Question

Exxon employees knew the path to success required increasing sales each month even if the methods used were unethical. This understanding was so​ pervasive, it eventually brought the company down. We can say​ Exxon's culture was​ _____________.

a) Moderate because there were many employees who did exactly what they were told
b) Strong because the majority of employees behaved unethically despite knowing it was wrong
c) Weak because there were some employees who refused to engage in unethical activities
d) Strong because according to the accounting records, sales did increase each month
e) Weak because it was unethical

Answer 1

Exxon's culture can be described as strong because the majority of employees behaved unethically despite knowing it was wrong.

Step-by-step explanation:

Exxon's culture can be described as strong because the majority of employees behaved unethically despite knowing it was wrong.

In his book The Organization Man, William H. Whyte criticized the notion of conformity as the best path to success and self-fulfillment. This suggests that the prevailing culture in corporations during that time valued conformity and obedience to company rules above all else.

This culture was influenced by the growth of corporations during World War II, where personal relationships between managers and subordinates became impractical due to the size of these corporations.