Organizational theory and behavior
Which of the following is not a topic or concern related to OB?
Answer: family behavior
What are the three primary behavior determinants of organizational behavior?
Answer: individuals, groups, and structure
Basing managerial decisions on the best available scientific evidence is called ________.
Answer: evidence-based management
Organizational behavior is constructed from all of the following disciplines except ________.
Answer: physics
Organizational behavior is constructed from all of the following disciplines
Answer: psychology
sociology
anthropology
social psychology
________ is an effect of increasing globalization.
Answer: Jobs moving to nations with low-cost labor
________ is a measure of how organizations are becoming more heterogeneous in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity.
Answer: Workforce diversity
Approximately ________ % of the U.S. labor force is employed in service industries.
Answer: 80
________ allow(s) people to communicate and work together even though they may be thousands of miles apart.
Answer: Networked organizations
Situations where an individual is required to define right and wrong conduct are termed ________.
Answer: ethical dilemmas
________ is discretionary behavior that is not part of an employee's formal job requirement, but that promotes the effective
functioning of the organization.
Answer: Organizational citizenship
Age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and disability status are examples of ________.
Answer: surface-level diversity
Which of the following is an example of a deep-level diversity difference that might cause challenges between these two coworkers?
Answer: Marina is shy and quiet. Amit is outgoing.
Exclusion and incivility are difficult forms of discrimination to root out because ________.
Answer: they are impossible to observe and may occur unintentionally
Research shows that which of the following is likely to decrease as a worker grows older?
Answer: likelihood of quitting
Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the higher absentee rate of women in the workplace?
Answer: Traditionally, women have had the responsibility of caring for home and family.
What did the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require employers to do?
Answer: make the workplace accessible to disabled individuals
Studies indicate that which of the following tends to decrease with increased tenure?
Answer: absenteeism
Which of the following do employers need to take into consideration when dealing with transgender employees?
Answer: bathroom use
Which of the following defines the overall factor of intelligence, as suggested by the positive correlations among specific
intellectual ability dimensions?
Answer: general mental ability
Members of which of the following groups are least likely to turn over in a job?
Answer: non-Whites in a predominantly non-White work group
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Which of the following is an example of an affective attitude?
Answer: Anger at being unfairly accused of a wrongdoing.
Sheila works for a manufacturer of styrofoam trays for school lunches. Last year her son come home from school and told her that
the trays she makes go straight to the landfill where they sit for hundreds of years without ever biodegrading. Although this
information bothers Sheila, she does not look for another job because she enjoys her very high salary. Which dissonance
moderating factor is illustrated by this example?
Answer: High dissonance is tolerated because of a high reward.
In her work in the publishing industry, Vera seeks out new authors who she considers promising. In the past two years she has
found a number of new writers whose work she thought was exceptional, and immersed herself in the task of helping them shape
their manuscripts for submission to her managers for publishing. Although she was extremely proud of the results, none of the
authors she worked with were chosen for publication. Vera believes that the decision not to publish these authors was based on
personal rivalries within management, rather than the quality of her writers' work. She is extremely frustrated, dreads coming into
work each morning, and is seriously thinking of resigning. How can Vera's job attitudes best be described?
Answer: low job satisfaction and high job involvement
Guillermo's wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Guillermo had to take a considerable amount of time off work to care
for their children, and he was late in completing his portion of a large project. Guillermo never feared that his job was in jeopardy
because of his absences or his delay in completion of work. This is an example of which major job attitude?
Answer: perceived organizational support
Maria is dissatisfied with the way that her manager treats her. She has quit her job and found a new position with another firm. She
has expressed her dissatisfaction through ________.
Answer: exit
Which of the following is not an example of OCB?
Answer: Discourage a friend from applying for a job at the company.
Julia works as a receptionist at a real estate company. Her boss just came in the door and yelled at her, telling her that the front
office was a mess and that she needed to get up and clean it immediately. After her boss left the room Julia grabbed three
magazines and violently slammed them into the trash can. Which of the following best describes Julia's action?
Answer: an emotion
People think about ________ five times longer than they think about ________ .
Answer: negative events, positive events
Which of the following statements is not true about moods and exercise?
Answer: Everyone benefits the same from an increase in exercise.
Which of the following statements is not true about the difference between men and women when it comes to emotional reactions?
Answer: Men express emotions more intensely.
If an employee expresses organizationally desired emotions during interpersonal transactions, which of the following is being
expressed?
Answer: emotional labor
Which of the following is an important insight that Affective Events Theory provides?
Answer: Emotions provide valuable insights into how workplace hassles and uplifting events influence employee performance and
satisfaction.
Which of the following is a person's ability to be self-aware, detect emotions in others, and manage emotional cues and
information?
Answer: emotional intelligence
Which of the following statements about the determinants of personality is true?
Answer: Personality appears to be a result of both hereditary and environmental factors.
What does the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator classification of "S or N" stand for?
Answer: sensing/intuitive
A book that profiled 13 contemporary business people who created super successful firms including Apple Computer, FedEx,
Honda Motors, Microsoft, and Sony found that all 13 were what type of thinkers?
Answer: intuitive
A high score in which dimension of the Big Five model predicts good job performance for all occupational groups?
Answer: conscientiousness
What personality characteristic centers on whether a person is unemotional and pragmatic and believes that ends can justify
means?
Answer: Machiavellianism
During an annual review Mitchel made the following assertion: "When I look at myself and my performance I see that what I have
achieved is outstanding and has, not surprisingly, won me the admiration and envy of most of my colleagues. I notice that
everyone keeps talking about me; they are all just waiting to find out what triumph I will pull off next! In short, I don't just deserve a
raise, but need one, since without me, let's face it, the place would simply fall apart." Which of the following is probably the best
descriptor of Mitchel's personality?
Answer: narcissistic
Which of the following statements about low self-monitors is true?
Answer: They tend to pay less attention to the behavior of others than high self-monitors.
Which of the following statements about values is true?
Answer: Values are fairly stable over time.
Which of the following terminal values are most common among executives?
Answer: self-respect, family security, freedom
Which of the following is not one of Hofstede's five dimensions of national culture?
Answer: flexibility versus rigidity
Two people see the same thing at the same time yet interpret it differently. Where do the factors that operate to shape their
dissimilar perceptions reside?
Answer: the perceivers
The time at which an object or event is seen is an example of what type of factor influencing the perceptual process?
Answer: context
Which of the following is an example of externally caused behavior?
Answer: An employee is late because of a flat tire.
