized organization
E) an outcome-oriented organization

Answer 3

C
Explanation: A strong culture should increase employee loyalty because it demonstrates high agreement about what the organization represents. Such unanimity of purpose builds cohesiveness, loyalty, and organizational commitment.

Question 4

In the ________ employees value growth, variety, attention to detail, stimulation, and autonomy.

A) market
B) adhocracy
C) clan
D) bureaucracy
E) hierarchy

Question 5

Rogue Vogue Corp. is an apparel company. To keep up with the latest changes in the fashion industry, the company has to come up with innovative designs and follow strict timelines. The culture of the company values integrity, high ethical standards, and risk taking. The members of the organization accept these cultural values. They know exactly what is expected of them, and these expectations go a long way in shaping their behavior. In addition to this, the culture of the marketing department is outcome oriented and the finance department emphasizes attention to detail.
Based on the information in the scenario, we can say that Rogue Vogue Corp. ________.

A) is a highly decentralized organization
B) is a virtual organization
C) has a strong culture
D) is a boundary-laden organization
E) is a matrix organization

Question 6

Rogue Vogue Corp. is an apparel company. To keep up with the latest changes in the fashion industry, the company has to come up with innovative designs and follow strict timelines. The culture of the company values integrity, high ethical standards, and risk taking. The members of the organization accept these cultural values. They know exactly what is expected of them, and these expectations go a long way in shaping their behavior. In addition to this, the culture of the marketing department is outcome oriented and the finance department emphasizes attention to detail.
The organizational culture of Rogue Vogue Corp. is an example of a(n) ________.

A) autocratic culture
B) subculture
C) lowly formalized culture
D) reflective culture
E) dominant culture

Question 7

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between organizational culture and job satisfaction?

A) Job satisfaction depends upon the level of "power distance" in the country, but organizational culture does not.
B) Organizational culture is static, whereas job satisfaction is dynamic.
C) Job satisfaction is immeasurable, whereas organizational culture is measurable.
D) Organizational culture is descriptive, whereas job satisfaction is evaluative.
E) Job satisfaction depends on the structure of the organization, but organizational culture does not.

Question 8

A culture that expresses the core values that are shared by a majority of the organization's members is known as a(n) ________ culture.

A) dominant
B) primary
C) fundamental
D) unique
E) essential

Question 9

Detail orientation is one of the six primary characteristics that capture the essence of an organization's culture. It indicates the degree to which ________.

A) employees are encouraged to be innovative and take risks
B) management focuses on results or outcomes rather than on the techniques and processes used to achieve them
C) management decisions take into consideration the effect of outcomes on people within the organization
D) work activities are organized around teams rather than individuals
E) employees are expected to exhibit precision, analysis, and attention to detail

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true regarding an organization's culture?

A) Organizational culture is evaluative rather than descriptive.
B) Large organizations rarely have subcultures.
C) A dominant culture expresses the core values shared by a majority of the organization's members.
D) A strong culture reduces employee satisfaction and increases employee turnover.
E) Subcultures and dominant cultures do not share any common values.

Question 11

A strong culture can act as a substitute for which of the following?

A) institutionalization
B) formalization
C) socialization
D) centralization
E) social support

Question 12

Danny's boss is apathetic as to whether Danny works at home, at the office, or from his beach house. All he cares about is that the project is completed on time, on budget, and with exemplary quality. Which characteristic of organizational culture describes this aspect of Danny's job?

A) low risk taking
B) high outcome orientation
C) high attention to detail
D) low aggressiveness
E) high stability

Question 13

An aircraft manufacturer with a strong presence in the United States, is looking to expand its market overseas. The firm currently sells its aircraft to several airlines in the United Kingdom but now wants to establish manufacturing units there as well in order to acquire a bigger share in the European market. Hence, it plans to merge with QueenAir, a British aircraft manufacturer. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the company's decision to merge with QueenAir?

A) Merging with QueenAir would increase its profits considerably.
B) There is increasing economic uncertainty in its U.S. market.
C) The preferences of airline customers in Europe and the U.S. are similar.
D) There is a striking difference in the organizational cultures of the two firms.
E) A competitor in the U.S. market recently went out of business.

Question 14

Which of the following is most likely to result from a strong organizational culture?

