COMM 305 Final Exam
Systems metaphor and the terms associated with it - ANSWER-system: a group of individuals who
interrelate to form a whole
ex: family, work group, sports team
nonsummativity: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
interdependence: all the parts are dependent on each other
homeostasis: the nature of a system to maintain stability
equifinality: there are many ways to achieve one goal
Four central elements to a culture - ANSWER-1. values: core beliefs
2. heroes: people who represent the values
3. rights and rituals: public performances that demonstrate these values
4. cultural network: informal communication within the organization
The four types of organizational cultures - ANSWER-1. work hard, play hard: fun and action, lots of
activity and high levels of certainty
2. tough guy macho culture: quickly takes gambles, high risk/high reward, constant feedback, superstars
not team players
3. process culture: can't measure work but look how it is done, stable, consistent, banking, insurance
4. bet the company culture: high stakes gambles that take years to pay off, love level and constant stress,
oil manufacturers
Three levels of culture - ANSWER-artifacts: observable evidence of culture
values: preferences about how situations should be handled/things ought to happen
assumptions: viewpoints members hold about the world, perceptions, thoughts, feelings, etc.
Levels of organizational assimilation - ANSWER-1. vocational anticipatory socialization: our expectations
and beliefs about work
2. anticipatory socialization: learn about a job, position, or organization, usually only the positive
Systems metaphor and the terms associated with it - ANSWER-system: a group of individuals who
interrelate to form a whole
ex: family, work group, sports team
nonsummativity: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
interdependence: all the parts are dependent on each other
homeostasis: the nature of a system to maintain stability
equifinality: there are many ways to achieve one goal
Four central elements to a culture - ANSWER-1. values: core beliefs
2. heroes: people who represent the values
3. rights and rituals: public performances that demonstrate these values
4. cultural network: informal communication within the organization
The four types of organizational cultures - ANSWER-1. work hard, play hard: fun and action, lots of
activity and high levels of certainty
2. tough guy macho culture: quickly takes gambles, high risk/high reward, constant feedback, superstars
not team players
3. process culture: can't measure work but look how it is done, stable, consistent, banking, insurance
4. bet the company culture: high stakes gambles that take years to pay off, love level and constant stress,
oil manufacturers
Three levels of culture - ANSWER-artifacts: observable evidence of culture
values: preferences about how situations should be handled/things ought to happen
assumptions: viewpoints members hold about the world, perceptions, thoughts, feelings, etc.
Levels of organizational assimilation - ANSWER-1. vocational anticipatory socialization: our expectations
and beliefs about work
2. anticipatory socialization: learn about a job, position, or organization, usually only the positive