Your boss never gives you the benefit of the doubt. When you arrived late from lunch, he assumed that you had simply taken too
much time. He never considered that the elevators were out and you had to walk up 10 flights of stairs. Your boss is guilty of
________.
Answer: fundamental attribution error
Whenever Jane is successful she takes full credit for what has happened, but whenever she is unsuccessful she attributes her
failure to bad luck or blames one of her fellow employees. She is guilty of ________.
Answer: self-serving bias
A committee is made up of 12 managers: three each from the sales, production, accounting, and human resources departments.
They read a comprehensive study of the company they work for, and are asked which of its recommendations are most important.
In discussion they find that the managers perceive that the most important recommendations are those concerning their own
departments. This finding is most likely the result of what type of bias?
Answer: selective perception
Your rating in a job interview is high in contrast to the candidate who was interviewed directly before you, who was rated
extremely low. Your own high rating might be partially attributed to which of the following?
Answer: contrast effects
Avoiding making decisions on Friday the 13th can be an example of which bias?
Answer: randomness
Tom knows that the title insurance company made a mistake on his property title. Because of their mistake, his neighbor now has
access to an easement road through his back 25 acres. He can't use the acreage for pasture, because his neighbor insists that the
gates remain open. The title company has offered a $40,000 settlement. Tom has decided to take the settlement rather than
possibly lose in court if he were to sue the title company for more money. Tom's decision is based on ________.
Answer: risk aversion
Gene is regarded by his peers as an extremely creative designer of watercraft. He attributes much of his success to his family: he
was raised by a traditional boat builder and from a very early age was surrounded by boats and the people who made them. To
what element of the three-component model of creativity does Gene attribute his success?
Answer: expertise
According to Maslow, when does a need stop motivating?
Answer: when it is substantially satisfied
Two-factor theory suggests that dissatisfaction is caused by extrinsic factors. Which of the following is an example of such a
factor?
Answer: working conditions
Jasmine is trying to gain control of her department. Although she will be greatly compensated if she achieves this aim and will
gain control over many subordinates, the main reason she is pursuing this position is that she thinks she can do the job better
than her predecessors and wants people to know that this is so. What need would McClelland say primarily drives Jasmine in this
case?
Answer: the need for achievement
Tony loves programming. He was on the ground level of the computer revolution. This year his boss has set personal goals for
each of the programmers, one of which includes a presentation from each programmer about a project. Tony is very annoyed
because he has a tremendous amount of work to do and he'll have to spend the weekend, his personal time, preparing the
presentation. Taking into account self-determination theory, why did his boss' goals and the presentation reduce Tony's
motivation?
Answer: The externally imposed goal feels coercive, causing Tony's intrinsic motivation to suffer.
According to the goal-setting theory of motivation, highest performance is reached when goals are set to which level?
Answer: difficult but attainable
Jessica believes that she received an appropriate salary increase this year but she does not believe that the company's methods
for determining salary increases were fair. She believes that there is a problem with the firm's ________ justice.
Answer: procedural
Nikhil is a design manager for a production company. He independently assigns teams, chooses projects, researches trends, and
is able to work from home two to three days a week. He provides a status report to the design director once a month. Based on this
description, it's safe to say that Nikhil's job is high in which job characteristic?
Answer: autonomy
Which of the following is the principal drawback from job sharing?
Answer: difficulty in finding compatible partners
Research studies conducted on the participation-performance relationship show that the use of participation ________.
Answer: has only a modest influence on employee productivity
Which of the following is not one of the most widely used variable-pay programs?
Answer: flat pay
What is the term used for the situation where employees are allowed to pick and choose from among a menu of benefit options?
Answer: flexible benefits
Which of the following is a form of recognition?
Answer: personal congratulations
Diversity training almost always includes all of the following except
a) interaction with representatives from diverse groups
b) engaging in various activities to change attitudes
c) emphasis on preservation of traditional values
d) self-evaluation or self-assessment
e) confronting own ethnic and cultural stereotypes
Answer c) emphasis on preservation of traditional values
The measure of the extent to which a society accepts the fact that power in institutions and organizations is unequally share is
called
a) power distance
b) bureaucracy
c) organizational power theory
d) collectivism
e) institutional distribution theory
Answer a) power distance
Ted has expressed that among his life goals are to write a book, volunteer extensively, and travel abroad. These are examples of
Ted's
a) fundamental values
b) core values
c) global values
d) terminal values
e) instrumental values
Answer d) terminal values
Individualism is the degree to which people prefer to act as a ________, whereas collectivism is the equivalent of ________.
a) power brokers; low self-esteem
b) individuals; group behaviour
c) individuals; low individualism
d) power brokers; low individualism
e) individuals; uncertainty avoidance
Answer c) individuals; low individualism
Which of the following is not considered to be a way to deal with excessive stress?
a) tennis match
b) swimming
c) riding a bike
d) jogging
e) aerobics
Answer a) tennis match
Which of the following factors is not part of job satisfaction?
a) fair and equitable rewards
b) organizational commitment
c) opportunity to use skills and abilities
d) immediate supervisor who is supportive and understanding
e) supportive working environment
Answer b) organizational commitment
Why have non-aboriginals traditionally view aboriginal values as "an impediment to economic development" and organizational
effectiveness?
a) low rating on uncertainty avoidance
b) incompatible gender differentiation
c) incompatible power distance
d) low rating on assertiveness
e) time orientation and consensus decision making
Answer e) time orientation and consensus decision making
As a union member, Kim is most likely to favour which of the following terminal values the most?
a) family security
b) freedom
c) courage
d) a world of peace
e) honesty
Answer a) family security
Which of the following topics is generally considered to be outside the field of OB
a) employment turnover
b) job satisfaction
c) therapy
d) absenteeism
e) productivity
Answer c) therapy
Various challenges exist at the organizational level. Which of the following would not be considered an organizational challenge?
a) appreciating the diverse workforce
b) overall productivity and output
c) hiring and developing effective employees
d) developing and implementing successful managerial intervention techniques
e) competing in global markets
Answer a) appreciating the diverse workforce
Motivation is an important_________ variable
a) departmental-level
b) individual-level
c) industry-level
d) organization systems-level
e) group-level
Answer b) individual-level
Why do organizations that have OCB outperform those that do not?
a) increased job satisfaction
b) increased opportunity for promotions
c) employees are easier to supervise
d) promotion of effective functioning of the organization
e) frequent recruitment, selection and training
Answer d) promotion of effective functioning of the organization
All of the following statements are true of low self-monitors except:
a) they can't disguise themselves well
b) they tend to pay less attention to the behaviour of others than high self-monitors
c) they tend to display their true dispositions and attitudes
d) they tend to pay closer attention to the behaviour of others than high self-monitors
e) they have high behavioural consistency between who they are and what they do
Answer d) they tend to pay closer attention to the behaviour of others than high self-monitors
_______ is the tendency to attribute one's own characteristics to other people
a) selection
b) projection
c) interpretation
d) stereotyping
e) halo effect
Answer b) projection
Generation X is characterized by which of the following common values?