A) high organizational commitment
B) low employee satisfaction
C) low loyalty
D) high absenteeism
E) low behavioral control resulting from the climate within the organization

Question 15

Rogue Vogue Corp. is an apparel company. To keep up with the latest changes in the fashion industry, the company has to come up with innovative designs and follow strict timelines. The culture of the company values integrity, high ethical standards, and risk taking. The members of the organization accept these cultural values. They know exactly what is expected of them, and these expectations go a long way in shaping their behavior. In addition to this, the culture of the marketing department is outcome oriented and the finance department emphasizes attention to detail.
In addition to the organizational culture at Rogue Vogue Corp., the finance department emphasizes attention to detail. In this example, attention to detail is a part of the ________ of the organization.

A) core values
B) significant traits
C) dominant culture
D) foundational values
E) subculture

Question 16

The key characteristic of organizational culture that addresses the degree to which people exhibit integrity and high ethical standards in their work is termed ________.

A) assertiveness
B) team orientation
C) averseness
D) risk taking
E) integrity

Question 17

Which of the following characteristics of an organization's culture indicates the degree to which management decisions take into consideration the effect of outcomes on employees within the organization?

A) attention to detail
B) outcome orientation
C) team orientation
D) people/customer orientation
E) stability

Question 18

Rogue Vogue Corp. is an apparel company. To keep up with the latest changes in the fashion industry, the company has to come up with innovative designs and follow strict timelines. The culture of the company values integrity, high ethical standards, and risk taking. The members of the organization accept these cultural values. They know exactly what is expected of them, and these expectations go a long way in shaping their behavior. In addition to this, the culture of the marketing department is outcome oriented and the finance department emphasizes attention to detail.
Integrity and high ethical standards are called the ________ of the culture at the Rogue Vogue Corp.

A) foundational values
B) institutional traits
C) core values
D) significant traits
E) unique values

Question 19

Manuel is a manager for a manufacturing company in which managers are expected to fully document all decisions and in which it is important to provide detailed data to support any recommendations. Also, out-of-the-box thinking is dissuaded. Which characteristic of organizational culture describes this aspect of Manuel's job?

A) low team orientation
B) high aggressiveness
C) low adaptability
D) low outcome orientation
E) high people orientation

Question 20

Jean works for Fahrenheit Publishing, which is a publisher of scientific journals. The company is dominated by low risk taking and high attention to detail. Jean's department is committed to high team orientation and provides many team-building activities in which Jean and other department members work together and socialize. Which of the following statements best describes Jean's department?

A) Jean's department is an example of a primary microcosm.
B) Jean's department's culture is stronger than the dominant culture in the organization.
C) Jean's department has developed a subculture.
D) Jean's department's culture is undefined.
E) Jean's department's culture has low stability.

Question 21

"Formalization and culture are two different roads to a common destination." Explain the statement.

Question 22

Discuss the difference between the clan, the adhocracy, the market, and the hierarchy.

Question 23

________ refers to the shared perceptions organizational members have about their organization and work environment.

A) Organizational climate
B) Institutionalization
C) Microcosm
D) Groupthink
E) Organizational apprehension

Question 24

A(n) ________ climate requires managers and employees to use an external, standardized moral compass such as a professional code of conduct for norms.

A) independence
B) rules
C) law and code
D) caring
E) instrumental

Question 25

When formal authority and control systems are reduced, the ________ provided by a strong culture ensure(s) that everyone is pointed in the same direction.

A) rules and regulations
B) shared meaning
C) rituals
D) socialization
E) rigid hierarchy

Question 26

The "shared meaning" aspect of culture makes it a potent device for guiding and shaping behavior.

Question 27

A dominant culture expresses the core values a majority of members share and that give the organization its distinct personality.

Question 28

The degree to which management decisions consider the effect of outcomes on people within and outside the organization demonstrates collaboration/team orientation.

Question 29

________ organizations often don't go out of business even if the original goals are no longer relevant.

A) Virtual
B) Matrix
C) Independent
D) Institutionalized
E) Centralized

Question 30

Organizational culture represents a perception that the organization's members share.

Question 31

What are the six primary characteristics that capture the essence of an organization's culture?

Question 32

Grace works for a pet store where everyone is committed to the happiness of the animals. Often employees, bosses, and hourly workers alike come into the store "off the clock" and spend time training the animals. Everyone loves the store, the animals, and their jobs. This attitude of her co-workers inspires Grace to do her best. Based on this information, we can say that Grace is experiencing the effects of ________.

A) decentralization
B) organizational climate
C) high departmentalization
D) low formalization
E) high work specialization

Question 33

Which of the following statements is true regarding the establishment of the organizational culture and its effects on the organization?

