Chapter 12: Formal Organizations

Test Bank

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is best described as a collectivity of people with a high degree of structure who work together to meet goals?

a. community

b. formal organization

c. federal government

d. unions

Learning Objective: 12-2: Describe three components of a definition of formal organizations.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: A Definition of Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. When a formal organization is viewed as a goal-directed and purposefully designed machine that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness, it is based on which of the following?

a. the critical perspective

b. the interpretive perspective

c. the systems perspective

d. the rational perspective

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Rational Perspective

Difficulty Level: Easy

3. Which term best represents the most efficient form of organization for goal accomplishment in the rational perspective?

a. community

b. social welfare

c. bureaucracy

d. industry

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Rational Perspective

Difficulty Level: Medium

4. Which of the following represents a theory where the main idea centers on formal rationality and highlights rules, regulations, and structures that are essential to goal accomplishment?

a. ideal-type bureaucracy

b. scientific management

c. human relations theory

d. decision theory

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Rational Perspective

Difficulty Level: Medium

5. Which of the following represent a theory where the central idea is focused on interpersonal relationships for organizational efficiency and effectiveness?

a. ideal-type bureaucracy

b. scientific management

c. human relations theory

d. decision theory

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

6. Which of the following represents a theory where the central idea is focused on the fact that organizational rationality has limits?

a. ideal-type bureaucracy

b. scientific management

c. human relations theory

d. Decision-making theory

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Decision-Making Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

7. Which of the following represents a theory that focuses on the most effective approach to maximizing internal efficiency and finding the one best way?

a. ideal-type bureaucracy

b. scientific management

c. human relations theory

d. decision theory

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Scientific Management

Difficulty Level: Easy

8. When participants in a research study know they are being studied, it has been suggested that they become more productive simply because they know their behavior is being studied. This phenomenon is known as the ______.

a. Hawthorne effect

b. humanism effect

c. Weber effect

d. Marx effect

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

9. The assumption that workers have an inherent dislike of work, prefer to be told what to do, and respond to money as the primary motivator describes which of the following theories?

a. theory Y

b. decision theory

c. theory X

d. scientific management

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. The assumption that workers regard work as a natural activity, are self-directed and committed, and make creative contributions to the organization describes which of the following theories?

a. theory Y

b. decision theory

c. theory X

d. scientific management

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

11. Which of the following perspectives has a major theme focused on the assumption that an organization is in constant interaction with multiple environments?

a. critical perspective

b. interpretive perspective

c. systems perspective

d. rational perspective

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Systems perspective

Difficulty Level: Easy

12. Which of the following systems perspectives posits the idea that the organization depends on the environment for legitimacy, power, and market resources?

a. discourse theory of public administration

b. political economy model

c. social action model

d. learning organization theory

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Political Economy Model

Difficulty Level: Medium

13. Which of the following systems perspectives posits the idea that rational planning is insufficient for an organization to be able to survive in a rapidly changing environment?

a. discourse theory of public administration

b. political economy model

c. social action model

d. learning organization theory

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Learning Organization Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

14. Which of the following perspectives has a basic premise that organizations provide members with a sense of connection and are creations of human consciousness and reflect the worldviews of the creators, and are social constructions of reality?

a. critical perspective

b. interactional/interpretive perspective

c. systems perspective

d. rational perspective

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Interactional/Interpretive Perspective

Difficulty Level: Medium

15. ______ is the name given to organizations that combine political advocacy and service provision in their core identity.

a. Public organization

b. Private organization

c. Hybrid organization

d. Social entrepreneurial organization

Learning Objective: 12-5: Identify types of formal organizations in which social workers work.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Work and Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

16. Which of the following interactional/interpretive perspective theories posits the central idea that organizations are ongoing, interactive processes of reality construction, involving many actors, not just managers and owners?

a. social action model

b. organizational culture model

c. managing diversity model

d. discourse theory of public administration

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Organizational Culture Model

Difficulty Level: Easy

17. Which of the following interpretive perspective theories posits the central idea that organizational systems and practices should maximize the potential advantages of varied membership in organizational membership?