a) belief in, and practise of, the Christian moral code
b) strong concern for the environment
c) intimidated by change
d) adaptability and concern with personal image
e) belief in order and authority
Answer d) adaptability and concern with personal image
According to Michael Adams, "the elders", one of the broad age groups of adult Canadians, are characterized by all of the
following except:
a) living by the golden rule
b) authority
c) belief in order
d) disciple
e) autonomy
Answer e) autonomy
In contrast to the hierarchy of needs, the ERG theory demonstrates:
a) that lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs
b) that interpersonal relationships are the most pressing need to be satisfied
c) that ERG is less consistent with our knowledge of individual differences than other needs theories
d) that more than one need may be working at the same time
e) that no more than one need may be working at one time
Answer d) that more than one need may be working at the same time
The drive to become what one is capable of becoming constitutes which level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
a) social
b) physiological
c) safety
d) self-actualization
e) esteem
Answer d) self-actualization
___________ justice is the perceived fairness of process used to determine the distribution of rewards.
a) Procedural
b) Distributive
c) Relative
d) Interactional
e) Organizational
Answer a) Procedural
According to expectancy theory, for employees to be motivated:
a) rewards are irrelevant and performance is the key driver for motivation
b) performance must be indirectly linked to rewards
c) their compensation must be incremental
d) performance must be directly linked to rewards
e) they can expect to work less but still find financial benefits
Answer e) they can expect to work less but still find financial benefits
Which of the following is outside the scope of role expectations?
a) It is one's own view of how one should behave or act
b) role stereotypes are derived from expectations
c) it is how others believe one should act in a given situation
d) behaviour can be determined from expectations
e) the psychological contract aids in identifying mutual role expectations by employee and employer
Answer a) It is one's own view of how one should behave or act
Which of the following teams primarily use computer technology to tie together physically dispersed member in order to achieve a
common goal?
a) virtual
b) quality circle
c) cross-functional
d) problem-solving
e) skunkworks
Answer a) virtual
Retranslating a sender's communication message describes:
a) decoding
b) the channel
c) feedback
d) the message
e) encoding
Answer a) decoding
Your supervisor embarrasses you by constantly telling sexual jokes and making sexual comments. Although he has never directly
asked you to sleep with him, you feel threatened and are so uncomfortable that it is difficult for you to do your job.
A basic problem in this situation is that:
a) your supervisor probably has nothing better to do
b) your perception is probably very different from your supervisor's
c) there is an unequal power relationship between your supervisor and you
d) this is not clearly sexual harassment, since he has not requested that you give him sexual favours
e) your clothes are probably too suggestive
Answer c) there is an unequal power relationship between your supervisor and you
Which behavioural science discipline contributes to OB's understanding of group decision-making processes?
a) social psychology
b) political science
c) psychology
d) anthropology
e) sociology
Answer a) social psychology
How does selective perception works as a shortcut in judging other people?
a) such observations allow us to arrive at warranted judgements quickly
b) It allows us to "speed-read" without the risk of inaccurate conclusions
c) Bits and pieces of what we observe allow us to judge people with complete accuracy
d) bits and pieces of what we observe are selectively chosen according to our interests and background
e) Bits and pieces of what we observe are chosen randomly
Answer d) bits and pieces of what we observe are selectively chosen according to our interests and background
Jack was disappointed that many companies and organizations do not offer training programs or other incentives to accommodate
diversity. He found all of the following were reasons that cross-cultural training was not considered except:
a) top management doubted the effectiveness of cross-cultural training
b) senior managers believed that managerial skills are transferable across cultures - the management process is universal
c) some companies utilized experts to advise management on diversity issues
d) performance and productivity can be significantly affected
e) some companies simply ignore cultural differences
Answer d) performance and productivity can be significantly affected
Which of the following is an example of an MBO objective?
a) telephone orders should be processed promptly
b) quality of all products should increase substantially
c) company costs should be decreased as much as possible
d) new customers should be brought in on a regular basis
e) sales should be increased by two percent
Answer e) sales should be increased by two percent
A telephone installer who schedules work for the day, makes visits without supervision, and decides the most effective techniques
for installation is an example of:
a) high significance
b) high identity
c) high variety
d) high feedback
e) high autonomy
Answer e) high autonomy
After which stage of a group's development is there a relatively clear hierarchy of leadership within a group?
a) norming
b) goal setting
c) performing
d) storming
e) forming
Answer d) storming
The more levels a message must go through to reach the bottom of the organizational hierarchy, the more likely that:
a) there will be a greater need for team development
b) the power of managers will be diluted
c) filtering will occur
d) subordinates will be discontented
e) written memos will be used
Answer c) filtering will occur
Most studies confirm that the concept of ______ is central to understanding sexual harassment
a) locus of control
b) power
c) common sense
d) sex
e) politics
Answer b) power
Members of groups must contend with various challenges on the job. Which of the following would not be considered a group
challenge:
a) developing an atmosphere of team spirit and support
b) understanding workforce diversity
c) working with others from different cultures
d) working with others who do not share a common ethnic background
e) empowerment
Answer e) empowerment
Jane Simpson rates low on conscientiousness. You should expect would:
a) be comfortable with solitude
b) be easily distracted
c) be achievement oriented
d) find comfort in the familiar
e) be nervous, depressed, and insecure
Answer b) be easily distracted
Which activity has long been recommended by physicians as a way to deal with excessive stress levels?
a) boxing
b) walking
c) rugby
d) football
e) soccer
Answer b) walking
One reason to consider graphic rating scales is:
a) quality of result
b) their superiority to all other forms of evaluation
c) they require little time to complete
d) accuracy
e) breadth of information
Answer d) accuracy
Norms develop in one or more of four ways. Which of the following is not one of these ways?
a) explicit statements made by a group member
b) critical events in the group's history
c) setting behaviour for every conceivable situation
d) primacy - the first behaviour pattern that emerges
e) carry-over behaviours from past situations
Answer c) setting behaviour for every conceivable situation
All communication occurs with a __________, and violation of the _____ may create additional problems in sending and receiving
messages.
a) context; context
b) filter; grapevine
c) message; channel
d) channel; channel
e) context; feedback loop
Answer a) context; context
Application of organizational behaviour concepts is most useful within organizations or employment situations only
Answer F
Interviewers make perceptual judgements during interviews that affect whether an individual is hired.