A) Today's trend toward decentralized organizations makes it is easier to establish a strong culture.
B) In a virtual organization, a strong culture can be established quickly and easily.
C) Employees organized in teams always show greater allegiance to the values of the organization as a whole than to their team and its values.
D) Culture acts as a control mechanism and guides the behavior of employees.
E) Cultures reduce the stability of the social system in an organization.

Question 34

Which of the following statements is true regarding the functions of culture in an organization?

A) It hinders the generation of commitment to something larger than individual self-interest among employees.
B) It conveys a sense of identity for organization members.
C) It reduces the stability of the organizational system.
D) It reduces distinctions between one organization and others.
E) It does not affect employees' attitudes and behavior.

Question 35

Culture is most likely to be a liability when ________.

A) the employees of the organization are highly skilled
B) the organization's environment is dynamic
C) the organization's management is highly efficient
D) the organization is highly centralized
E) the organization scores low on the degree of formalization

Question 36

Subcultures act to undermine the dominant culture.

Question 37

Detail orientation is a primary characteristic of an organization's culture that indicates the degree to which management focuses on results or outcomes rather than on the techniques and processes used to achieve them.

Question 38

Compare and contrast dominant culture and subculture.

Question 39

Describe the characteristics of a strong culture.

Question 40

The market is a culture based on change.

Question 41

The selection process helps sustain the organization's culture by ________.

A) establishing and enforcing norms
B) hiring candidates who fit well within the organization
C) socializing the new employees
D) developing performance evaluation criteria
E) rewarding conformity

Question 42

To create a truly sustainable business, an organization must develop a long-term culture and put its values into practice.

Question 43

Which of the following is not one of the five most prevalent climate categories making up the ethical dimensions of organization culture?

A) instrumental
B) caring
C) dependence
D) law and code
E) rules

Question 44

________ is a process that helps new employees adapt to the prevailing organizational culture.

A) Satisficing
B) Reciprocal interdependence
C) Socialization
D) Formalization
E) Social loafing

Question 45

Explain the concept of organizational climate.

Question 46

Rainbow Corp. hires a new secretary, Polonova, who differs from the vast majority of the company's employees in terms of her ethnicity. The company has a collectivist culture with a culturally diverse workforce and several policies to support the minorities. Yet, after a few weeks, she quits the company. Which of the following, if true, helps explain why she quit?

A) Rainbow Corp. recently had a huge turnover and plans to expand its market.
B) All secretaries, regardless of their gender, are paid equal salaries at Rainbow Corp.
C) Polonova is gregarious and comfortable in changing contexts and ambiguous situations.
D) Polonova has a strong sense of personal ambition and independence.
E) Polonova is more likely to conform to others' ideas and opinions rather than come up with her own.

Question 47

During the ________ stage, a new employee compares his or her expectations with the realities in the organization.

A) prearrival
B) encounter
C) metamorphosis
D) post-arrival
E) post-encounter

Question 48

Describe the various situations under which culture acts as a liability.

Question 49

The ________ stage of the socialization process explicitly recognizes that each individual the organization comes across during the selection process has a set of values, attitudes, and expectations about both the work to be done and the organization.

A) post-encounter
B) prearrival
C) metamorphosis
D) pre-encounter
E) post-arrival

Question 50

Instrumental climates are positively associated with employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Question 51

Top management has a major impact on the organization's culture by ________.

A) establishing norms that filter down through the organization
B) ensuring a proper match of personal and organizational values
C) socializing new applicants in the pre-hiring phase
D) providing a framework for metamorphosis of new hires
E) properly rewarding employees' initiatives

Question 52

The process of socialization consists of three stages. Which of the following is one of these three stages?

A) metamorphosis
B) pre-encounter
C) evaluation
D) post-arrival
E) post-encounter

Question 53

Identify the correct order of stages in the socialization process.

A) encounter, metamorphosis, post-encounter
B) prearrival, arrival, evaluation
C) prearrival, arrival, post-arrival
D) prearrival, encounter, metamorphosis
E) metamorphosis, pre-encounter, arrival

Question 54

If there is a basic conflict between the individual's expectations and the reality of working in an organization, the employee is most likely to be disillusioned and quit during the ________ stage of socialization.

A) prearrival
B) post-arrival
C) encounter
D) metamorphosis
E) post-encounter

Question 55

Systematic reviews of the research literature show a generally positive relationship between sustainability and financial performance.

