Advanced Organizational Communication Chapter #4
T/F The "New Science" systems theory is founded on the notion that all systems in nature and society are like those described by classical physics.
False
T/F The systems approach is prescriptive -- it tells organizations "how to" function.
False
T/F Hierarchical ordering is a systems principle that implies that the functioning of one component of the system relies on other components of the system.
False
T/F In Weick's view of organizing, responding to highly equivocal information requires the use of assembly rules.
False
T/F Interorganizational networks describe connections between individuals within a given organization.
False
T/F A personnel director asking applicants to submit resumes in a particular format would be an example of an assembly rule that assists in sensemaking.
True
T/F Equivocality is likely to be high in highly competitive business environments.
True
T/F In the book, Rework, it is argued that there are many ways to reach success in today's business world that defy the typical rules of management textbooks.
True
T/F An isolate rarely, if ever, communicates or has relationships with other organizational members.
False
Performance appraisal systems often involve goal-setting, the monitoring of performance, and the subsequent adjustment of goals and job-related activity. This is an example of: 1. An equivocality-reduction system 2. A cybernetic system 3. A sociotechnical system 4. An open system
2. A cybernetic system
Open systems are characterized by ____, or the ability to sustain themselves and grow. 1. Participation 2. Negative entropy 3. Cultural diversity 4. Requisite variety
2. Negative entropy
Michael is a sales representative who spends a great deal of time out on the road and infrequently communicates with the rest of his sales team. He is: 1. A bridge 2. A liaison 3. An isolate 4. All of the above 5. a and b
3. An isolate
Systems theory originated with the study of: 1. Machine 2. Sociology 3. Biology 4. Organizations 5. Communication
3. Biology
Three people were fired at ABC Corporation. Eugene was fired because he was incompetent. Rita was fired because she was unethical. Kayla was fired because of economic conditions. This illustrates the systems property of: 1. Feedback 2. Requisite variety 3. Equifinality 4. Negative entropy
3. Equifinality
In Chapter Four's "Spotlight on Scholarship," Murphy concludes: 1. Limits on communication between flight crews and flight attendants make it easier to "make sense" of emergencies 2. Cost-control efforts by airlines make it easier to create the relational connections that allow effective sensemaking to occur. 3. Open communication between flight crews and flight attendants can save lives. 4. All of the above.
3. Open communication between flight crews and flight attendants can save lives.
Weick proposes a(n) ____ process in which rules and cycles are saved for future organizational use. 1. Transformation 2. Enactment 3. Retention 4. Control 5. Exchange
3. Retention
Which of following aspects of systems is not emphasized in a cybernetic systems approach? 1. Feedback and interdependence 2. Interdependence and system goals 3. The environment and system growth 4. System behavior and target goals
3. The environment and system growth
Research approaches used to study complex organizational systems include: 1. Network Analysis 2. Pre-test, post-test studies 3. Case analysis 4. 1 & 3
4. 1 & 3
According to Weick, the primary goal of organizations is to: 1. Ensure requisite variety 2. Establish network roles 3. Gain feedback 4. Reduce uncertainty
4. Reduce uncertainty
T/F The relational tradition of network analysis was a response to the fact that the organizational chart was not the best representation of communication flow within an organization.
True