Answer T
Dissatisfied employees are more likely to miss work, but the correlation is only moderate
Answer T
The choice of the performance evaluation system as little effect on employee behaviour
Answer F
Flextime tends to reduce absenteeism
Answer T
Role expectation would assist in mentorship programs
Answer T
Information overload is a conditio in which information inflow exceeds an individual's processing capacity
Answer T
Information power is derived from access to and control over information
Answer T
Learning, perception, and personality have been OB topics whose contributions have generally come from psychology
Answer T
If you expect older workers to be unable to learn a new job skill, that is probably what you will perceive, whether it is accurate or
not
Answer T
All of the following contribute to a toxic organization except:
a) terrorism
b) downsizing
c) sudden death of a key manager
d) organizational change
e) strong competition from a start-up company
Answer a) terrorism
Affective conflict is:
a) impersonal and based on issues rather than a personality
b) emotional and aimed at a person rather than an issue
c) a divergent hierarchy of goals
d) a consequence of the requirements of the job
e) related to differences in perspectives
Answer b) emotional and aimed at a person rather than an issue
Recent research studies in gender differences in negotiating styles and effectiveness show than
a) there are many reliable conclusions
b) there are few reliable conclusions
c) women are better negotiators
d) no differences exist
e) women are more confident
Answer b) there are few reliable conclusions
Which of the following is also a potential conflict?
a) where group or department members are older
b) intergroup fighting for control of resources
c) lower turnover that does not affect group performance
d) structural conflict is not a possible issue
e) specific direction/definition of responsibility for actions
Answer b) intergroup fighting for control of resources
Which of the following conflict-handling methods is best described as win-win?
a) compromising
b) problem solving
c) competing
d) avoiding
e) accommodating
Answer b) problem solving
Janet & Phillip have decided to bring in a neutral third party to facilitate a negotiated solution This person is referred to as a(n):
a) liaison
b) mediator
c) conciliator
d) consultant
e) arbitrator
Answer b) mediator
Which of the following is not consistent with the definition of a ritual?
a) sequence of activities
b) stories
c) repetition
d) key values
e) which people are important
Answer b) stories
Which of the following socialization processes is best matched with apprenticeships?
a) random
b) informal
c) divestiture
d) serial
e) collective
Answer d) serial
Which of the following is inconsistent with feeling cut out for a networked culture?
a) are highly task performance-oriented
b) possess good social skills
c) thrive in a realized and convivial atmosphere
d) prefer close working relationships
e) empathetic
Answer a) are highly task performance-oriented
__________ is the degree to which employees are expected to work with precision, analysis, and attention to detail.
a) Institutionalization
b) Outcome orientation
c) Attention to detail
d) People orientation
e) Socialization
Answer c) Attention to detail
According to path-goal theory, an approach focused on providing specific guidance and establishing work schedules and rules is
referred to as:
a) charismatic
b) participative
c) supportive
d) institutional
e) directive
Answer e) directive
Research findings indicate that when an employee has a clear understanding of how to perform a task and reach a goal a
__________ leader will increase employee satisfaction
a) task-oriented
b) people-oriented
c) technical-oriented
d) production-oriented
e) goal-oriented
Answer b) people-oriented
If trait research had been successful, we would _____, whereas if behavioural studies were correct, we would ______
a) change jobs to suit people, change people to suit jobs
b) teach people certain traits; teach people certain behaviours
c) hire only women; hire either men or women
d) teach people managerial principles; teach people certain behaviours
e) select the right person for the job; train leaders
Answer e) select the right person for the job; train leaders
Utilitarianism is when decisions are made to provide the
a) greatest good for the least privileged
b) least good for the least number
c) greatest good for the greatest number
d) greatest good or the decision makers
e) greatest good for the best performers
Answer c) greatest good for the greatest number
The tendency to overstate the risk of one activity while simultaneously underestimating the risk of an alternative is to employ
a) regression to the mean
b) escalating commitment
c) the representative heuristic
d) framing model
e) the availability heuristic
Answer e) the availability heuristic
Brainstorming is:
a) a technique that tends to restrict independent thinking
b) used when no other method is available
c) a process for generating ideas
d) used mainly when group members cannot agree on a solution
e) used to build group cohesiveness
Answer c) a process for generating ideas
Which of the following concepts includes only formal authority, that is, the rights inherent in one' position
a) complexity
b) formalization
c) departmentalization
d) centralization
e) technology
Answer d) centralization
If a job is highly formalized, it would not include:
a) high employee job discretion
b) clearly defined procedures on work processes
c) consistent and uniform output
d) a large number of organizational rules
e) an explicit job description
Answer a) high employee job discretion
You have eliminated horizontal, vertical, and external barriers. You are operating as a
a) matrix
b) decentralized organization
c) team structure
d) boundary-less organization
e) virtual organization
Answer d) boundary-less organization
Which of the following is generally considered outside the methods associated with changing organizational structures?
a) creation of a matrix design
b) use of flexible work hours
c) modification of compensation systems
d) use of automation
e) redefining job descriptions
Answer c) modification of compensation systems
The re-engineering process is charactered by by a series of beliefs and actions. Which of the following is not part of the reengineering process?
a) realizing significantly large increases in performance
b) employees discretion about how process will be handled is driven by top management
c) process is autocratic and non-democratic
d) discarding irrelevant practises and starting over again
Answer b) employees discretion about how process will be handled is driven by top management
The built in mechanisms that an organization has to produce stability are referred to as:
a) habit
b) threat to expertise
c) selective information processing
d) structural inertia
e) economic factors
Answer d) structural inertia
Which of the following facts is correct when it comes to workplace commitment?
a) the younger the employee, the higher the commitment level
b) canadians are more committed to to their job by almost double when compared to Americans
c) a loosely structured organization increases commitment
d) almost 75% of Canadians are satisfied with their supervisors
e) working canadians are less committed to their employer than they were in 1991
Answer e) working canadians are less committed to their employer than they were in 1991
In third-party negotiations, a third party with the authority to dictate an agreement is known as a(n):
a) mediator
b) conciliator
c) arbitrator
d) counselor
e) consultants
Answer c) arbitrator
When it comes to matching people with cultures, research has shown that the following two dimensions underlie organizational
culture
a) sociability, solidarity
b) sociability, adaptability
c) metamorphosis, adaptability
d) educational training, adaptability
e) cooperativeness, flexibility
Answer a) sociability, solidarity
Which type of group would have the greatest potential for interpersonal conflict?
a) brainstorming
b) heterogeneous
c) electronic
d) interacting
e) nominal
Answer c) electronic
If you have a narrow span of control, you have what type of organization?