Question 56

The ________ process helps candidates learn about the organization, and if employees perceive a conflict between their values and those of the organization, they can remove themselves from the applicant pool.

A) orientation
B) training
C) performance evaluation
D) selection
E) institutionalization

Question 57

The ultimate source of an organization's culture is ________.

A) its top management
B) its environment
C) the country in which the organization operates
D) its founders
E) the sociocultural backgrounds of its employees

Question 58

Describe and explain the five most prevalent climate categories that comprise the ethical dimensions of organization cultures.

Question 59

In which of the following climates do managers operate under the expectation that their decisions will positively affect the greatest number of stakeholders?

A) caring
B) instrumental
C) law and code
D) rules
E) independence

Question 60

Sustainability refers to practices that can be maintained over very long periods of time because the tools or structure that support the practices is not damaged in the process.

Question 61

Which of the following statements is true about formal socialization?

A) Formal socialization involves socializing the new members individually.
B) Specific orientation and training programs are examples of formal socialization.
C) Apprenticeship and mentoring programs are examples of formal socialization.
D) Formal socialization lacks a fixed time schedule.
E) In formal socialization, new employees are left on their own to figure things out.

Question 62

Apprenticeship and mentoring programs are examples of random socialization.

Question 63

You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. You recently received your MBA and have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis in the healthcare industry. Your hiring process included campus interviews, a daylong trip for an interview at the company, an offer phone call and letter, and some promotional material sent via the mail. When you arrive for your first day at work, you spend half a day in an orientation session that is conducted by the human resources department, where you complete paperwork and receive a company handbook. Then you spend the rest of the day with your supervisor, who gives you a tour, introduces you to your co-workers, and explains your first project. After that, you begin working and getting to know the others in the company. You find that in most respects, your experience fits your expectations, but in some ways you are surprised by realities that you hadn't expected. None of these surprises is too difficult to accept, so you eventually begin to feel at home and happy with your new job.
Which of the following steps could your supervisor take to best help you develop a commitment to your new company?

A) encourage you to work independently at first to learn the ropes
B) explain the rules and policies of the organization to you
C) discourage you from putting too much emphasis on your perception of the organization
D) encourage you to look carefully at your own assumptions, which may be biased
E) encourage you to develop friendship ties within the organization

Question 64

You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. You recently received your MBA and have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis in the healthcare industry. Your hiring process included campus interviews, a daylong trip for an interview at the company, an offer phone call and letter, and some promotional material sent via the mail. When you arrive for your first day at work, you spend half a day in an orientation session that is conducted by the human resources department, where you complete paperwork and receive a company handbook. Then you spend the rest of the day with your supervisor, who gives you a tour, introduces you to your co-workers, and explains your first project. After that, you begin working and getting to know the others in the company. You find that in most respects, your experience fits your expectations, but in some ways you are surprised by realities that you hadn't expected. None of these surprises is too difficult to accept, so you eventually begin to feel at home and happy with your new job.
Your supervisor provides you a mentor to help you with your work and guide you. This shows that your supervisor is using a(n) ________ socialization technique.

A) divestiture
B) random
C) informal
D) serial
E) variable

Question 65

Serial socialization is characterized by the use of role models who train and encourage a newcomer.

Question 66

You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. You recently received your MBA and have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis in the healthcare industry. Your hiring process included campus interviews, a daylong trip for an interview at the company, an offer phone call and letter, and some promotional material sent via the mail. When you arrive for your first day at work, you spend half a day in an orientation session that is conducted by the human resources department, where you complete paperwork and receive a company handbook. Then you spend the rest of the day with your supervisor, who gives you a tour, introduces you to your co-workers, and explains your first project. After that, you begin working and getting to know the others in the company. You find that in most respects, your experience fits your expectations, but in some ways you are surprised by realities that you hadn't expected. None of these surprises is too difficult to accept, so you eventually begin to feel at home and happy with your new job.
When you begin to notice things that are not as you expected, you are in the ________ stage of socialization.

A) orientation
B) prearrival
C) encounter
D) metamorphosis
E) post-arrival

Question 67

The encounter stage of the socialization process consists of the period of learning that occurs before a new employee joins an organization.

Question 68

________ socialization assumes that the newcomer's qualities and qualifications are the necessary ingredients for job success, so these qualities and qualifications are confirmed and supported.

A) Variable
B) Collective
C) Serial
D) Investiture
E) Formal

Question 69

During the socialization process, to work out any problems discovered during the encounter stage, the new member changes or goes through the ________ stage.

