Discuss the three main criticisms of the books In Search of Excellence and Corporate Cultures (and others like them)
What will be an ideal response?
These books are prototypical examples of the culture-as-variable perspective.
Although these popular books were on the reading list of most corporate managers in the
early 1980s, many critics were less than enthusiastic. There are three main criticisms of the perspective embodied in these two books. First, critics stated that the idea that certain
cultural values or beliefs are "strong" and will lead to "strong" or "excellent"
organizations is shortsighted. Several of the attributes discussed by Peters and Waterman
(such as "autonomy and entrepreneurship" and "productivity through people") are viable
principles worthy of emulation, but to prescribe these attributes as the key attributes for
every organizational culture ignores both the unique nature of the organization's situation
and the true essence of culture as a construct. Second, critics maintained that while values
certainly represent the core of organizational culture, they are equal to more than business
strategy and managerial goals. Third, critics declared that culture is not simply a tool,
skill, or lever to be used by management to improve organizational productivity.
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Informative presentations are the most common type of
presentation speaking. Indicate whether the statement is true or false
While delivering her speech, Cadence asks the audience to respond to a question by giving a show of hands. The members of Cadence's audience responded by sheepishly looking at one another and eventually raising a finger or two. What might be inferred from this behavior?
A) They lack interest and enthusiasm for her speech B) They disagree with the premise of her speech C) They are completely enthralled with her speech D) They are being distracted by external noise
Harvey is offered a high-ranking position in his company. To celebrate this, his family and friends throw a party to laud Harvey. During the party, a few of Harvey's friends stand up among the crowd and speak of the many personal and embarrassing stories that they know of Harvey from when he was young. They speak about how much they cherish his friendship. In this scenario, Harvey's friends are
offering a: A) ?speech of introduction. B) ?speech of recognition. C) ?roast. D) ?toast.
"Is the source an expert?" and "Is the source unbiased?" are questions you would answer to test the
validity of an argument by A) example. B) authority. C) analogy. D) cause.