a) wide
b) multi-level
c) short
d) matrix
e) tall
Answer e) tall
Which of the following correctly identifies why individuals may resist change?
a) habit, security, economic factors, fear of the known, selective information processing
b) habit, security, econcomic factors, fear of the unknown, selective information processing
c) habit, security, cultural factors, fear of the unknown, selective information processing
d) habit, security, economic factors, fear of the unknown, reckless information processing
e) habitat, security, economic factors, fear of the unknown, selective information processing
Answer b) habit, security, econcomic factors, fear of the unknown, selective information processing
Which of the following falls outside the general definition of conflict?
a) difference over interpretations of facts
b) incompatibility of goals
c) miscommunication of information
d) disagreement on behavioural expectations
e) commonly accepted organizational practices
Answer e) commonly accepted organizational practices
Which of the following leadership theories assumes that leaders have specific characteristics?
a) behavioural
b) path-goal
c) contingency
d) trait
e) situational
Answer e) situational
If you choose to attempt to explain ethical and unethical behaviour, you will include:
a) project management principles
b) escalation of commitment
c) management principles
d) paradigm shift
e) stages of moral development
Answer e) stages of moral development
"To what degrees are tasks subdivided into separate jobs?" the answer to this question is provided by:
a) span of control
b) chain of command
c) work specialization
d) work diversity
e) formalization
Answer c) work specialization
How are outside consultants disadvantaged as change agents?
a) prone to initiating too few reforms
b) inadequate understanding of the organizations culture and history
c) inadequate understanding of the basic organizational behaviour
d) prone to inaction through inadequate understanding
e) less objective than staff
Answer b) inadequate understanding of the organizations culture and history
Although men and women are targets of disrespect and rudeness in equal numbers,
a) men instigate the rudeness 30% of the time
b) women instigate the rudeness 70% of the time
c) men instigate the rudeness 70% of the time
d) women are less likely to admit that have made mistakes
e) women are more likely to instigate conflict
Answer c) men instigate the rudeness 70% of the time
When upper management struggles to maintain the status quo, regardless of the outcome, this is an example of toxic managerial
behaviour
Answer F
When an organization is new, acceptable modes of behaviour are now always readily apparent to its members
Answer T
If behavioural theories of leadership are valid, individuals can be trained to be leaders.
Answer T
Rationality assumes that the criteria and alternatives can be ranked according to their importance
Answer T
The matrix structure is most widely practiced in small businesses in which the manager and the manager are one and the same
Answer F
Re-engineering requires management to reorganize around vertical processes
Answer F
Teams experiencing affective conflict have poorer decisions and lower levels of acceptance of the decision
Answer T
Strong cultures are made up of values that are intensely held and widely shared
Answer T
A transformational leader will attempt to instil in followers the ability to question established views as well as those being created
by the leader
Answer T
Group decisions are almost always more inefficient than individual decisions
Answer T
MGT502 Organizational Behaviour Solved MCQs Set 3
Don has a reputation for not being "straight" with his employees. Their view is that he has a tendency to tell them what they want
to hear rather than what is actually happening. This tendency is known as
a) filtering
b) defensiveness
c) information overload
d) selective perception
e) channelling
Answer a) filtering
An example of a(n) _______ communication network is when a checkout clerk reports to a department manager, who in turn
reports to a store manager, who reports to a regional manager.
a) wheel
b) lateral
c) chain
d) all-channel
e) "Y"
Answer c) chain
Suggestion boxes, employee attitude surveys, and grievance procedures are examples of
a) group process communication
b) upward communication
c) horizontal communication
d) managerial communication
e) organizational structure
Answer b) upward communication
It it easy to tell when Donald isn't listening by the way he looks away when you are speaking to him and he begins to tap his pen.
Donald is communication through
a) lateral communication
b) proxemics
c) social distance
d) nonverbal communication
e) selective perception
Answer d) nonverbal communication
The communication that is used by group leaders and managers to assign goals, point out problems that need attention, and
provide job instructions is
a) group communication
b) lateral communication
c) downward communication
d) directional communication
e) informal communication
Answer c) downward communication
In the electronic age, all employees can theoretically be
a) home-based workers
b) on call 24/7
c) unemployed
d) outsourced
e) highly trained experts
Answer b) on call 24/7
Which of the following is not generally considered to be an aspect of listening effectively
a) avoiding eye contact
b) avoiding interrupting
c) asking questions
d) over talking
e) avoiding distractions
Answer a) avoiding eye contact
Face-to-face communication scores highest in terms of channel richness
Answer T
High-performing managers tend to communicate non routine messages efficiently through channels that are lower in richness
Answer F
When we think of managers communicating with employees, the downward flow pattern is the one we usually have in mind
Answer T
Astute communicators watch for gaps, pauses, and hesitations
Answer T
Paraphrasing is an effective feedback technique in the communication process
Answer T
A facial expression can indicate something different from the simultaneously sent verbal message
Answer T
Rumours flourish in ambiguous situations
Answer T
Cultural norms have nothing to do with the physical distance an individual requires
Answer F
Which of the following is likely to generate the lowest number of ideas?
a) nominal group technique
b) electronic meetings
c) computer-assisted group
d) face-to-face- interacting groups
e) brainstorming
Answer d) face-to-face interacting groups
The most recent approach to group decision making blends the nominal group technique with computer technology. It is known as
a) computerized decision making
b) the electronic meeting
c) electronic mail
d) electronic participation
e) electronic database handling
Answer b) the electronic meeting
What Don doesn't like about working in groups is that they take a lot of time to do things, much more time than it would take him to
do things on his own. Thus, in terms of usage of time, his view is that groups are
a) as efficient as individuals
b) more effective than individuals
c) less efficient than individuals
d) more efficient than individuals
e) less effective than individuals
Answer c) less efficient than individuals
Individuals who have progressed to higher levels of moral development will place increased value on the rights of others. These
individuals are
a) predisposed to use their influence to disregard the organization's value system
b) likely to value the majority opinion
c) likely to challenge organizational practices that they feel or believe are wrong
d) likely to follow an organization's rules and procedures
e) strongly influenced by their peers to conform
Answer c) likely to challenge organizational practices that they feel or believe are wrong
Norma always tries to make decisions that will result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This approach is
known as
a) ethical decision making
b) morality
c) groupthink
d) whistle blowing
e) utilitarianism
Answer e) utilitarianism
Which of the following conditions would probably not lead to intuitive decision making?