A) post-arrival
B) metamorphosis
C) post-encounter
D) analysis
E) evaluation

Question 70

________ socialization tries to strip away certain characteristics of the recruit.

A) Random
B) Fixed
C) Collective
D) Divestiture
E) Formal

Question 71

By the end of the ________ stage of socialization, the new members internalize and accept the norms of the organization and their work group, are confident in their competence, and feel trusted and valued by their peers.

A) encounter
B) post-arrival
C) establishment
D) metamorphosis
E) adaptation

Question 72

You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. You recently received your MBA and have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis in the healthcare industry. Your hiring process included campus interviews, a daylong trip for an interview at the company, an offer phone call and letter, and some promotional material sent via the mail. When you arrive for your first day at work, you spend half a day in an orientation session that is conducted by the human resources department, where you complete paperwork and receive a company handbook. Then you spend the rest of the day with your supervisor, who gives you a tour, introduces you to your co-workers, and explains your first project. After that, you begin working and getting to know the others in the company. You find that in most respects, your experience fits your expectations, but in some ways you are surprised by realities that you hadn't expected. None of these surprises is too difficult to accept, so you eventually begin to feel at home and happy with your new job.
When you start to accept the differences between your expectations and the reality of the organization, you move into the ________ stage of socialization.

A) prearrival
B) post-arrival
C) acceptance
D) metamorphosis
E) post-encounter

Question 73

Which of the following statements is true regarding random socialization?

A) Random socialization tries to strip away certain characteristics of the recruit.
B) Random socialization is carried out per a fixed time schedule.
C) In random socialization, new employees are left on their own to figure things out.
D) Random socialization involves socializing the newcomers in groups.
E) Specific orientation and classroom training programs are examples of random socialization.

Question 74

During the metamorphosis stage of the socialization process, a new employee compares his or her expectations-about the job, co-workers, the boss, and the organization in general-with the reality in the organization.

Question 75

You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. You recently received your MBA and have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis in the healthcare industry. Your hiring process included campus interviews, a daylong trip for an interview at the company, an offer phone call and letter, and some promotional material sent via the mail. When you arrive for your first day at work, you spend half a day in an orientation session that is conducted by the human resources department, where you complete paperwork and receive a company handbook. Then you spend the rest of the day with your supervisor, who gives you a tour, introduces you to your co-workers, and explains your first project. After that, you begin working and getting to know the others in the company. You find that in most respects, your experience fits your expectations, but in some ways you are surprised by realities that you hadn't expected. None of these surprises is too difficult to accept, so you eventually begin to feel at home and happy with your new job.
The information that you receive during the interviewing and hiring process is a part of the ________ stage of employee socialization.

A) pre-encounter
B) prearrival
C) encounter
D) metamorphosis
E) post-encounter

Question 76

Higgins has recently joined a new law firm expecting to participate in exciting environmental law cases and cutting-edge research. After one month at the firm, he still hasn't been assigned a case and spends most of his time filing standardized appeals for title disputes with insurance companies. In which stage of the socialization process is Higgins?

A) prearrival
B) encounter
C) metamorphosis
D) post-encounter
E) post-arrival

Question 77

Apprenticeship is an example of ________ socialization.

A) divestiture
B) variable
C) serial
D) informal
E) investiture

Question 78

You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. You recently received your MBA and have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis in the healthcare industry. Your hiring process included campus interviews, a daylong trip for an interview at the company, an offer phone call and letter, and some promotional material sent via the mail. When you arrive for your first day at work, you spend half a day in an orientation session that is conducted by the human resources department, where you complete paperwork and receive a company handbook. Then you spend the rest of the day with your supervisor, who gives you a tour, introduces you to your co-workers, and explains your first project. After that, you begin working and getting to know the others in the company. You find that in most respects, your experience fits your expectations, but in some ways you are surprised by realities that you hadn't expected. None of these surprises is too difficult to accept, so you eventually begin to feel at home and happy with your new job.
Your first day at work is a part of the ________ stage of socialization.

A) orientation
B) prearrival
C) encounter
D) metamorphosis
E) post-encounter

Question 79

Which of the following types of socialization involves putting the new employee directly into the job, with little or no special attention?

A) investiture socialization
B) serial socialization
C) collective socialization
D) fixed socialization
E) informal socialization

Question 80

A study conducted by Bain and Company found that 70 percent of mergers failed to increase shareholder values, and Hay Group found that more than 90 percent of mergers in Europe failed to reach financial goals.