Exam 6: Groups and Organizations

People in aggregates share a common purpose (such as purchasing items or arriving at their destination) but generally do not interact with one another,except perhaps briefly.

According to political sociologist Robert Michels,all organizations encounter the __________-the tendency to become a bureaucracy ruled by the few.His central idea was that those who control bureaucracies not only wield power but also have an interest in retaining their power.

Social psychologist __________ examined group decision making among political experts and found that major blunders in U.S.history may be attributed to pressure toward group conformity.

Describe sociologist George Ritzer's "McDonaldization".

In relation to obedience to authority,summarize Stanley Milgram's research.

A(n) __________ is a collection of two or more people who interact frequently with one another,share a sense of belonging,and have a feeling of interdependence.

A(n) __________ organization is a highly structured secondary group formed for the purpose of achieving specific goals in the most efficient manner.

Authoritarian leaders focus on the instrumental tasks of the group and demand compliance from others.

Sociologist Georg Simmel suggested that small groups have distinctive interaction patterns that do not exist in larger groups.According to Simmel,a coalition is an alliance created in a dyad in an attempt to reach a shared objective or goal.

Today,computer networks and email offer additional opportunities for workers to enhance or degrade their work culture.

The text points out that ingroup and outgroup distinctions:

In a __________,the active participation of both members is crucial for the group's survival.

Individuals with ____________ socioeconomic status are more likely to be not only members of normative organizations but also an important determinant.

Describe the ways that online social networks enhance communication.

In discussing primary and secondary groups,the text points out that:

A reference group is a group consisting solely of members that strongly influences a person's behavior and social attitudes.

Unlike workers in the United States,if Becky worked for a Japanese company,she would most likely be:

Summarize sociologist Max Weber's ideal characteristics of bureaucracy.

__________ leadership is goal- or task-oriented.

To make a living or earn a college degree,we must participate in organizations that can provide us these opportunities.Although we have some choice regarding where we work or attend school,__________ organizations are not always completely voluntary.