Final answer:
Imitating others in adapting to environmental uncertainty involves emulating successful strategies of other organizations to cope with the unknown and increase the likelihood of success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imitating others in adapting to environmental uncertainty refers to emulating successful strategies of other organizations. This is a tactic used by companies to navigate uncertainties by mimicking methods that have been proven effective by competitors or industry leaders.
For example, in nature, mimicry and camouflage are evolutionary adaptations that certain animals develop as a means to survive by blending in with their surroundings or resembling other more dangerous or non-edible species. In a business context, a company may observe the successful strategies of a leading firm within their industry and adopt similar marketing, operational, or organizational practices to increase their chances of success. This can be considered a form of learning where the company applies the observed general rules or strategies to its own operations, enhancing its adaptability and reducing the risks associated with environmental uncertainty.
When considering the circumstances under which informational social influence is more likely, it would be when the answer is unclear and when the group has expertise (options b and c). This tendency aligns with how businesses observe and adopt the strategies of established companies, especially when the company in question is uncertain of the best action to take and recognizes the expertise inherent within the industry leaders.