a. social action model

b. organizational culture model

c. managing diversity model

d. discourse theory of public administration

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Managing Diversity Model

Difficulty Level: Easy

18. Which of the following perspectives has a basic premise that organizations are instruments of exploitation and domination?

a. critical perspective

b. interpretive perspective

c. systems perspective

d. rational perspective

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Critical Perspective

Difficulty Level: Medium

19. Which of the following critical perspective theories posits the idea that organizations exclude and discriminate against multiple groups?

a. nonhierarchical organizations

b. organizations as multiple oppressions

c. organizational culture model

d. managing diversity model

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Organizations as Multiple Oppressions

Difficulty Level: Medium

20. Which of the following critical perspective theories posits the idea that organizations run by consensus, with few rules and with informality, and are least likely to oppress employees?

a. nonhierarchical organizations

b. organizations as multiple oppressions

c. organizational culture model

d. managing diversity model

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Nonhierarchical Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

21. Which of the following is not a dimension of work life associated with burnout?

a. workload demand

b. failure to provide appropriate rewards

c. compromising values

d. generous annual leave policy

Learning Objective: 12-4: Summarize the major research findings on burnout.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Burnout: A Negative Organizational Outcome

Difficulty Level: Easy

22. Existing theories of organizations have been developed and studied primarily in ______.

a. former socialist countries

b. stable-market economic systems

c. transformative organizations

d. all of these

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Perspectives on Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

23. Recent research by O’Conner and Netting suggests that, compared to older social service organizations, newer social service organizations are ______.

a. less likely to have traditional bureaucratic cultures

b. more likely to have traditional bureaucratic cultures

c. the same type of bureaucratic cultures

d. more likely to operate from a rational perspective

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Ideal-Type Bureaucracy

Difficulty Level: Medium

24. Organizational humanism ______.

a. focuses on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness

b. endorses the interests of owners and managers

c. promotes individual happiness and well-being

d. none of these

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

25. The model most helpful for social service organizations in deciding which clients to serve, which services to provide, and how to organize services and staff functions is ______.

a. systems

b. scientific management

c. political economy

d. social action

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Political Economy Model

Difficulty Level: Medium

26. Which organizational theory model serves as a bridge between the systems perspective and the interpretive perspective?

a. learning organization theory

b. political economy model

c. ideal-type bureaucracy

d. scientific management

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Learning Organization Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

27. Consensual models of formal organizations are characterized by ______.

a. formal relationships among members

b. financial reward for leadership roles

c. maximum number of rules

d. leadership based on election

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Nonhierarchical Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

28. The shifting of management of programs from government to nongovernment organizations is termed ______.

a. rational choice

b. privatization

c. social engineering

d. scientific management

Learning Objective: 12-7: Analyze the leadership role of social workers in formal organizations.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Work and Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Easy

29. The purpose of managing diversity in the managing diversity model is to ______.

a. maximize advantages of diversity while minimizing its disadvantages

b. standardize the culture of a formal organization

c. assist workers in understanding their own culture and how it contributes to the formal organization

d. all of these

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Managing Diversity Model

Difficulty Level: Medium

30. ______ is a “prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job.”

a. Exhaustion

b. Burnout

c. Compassion fatigue

d. Boredom

Learning Objective: 12-4: Summarize the major research findings on burnout.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Burnout: A Negative Organizational Outcome

Difficulty Level: Easy

31. ______ is defined as “the engagement, suppression, or evocation of the worker’s emotions necessary to get the job done.”

a. Burnout

b. Emotional fatigue

c. Emotional labor

d. Work-related depression

Learning Objective: 12-4: Summarize the major research findings on burnout.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Burnout: A Negative Organizational Outcome

Difficulty Level: Easy

32. All of the following are dimensions of burnout, except ______.

a. cynicism

b. exhaustion

c. difficulty of tasks

d. inefficacy

Learning Objective: 12-4: Summarize the major research findings on burn-out.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Burnout: A Negative Organizational Outcome

Difficulty Level: easy

33. Schools, correctional facilities, and hospitals are examples of what type of organizations social workers may work in?

a. helping organizations

b. social work-oriented organizations

c. human service organizations

d. host organizations

Learning Objective: 12-5: Identify types of formal organizations in which social workers work.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Social Work and Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

True/False

1. When there is a collectivity of people with a high degree of formality of structure and working towards meeting a goal or goals, this is known as a formal organization.

