Merton Identified Five Forms of Adaptation: Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism

question 22

Essay

Merton identified five forms of adaptation: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. For each of these, identify the culturally defined goals/ends and structurally defined means. Provide an example scenario using each of the five adaptations, goals/ends, and means for the following situation:
Jillian was accepted to Harvard on early admission. Her grades in high school were excellent and her SAT/ACT scores were the highest in her class. Despite her success, she did not qualify for enough scholarship money and her economic background limits the amount of available financial aid. She may not have the necessary funds to attend the college of her dreams. What are possible ways for her to adapt to this strain?

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Definitions:

Virtual Teams

Groups that interact primarily through electronic means, with little, if any, in-person contact.

Globalization

The tendency of firms to extend sales, ownership, and/or manufacturing to new markets abroad.

Dysfunctions of a Team

The obstacles or behaviors that hinder a team's effectiveness and productivity, such as lack of trust, fear of conflict, or avoidance of accountability.

Accountability

The responsibility to report, explain, or justify actions; the acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions and decisions.