Culture and Identity in Organizations
Final Exam Questions and Answers (2023/2024)
Achieved a 7,5 in the Exam with these answers
, 1.In the article of Patston (2007) about Constructive Functional Diversity (CFD), Patston
argues that it is time to change the way we value people with regards to their abilities. He
has developed a new use of language that goes beyond the use of terms like disability or
deviance. Reflect on this new language, using the concept of ‘discourse’ and referring to
articles we read during the course and taking these questions into account:
Make sure you use at least 4 different readings/or movies (in total, including a, b and c) other
than Patston and Fineman while answering below questions
1a) Could CFD be an answer to how we deal with deviances? Why or why not? [100 words]
0.5 points
CFD aims to change discourse surrounding peoples’ abilities from comparative deficit to
natural variance in human function being accepted. This relates to the concept of ‘otherness’
discussed by Prasad & Prasad (2002) as people with human function different from the norm
are often viewed as ‘other’ by society and even themselves. Although changing dominant
discourses can help shift power dynamics by shaping peoples’ perceptions and social
norms, it cannot deal with the marginalization of deviances alone as they are held in place
by inequality regimes; practices that perpetuate inequalities in organizations (Acker, 2006).
To tackle inequality regimes there need to be inclusive policies, adjustments to school syllabi
and efforts to remove barriers.
1b) How do you see the link between vulnerability analysis of Fineman and CFD? [100
words] 0.5 points
Fineman’s vulnerability analysis highlights the inherent nature of vulnerability due to age,
disability and physical decline. CFD offers a framework to address these vulnerabilities that
are specific to people with diverse functions. Both concepts aim to view people’s diverse
functions/vulnerabilities in a more positive light and from an inclusive perspective with CFD
approaching it from a position of acceptance rather than deficit and vulnerability analysis
viewing diverse functions/vulnerabilities as inherent in human nature and not out of the
Final Exam Questions and Answers (2023/2024)
Achieved a 7,5 in the Exam with these answers
, 1.In the article of Patston (2007) about Constructive Functional Diversity (CFD), Patston
argues that it is time to change the way we value people with regards to their abilities. He
has developed a new use of language that goes beyond the use of terms like disability or
deviance. Reflect on this new language, using the concept of ‘discourse’ and referring to
articles we read during the course and taking these questions into account:
Make sure you use at least 4 different readings/or movies (in total, including a, b and c) other
than Patston and Fineman while answering below questions
1a) Could CFD be an answer to how we deal with deviances? Why or why not? [100 words]
0.5 points
CFD aims to change discourse surrounding peoples’ abilities from comparative deficit to
natural variance in human function being accepted. This relates to the concept of ‘otherness’
discussed by Prasad & Prasad (2002) as people with human function different from the norm
are often viewed as ‘other’ by society and even themselves. Although changing dominant
discourses can help shift power dynamics by shaping peoples’ perceptions and social
norms, it cannot deal with the marginalization of deviances alone as they are held in place
by inequality regimes; practices that perpetuate inequalities in organizations (Acker, 2006).
To tackle inequality regimes there need to be inclusive policies, adjustments to school syllabi
and efforts to remove barriers.
1b) How do you see the link between vulnerability analysis of Fineman and CFD? [100
words] 0.5 points
Fineman’s vulnerability analysis highlights the inherent nature of vulnerability due to age,
disability and physical decline. CFD offers a framework to address these vulnerabilities that
are specific to people with diverse functions. Both concepts aim to view people’s diverse
functions/vulnerabilities in a more positive light and from an inclusive perspective with CFD
approaching it from a position of acceptance rather than deficit and vulnerability analysis
viewing diverse functions/vulnerabilities as inherent in human nature and not out of the