Learning Objective: 12-2: Describe three components of a definition of formal organizations.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: A definition of Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. A goal-directed and purposefully designed machine is reflective of the rational perspective on organizations.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Rational Perspective

Difficulty Level: Easy

3. The central idea of decision-making theory is that the most effective organizations will maximize internal efficiency.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Decision-Making Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

4. The central idea of the ideal-type bureaucracy theory is that rules, regulations, and structures are essential for goal accomplishment.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Ideal-Type Bureaucracy

Difficulty Level: Easy

5. The central idea of human relations theory is that focusing on interpersonal relationships is central to organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

6. The central idea of scientific management theory is that organizational rationality has limits.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Scientific Management Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

7. An assumption of Theory X is that workers see work as a natural activity.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

8. An assumption of Theory Y is that workers have an inherent dislike of work.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

9. The central idea of the political economy model is that an organization depends on the environment for legitimacy, power, and market resources.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Political Economy Model

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. The central idea of the learning organization theory is that an organization must be able to change in a rapidly changing environment.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Learning Organization Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

Essay

1. List and describe three of the functions of formal organizations in our contemporary society.

Learning Objective: 12-2: Describe three components of a definition of formal organizations.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: A definition of Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

2. Define and explain Weber’s concept of an “iron cage of rationality” when thinking about bureaucracies.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: The Ideal-Type Bureaucracy

Difficulty Level: Hard

3. List three of the characteristics of Weber’s ideal-type bureaucracy.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: The Ideal-Type Bureaucracy

Difficulty Level: Medium

4. List three of the principles of Taylor’s scientific management theory.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Scientific Management Theory

Difficulty Level: Medium

5. List and define the four key traits of an organization that operates on the combined principles of bureaucratization and scientific management as based on the McDonald's Corporation.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Scientific Management

Difficulty Level: Hard

6. List the three assumptions associated with Theory X.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Hard

7. List the three assumptions associated with Theory Y.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Hard

8. Briefly explain the meaning of the Hawthorne effect.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Human Relations Theory

Difficulty Level: Easy

9. Explain and discuss how the new type of organizational style (Ritzer, The McDonaldization of Society) that combines principles of bureaucratization and scientific management is an important influence on social service delivery. Elaborate on Ritzer’s key traits as they apply to social service delivery. Cite several examples from the case study of the Beacon Center that relate to this organizational style.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Social Work Leadership in Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Hard

11. Describe your ideal social services agency using concepts from the four broad categories delineated in this chapter: rational perspective (bureaucracy, management style, human relations, management by objectives, decision-making), systems perspective (political economy, learning organization), interactional/interpretive perspective (organizational culture, managing diversity), and critical perspective (gendered organizations, multiple oppressions, nonhierarchical organizations).

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Perspectives on Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Hard

12. Compare and contrast the interactional/interpretive perspective and the critical perspective on formal organizations citing examples from the Beacon Center to illustrate your points.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Interactional/Interpretive Perspective, Critical Perspective

Difficulty Level: Hard

13. Consider the functions of formal organizations. Which of these functions are most consistent with and which seem contrary to social work's goals and values. Are there any organizations in which a social worker should not work? Provide a rationale for your answer.

Learning Objective: 12-7: Analyze the leadership role of social workers in formal organizations.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: A Definition of Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Medium

14. Hofstede asserts that the worldview undergirding organization theory varies by country. Identify world views associated with each country. Do you agree with designated worldview for each of the countries? Why or why not?

Learning Objective: 12-2: Describe three components of a definition of formal organizations.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Perspectives on Formal Organizations

Difficulty Level: Hard

15. Compare and contrast the rational perspective and the systems perspective on formal organizations citing examples from the Beacon Center to illustrate your points.

Learning Objective: 12-3: Critique four theoretical perspectives on formal organizations (rational, systems, interactional/interpretive, and critical).

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Rational Perspective, Systems Perspective

Difficulty Level: Hard