What results when an organization's values and norms are very strong, leading members to misperceive the environment?

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Prepare for UCF MAN3025 Management of Organizations Exam 3 with practice questions, flashcards, and explanations. Master the concepts and excel in your test!

When an organization's values and norms are very strong, cohesiveness tends to develop among its members. This strong cohesiveness can lead to a unified vision and purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the organization. Members may become closely aligned in their thinking and behavior due to shared beliefs, which often enhances collaboration and teamwork.

However, this strong cohesiveness can also create a phenomenon known as "groupthink," where the desire for harmony and conformity leads members to overlook dissenting viewpoints or alternative perspectives. As a result, they may misperceive external environments or fail to respond effectively to changes and challenges, as they prioritize maintaining group consensus over critical analysis. This adherence to strong norms can create blind spots, diminishing the organization’s ability to adapt to external challenges or opportunities.

In contrast, communication, adaptability, and diversity are affected by the level of cohesiveness within the organization. While positive communication can exist in cohesive groups, it can also suffer if dissent is stifled. Adaptability might be compromised as strong norms discourage deviation from established practices, making it harder for the organization to pivot when necessary. Similarly, a lack of diversity in thought and perspective can arise as a result of strong cohesiveness, limiting the range of ideas and innovations that could