Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What happened when Alvin Toffler's "third wave" gained speed?

1. Society moved from a predominantly agrarian culture to the urbanized machine age

2. The ability to perform repetitive tasks became a quality to be instilled and valued

3. Individuals shifted from handicrafting items for sale to working in factories

4. Information became the currency of the realm

The correct answer is: Information became the currency of the realm

In Alvin Toffler's framework, the "third wave" represents the shift toward an information-based society. This transition is characterized by a newfound emphasis on information as a vital resource, where knowledge, data, and information processing become essential. When this wave gained speed, traditional ways of creating value began to evolve, highlighting how information gained prominence over mere physical goods or manufacturing outputs. The concept suggests that as society moved into this new wave, economic and social structures transformed, with information becoming integrated into various processes, influencing everything from business operations to personal interactions. In this context, information acted as a currency, facilitating transactions, shaping decisions, and driving advancements in technology and communication. The other options illustrate earlier phases of societal evolution, focusing more on agrarian cultures, industrial manufacturing, and the labor dynamics of prior economic systems. While they reflect important historical shifts, they do not encapsulate the essence of Toffler's "third wave," which distinctly emphasizes the pivotal role of information in shaping the modern landscape.