a) when facts don't clearly point the way to go
b) when a high level of certainty exists
c) when there is pressure to come up with the right decision
d) when facts are limited
e) when time is limited
Answer b) when a high level of certainty exists
Todd has a tendencty to rely too much on the initial information at his disposal about any given issue such that he fails to factor in
adequately new information. This is known as
a) anchoring bias
b) overconficence bias
c) performance bias
d) confirmation bias
e) availability bias
Answer a) anchoring bias
Looking for a solution that is satisfatory and sufficient is called
a) satisficing
b) optimizing
c) seeking an implicit favourite
d) sub-optimizing
e) simplifying
Answer a) satisficing
Which type of decision-making group is most committed to the group solution?
a) interacting
b) computer-assissted
c) electronic
d) brainstorming
e) nominal
Answer a) interacting
A disparity between some desired state and actual condition is define as a(n)
a) criterion
b) judgement
c) problem
d) attribution
e) decision
Answer c) problem
Ben has noticed that after his team discusses any issue, the conservative people become even more cautious and the aggressive
people get even bolder. The phenomenon is know as
a) groupshift
b) groupthink
c) consistency bias
d) perpetual bias
e) randomness error
Answer a) groupthink
Carol has designated Kevin to be the group's "Devil's Advocate". His job was to challenge the majority opinion on each issue and
to offer divergent perspectives. Which group decision making problem is Carol attempting to avoid?
a) consistency bias
b) randomness error
c) groupshift
d) perceptual bias
e) groupthink
Answer e) groupthink
Is has been well documented that individuals escalate commitment to a failing course of action when they view themselves as
responsible for the failure
Answer T
Groups usually make more risky decisions than do individuals
Answer T
The rational decision-making model assumes rationality and that the alternatives that yields the highest perceived value will be
chosen
Answer T
The bounded rationality model assumes that the decision maker will simplify the problem
Answer T
Group decision are more likely to be accepted than individual decisions
Answer T
Intuitive decision making is a conscious process created out of experience
Answer F
What is considered unethical in one country may be considered ethical in another culture
Answer T
Illusion of unanimity and rationalized resistance are symptoms of the groupthink phenomenon
Answer T
The two leaders in your department are very different. John believes that he should guide and motive by clarification of the roles
and tasks of his subordinates. Alan feels that his role should be to provide individualized consideration and intellectual
stimulation. Most of the workers believe that both leaders are well trained, but Alan has a special "spark" that employees feel when
they work with him.
John is which type of leader?
a) laissez-faire
b) team
c) charismatic
d) tranformational
e) transactional
Answer e) transactional
Blake & Mouton were responsible for the development of the
a) Leader-member exchange theory
b) BCG matrix
c) Delphi technique
d) path-goal model
e) managerial grid
Answer e) managerial grid
Your supervisor has been studying leadership and has described so many theories to you that you are really confused. You ask
her to explain the similarities of the many theories so that you can understand the relationship between them.
What other term might be used to describe the concept of "task"?
a) employee-oriented
b) relationship-oriented
c) initiating structure
d) consideration
e) supportive
Answer c) initiating structure
Although organizations require a combination of strong leadership and strong management, the process of leadership does have
specific characteristics. Which of the following best describes the role of leadership?
a) leaders are micromanagers
b) leaders have no vision- managers do that
c) leaders let managers deal with change
d) leaders let individuals deal with their own personal hurdles by leaving them on their own
e) leaders innovate for the entire organization
Answer e) leaders innovate for the entire organization
Doug's belief that employees should interact as little as possible to achieve efficiency can be characterized, according to the
managerial grid, as
a) authority-obediance
b) organization management
c) country club management
d) team management
e) impoverished management
Answer a) authority-obediance
The two leaders in your department are very different. John believes that he should guide and motive by clarification of the roles
and tasks of his subordinates. Alan feels that his role should be to provide individualized consideration and intellectual
stimulation. Most of the workers believe that both leaders are well trained, but Alan has a special "spark" that employees feel when
they work with him.
That special "spark" that people notice when they work with Alan is termed
a) laissez-fair
b) transcendent
c) charisma
d) structure
e) transactional
Answer c) charisma
Your supervisor has been studying leadership and has described so many theories to you that you are really confused. You ask
her to explain the similarities of the many theories so that you can understand the relationship between them.
What other terms might be used to describe the concept of "people"
a) consideration, employee-oriented, and supportive
b) goal-setting, planning, and supportive
c) supportive, directive leadership, and relationship-oriented
d) consideration, relationship-oriented, and initiating structure
e) directive leadership, production-oriented, and supportive
Answer a) consideration, employee-oriented, and supportive
Lily does a great job of inspiring her employees to go beyond their own self-interests for the good of the organization. She thus is
known as a _______ leader
a) transactional
b) transformational
c) competent
d) supportive
e) participative
Answer b) transformational
Cora has highly motivated staff that enjoys challenges. According to Path-Goal Theory, the best leadership style for her would be
a) directive
b) achievement-oriented
c) supportive
d) charismatic
e) participative
Answer b) achievement-oriented
Which of the following did the Ohio State studies identify as the dimensions by which managers can be characterized?
a) the dimensions found were consideration and initiating structure
b) leaders cannot effectively perform both dimensions of leadership
c) laissez-faire leadership was most effective
d) middle-of-the-road management produces satisfactory results
e) the dimensions found were achievement orientation and participation
Answer a) the dimensions found were consideration and initiating structure
The type of leaders who guide or motivate their followers in the direction of established goals by clarifying role and task
requirements are
a) employee-oriented leaders
b) charismatic leaders
c) transactional leaders
d) process-oriented leaders
e) transformational leaders
Answer c) transactional leaders
According to the Ohio State studies, the extent to which a leader shares mutual trust and respect for his or her employees is
referred to as
a) task-oriented behaviour
b) concern for production
c) initiating structure
d) consideration
e) employee-oriented behavior
Answer d) consideration
What theory proposes effective leaders adapt their leadership style according to how willing and able a follower is to perform
task?
a) certainty model
b) path-goal theory
c) contingency model
d) task-structure model
e) situational leadership model
Answer e) situational leadership model
The University of Michigan studies define which leader as one who takes personal interest in the needs of his or her subordinates?
a) humanistic
b) personal
c) employee-oriented
d) achievement-oriented
e) country club
Answer c) employee-oriented
According to path-goal theory, a leader who sets challenging goals and seeks improvements in performance is referred to as
a) charismatic
b) institutional
c) participative
d) achievement-oriented
e) directive
Answer d) achievement oriented
The leadership model that integrates the expectancy model of motivation with the Ohio State leadership research is
a) Fiedler's
b) leader-member exchange
c) autocratic-democratic
d) path-goal
e) leader-pericipation
Answer d) path-goal
Leaders who believe that they are empowering their employees by giving up their responsibility for leading are called
a) laissez-faire leaders
b) transformational leaders
c) situational leaders
d) transcendent leaders
e) transactional leaders
Answer a) laissez-faire leaders
Which f the following statements is inconsistent with successful leadership behaviour patterns?
