8. Groups and Organizations

These flashcards cover key concepts within the study of groups and organizations in sociology, focusing on group dynamics, sociology levels, and bureaucratic characteristics.

What is the study of large patterns formed by large groups of people over a long period of time called?

Macro sociology.

What is micro sociology focused on?

The study of small-scale groups and face-to-face interactions.

Define a 'group' in sociology.

An interaction of two or more people based on common interests, shared goals, norms, and roles.

What is a network?

A web of social ties that links people who have little common identity or interaction.

Differentiate between close-knit and loose-knit networks.

Close-knit networks have everyone knowing everyone else; loose-knit networks have only one person knowing everyone else.

What is bonding behavior in social networks?

Behavior that identifies individuals with their 'in-group' often based on ethnicity, race, or religion.

What are the two types of groups in social group analysis?

Formal and informal groups.

What is a dyad?

A group consisting of 2 members and 1 relationship.

What is a Triad?

A group consisting of 3 members and 3 relationships.

What is a Quartet?

A group consisting of 4 members and 6 relationships.

What principle is highlighted regarding group size?

An increase in size results in increased stability and decreased intimacy.

What is bureaucracy?

An organizational model designed to perform complex tasks efficiently, emphasizing logical and impersonally efficient activities.

List two characteristics of bureaucracy.

Specialization and hierarchy of positions.

What is McDonaldization?

The process by which the principles of fast-food restaurants dominate various sectors of the world.

What is the 'Peter Principle'?

Employees rise to their level of incompetence.

What distinguishes between bonding and bridging in social network analysis?

Bonding involves in-group identification, while bridging fosters connections based on empathy and common interests.

What is 'quiet quitting'?

Doing the minimum requirements of one's job without any additional effort or enthusiasm.