CSP Organizational Sociology & Development 3

Question 1

Weber's concept of 'rationalization' in organizations primarily refers to which process?

Accepted Answer

Replacing tradition and emotion with systematic rules and efficiency

Answer

For Weber, rationalization meant the historical trend toward organizing social life—including work—around calculable rules, efficiency, and predictability rather than tradition or charisma.

Question 2

In Mintzberg's organizational configurations, which structure is characterized by a large technical support staff that standardizes work processes?

Accepted Answer

Machine bureaucracy

Answer

The machine bureaucracy relies heavily on the technostructure to design standardized work processes that govern how operating-level workers perform tasks.

Question 3

Which approach to organizational development emphasizes building on an organization's existing strengths rather than diagnosing and fixing problems?

Accepted Answer

Appreciative inquiry

Answer

Appreciative inquiry, developed by Cooperrider and Srivastva, starts with discovering what works well and uses positive stories to envision and create desired futures.

Question 4

The 'glass ceiling' concept in organizational sociology refers to which phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Invisible barriers preventing women and minorities from reaching senior leadership

Answer

The glass ceiling describes informal, often invisible structural and cultural barriers that prevent women and underrepresented groups from advancing to top organizational positions.

Question 5

According to resource dependence theory, organizations primarily seek to reduce which type of vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

Dependence on external actors who control critical resources

Answer

Resource dependence theory holds that organizations act strategically to minimize their dependence on external entities—suppliers, funders, regulators—who control resources they need to survive.

(CSP) Certified Sociological Practitioner Practice Test

(CSP) Certified Sociological Practitioner Practice Test

CSP Organizational Sociology & Development 3