a) effective leaders are more concerned with the people they lead then about getting the job done
b) Two dimensions of leader behaviour have been labelled as initiating structure and consideration
c) an individual scoring high on one dimension of leader behaviour will not necessarily score low on the other other dimension
d) the two major dimensions of leader behaviour focus on people and tasks
e) pioneering work in this area was done at the University of Michigan and the Ohio State University
Answer a) effective leaders are more concerned with the people they lead then about getting the job done
The University of Michigan studies identify leaders who emphasize interpersonal relations as
a) initiating-oriented
b) contingency-oriented
c) production-oriented
d) employee-oriented
e) relationship-oriented
Answer d) employee-oriented
Fred is facing a decision where it is critical that his staff buy into it. According to Path-goal Theory, the best leadership style for
him would be
a) directive
b) supportive
c) achievement-oriented
d) charismatic
e) participative
Answer b) supportive
When Ingmar appeals to your loyalty and friendship when asking for your support, he is
a) using consultation techniques
b) using ingratiation techniques
c) making an inspirational appeal
d) making a personal appeal
e) using legitimating tactics
Answer d) make a personal appeal
Sheila is a very demanding boss to the extent that she regularly requires employees to work overtime without pay "or else". This is
an example of
a) intimidation
b) harassment
c) reward power
d) political behaviour
e) workplace bullying
Answer e) workplace bullying
When Federico, from accounting, presents a large amount of data, using it to make a logical presentation of ideas, he is utilizing
a) inspirational appeals
b) rational persuasion
c) legitimating tactics
d) consolation tactics
e) personal appeal
Answer b) rational persuasion
Activities that influence the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organization are
a) political behaviour
b) tactical planning activities
c) power brokering activities
d) strategic planning activities
e) human resources
Answer a) political behaviour
Political behaviour is
a) outside one's specified job requirements
b) not related to power
c) seen only in large organizations
d) counterproductive to individual goals
e) part of each job requirement
Answer a) outside one's specified job requirements
Your colleagues at work are constantly talking about the VP in your area. He is feared throughout the organization as a ruthless
man who is not to be antagonized. It is necessary for you to bring him a report and you are very nervous about having to deal with
him.
The VP's major base of power seems to be
a) coercive
b) reward
c) position
d) referent
e) expert
Answer a) coercive
When Sophia, your co-woker, gets others involved to support her in attaining her objectives, she is
a) using coalition tactics
b) making an inspirational appeal
c) using ingratiation tactics
d) making a personal appeal
e) using consultation tatics
Answer a) using coalition tactics
When Woody, your co-worker, demands and threatens you to support his objectives, he is
a) using coalition tactics
b) making an inspirational appeal
c) making a personal appeal
d) using pressure tactics
e) using exchange tactics
Answer d) using pressure tactics
If a person decides to employ a coercive base of power, he or she would be apt to
a) make things difficult for people
b) have the right to expect you to comply with legitimate requests
c) have the experience and knowledge to earn your respect
d) have the data or knowledge that you need
e) give special benefits or rewards to people
Answer a) make things difficult for people
Norma is notorious for doing favours for her co-workers so that they will "owe" her favours later on when she really needs them.
Norma is
a) managing impressions
b) building coalitions
c) influencing people
d) using information
e) creating obligations
Answer e) creating obligations
How do individuals translate their bases of power into specific, desired action?
a) implementation tactics
b) pressure tactics
c) empowerment tactics
d) influence tactics
e) winning friends
Answer d) influence tactics
Lisa works in the HR Department, and everyone tries todo favours for her because she has the ability to give special benefits to
employees like free corporate tickets to hockey games. Lisa possesses
a) legitimate power
b) information power
c) reward power
d) referent power
e) coercive power
Answer c) reward power
Yanni has been with the organization for 25 years, so even though he hasn't ever been promoted, he is held in high regard, and coworkers often defer to his judgement because of his experience and vast knowledge. Yanni possesses
a) no power
b) referent power
c) expert power
d) legitimate power
e) information power
Answer d) expert power
Sexual harassment is frequently concerned with power abuse
Answer T
The degree of employee empowerment can be better understood by examine job content and job context
Answer T
Even though he isn't very high up on the company's hierarchy, Cam is powerful since has been around for a long time and he has
knowledge that no one else has in the organization .This is known as referent power
Answer F
Regardless of the direction of influence, the most popular power tactic is the use of rational persuasion
Answer T
Donny is in the habit of offering his co-workers favours if they support him during staff meetings. This is known as an exchange
tactic.
Answer T
Resource in organizations are limited, which often turns potential conflict into real conflict
Answer T
Most businesses tend to develop multiple suppliers instead of just using one to avoid giving one supplier too much power
Answer T
Which of the following principles should not be included in an individual's time management strategy to manage stress?
a) accommodating appointments and/or tasks in order they are received
b) making daily lists of activities to be accomplished
c) prioritizing activities by importance and urgency
d) knowing your personal energy cycle so that you handle the most demanding parts of your job during the high part of your cycle
e) scheduling activities according to the priorities set
Answer a) accommodating appointments and/or tasks in order they are received
In contrasting values and attitudes, which of the following is true?
a) Values are more stable than attitudes
b) there is no significant correlation between the two
c) Values are based on diversity issues
d) they come from different sources
e) attitudes are more stable than values
Answer a) Values are more stable than attitudes
According to research conducted by Dr. Selye, stress occurs
a) in 3 stages: alarm, resistance, and exhausting
b) more frequently on a given day than people have
c) as a result of lower educational levels among employees
d) in 4 stages: notification, alarm, resistance, and exhaustion
e) only when people are not feeling confident in themselves
Answer e) only when people are not feeling confident in themselves
An Angus Reid poll which surveyed Canadians to find out their attitudes towards their jobs and workplaces determined that almost
40% or the respondents stated that one of the biggest barriers to job satisfaction was
a) the nature of work itself
b) bureaucracy and red tape
c) management practices
d) poor working conditions
e) lack of recognition
Answer b) bureaucracy and red tape
Tyrone always liked to "play by the rules" in life, and he place a lot of emphasis on discipline and order. He is likely a member of
which of the following demographic groups
a) baby boomers
b) echo boomers
c) generation X
d) elders
e) generation Y
Answer d) elders
Canadians have certain values that Americans wish for such as diversity and fairness over divisiveness and racism, as well as the
quality and consistency of our education. All of this leads Jack to conclude that
a) Canadians values appear to be somewhat inferior to America values
b) Americans appear to be more suited to working in teams
c) Canadians alue individuality and individual performance more than Americans
d) Americans seem to follow the directives of the managers more
e) Canadian and American workplaces will likely look and operate somewhat differently
Answer e) Canadian and American workplaces will likely look and operate somewhat differently
Li has recently arrived in Spain from Indonesia, and was very surprised to discover how little emphasis was placed on
encouraging and rewarding individuals for being fair, altruistic, generous, and kind to others. Thus, in her view, Spain lacked
a) assertiveness
b) a humane orientation
c) a future orientation
d) uncertainty avoidance
e) power distance
Answer b) a humane orientation
Jack found that some corporations choose to highlight the value of diversity because
a) they feel it is an important strategic issue and goal
b) Financial planning becomes easier and more logical
c) traditional business practices can best be served by diverse talents
d) Planning is likely to be less complex since everyone accepts diversity values
e) Organizational structures can be re-engineered more logically
Answer a) they feel it is an important strategic issue and goal
An employee who actively helps colleagues, takes minimal breaks, and alerts other to work-related problems is
a) an organizational citizen
b) high in job satisfaction
c) high in job stability
d) low in organizational loyalty
e) high in organizational commitment
Answer a) an organizational citizen
Norma has been working for the same organization for 25 years. She has worked there so long that she now feels an obligation to
stay with this organization for the rest of her career. Norma is exhibiting
a) normative commitment
b) continuance commitment
c) affective commitment
d) citizenship commitment
e) personal commitment
Answer a) normative commitment
Changing attitudes and organizational commitment are factors that will need to be defined and addressed. Jack has concluded that
organizational commitment is
a) a valid predictor for employee attitudes and values
b) less universally understood by many individuals than job satisfaction
c) probably a better predictor of employee turnover than job satisfaction
d) not a factor which can be used to predict job satisfaction
e) the same as job involvement and can be used to predict success
Answer c) probably a better predictor of employee turnover than job satisfaction
According to GLOBE, which of the following countries scored low on uncertainty avoidance?
a) France
b) Hungary
c) Japan
d) Canada
e) China
Answer b) Hungary
MGT502 Organizational Behaviour Solved MCQs Set 2
What are personality traits?
a) individual characteristics that are based solely on environmental factors
b) fleeting characteristics that describe an individual's behaviour
c) enduring characteristics that describe an individual's behaviour
d) individual characteristics that are based solely on heredity
e) individual characteristics that are based solely on situational conditions
Answer c) enduring characteristics that describe an individual's behaviour
When an individual displays different behaviours in different situations, this is termed
a) flexibility
b) consensus
c) continuity
d) integrity
e) distinctiveness
Answer e) distinctiveness
The tendency for individuals to attribute their own success to internal factors while putting the blame for failures on external
factors is called
a) contrast effect
b) self-serving bias
c) stereotyping
d) projection
e) the halo effect
Answer b) self-serving bias
Ava has a real ability to never give up, to persist in what she is trying to accomplish in the face of setbacks and failures. This is an
example of her
a) emotional intelligence
b) personality
c) moods
d) emotional dissonance
e) self-esteem
Answer a) emotional intelligence
The unfounded belief that younger workers are more appealing than older workers is an example of
a) stereotyping
b) contrast effects
c) projection
d) prejudice
e) the halo effect
Answer d) prejudice
When a fire truck's siren was heard, everyone ran to the window to see what was happening. That everyone responded in the same
way is an example of which aspect of Attribution Theory?
a) contrast effect
b) consistency
c) selective perception
d) distinctiveness
e) consensus
Answer e) consensus
When a person stereotypes another person, the key thing she/he is doing is making generalizations based upon
a) the values of the other person
b) a predefined group to which the other person belongs
c) a key strength of the other person
d) a key weakness of the other person
e) the speaking style of the other person
Answer b) a predefined group to which the other person belongs
Sally is normally a very calm and composed manager, but the other day she sounded very visibly upset as evidenced by her raised
voice on the telephone. Her staff heard it, and were trying to figure out what caused her to be upset. This is an example of
a) attribution theory
b) the Halo Effect
c) stereotyping
d) contrast effects
e) projection
Answer a) attribution theory
Which of the following is true about our perceptions of a target?
a) targets are usually perceived in isolation
b) individual perception varies little between different cultures
c) Expectations do not distort individual perception
d) Motion, sounds, size of a target have little effect in how individuals shape they way we perceive it
e) timing of events and occurrences may imply a dependence, which may or may not be true
Answer e) timing of event and occurrences may imply a dependence, which may or may not be true
There are many examples of shortcuts we make in judging others. Which shortcut below is least likely to be an error in perception
about a new employee named Jo?
a) knowing how good Jo will be because Jo has the same degree I have
b) using my ability to respond to individual difference between Jo and myself
c) using "high intelligence" of Jo to make a general impression about Jo's effectiveness on the job
d) deciding that Jo wants challenge and change since thats what I want
e) letting my own attitudes and interests influence my impression of Jo
Answer b) using my ability to respond to individual difference between Jo and myself
The evidence demonstrates that decision accuracy is the same for high- and low-risk-taking managers
Answer T
Negative information exposed early in the interview tends to be more heavily weighted than if the same information were conveyed
later
Answer T
People who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces have been called externals.
Answer T
Donna "wears her emotions on her sleeve" such that when she has trouble at work, it effects her performance. Thus is known as
affective events theory.
Answer T
Although intuitive thinkers (NT) make up only 5 percent of the population, a recent study of contemporary business people who
created super-successful firms found that all of these individuals were NTs.
Answer T
Proactive personalities can have both negative and positive impact depending on the organization and situational conditions.
Answer T
Zack is always moving and appears to be impatient. He prefers work to leisure and seems obsessed with numbers. Zack is
probably a Type A.
Answer T
Tina is very cooperative, good-natured, and trusting. Thus, she scores high on conscientiousness according to the Big Five Model.
Answer F
Felt emotions are the same as the emotions displayed in public.
Answer F
Kerry tends to only remember what she wants to hear. This is known as selective perception.
Answer F
Sam follows the practise in his department of periodically shifting his employees from one task to another in order to give them
some variety and the opportunity to learn new skills. This practise is known as
a) job design
b) job enrichment
c) job enlargement
d) job satisfaction
e) job rotation
Answer e) job rotation
Some studies indicate that money is not the top predictor of employee satisfaction; instead
a) recognition in the workplace mattered more
b) accomplishments in the workplace mattered more
c) promotion in the workplace mattered more
d) relationships in the workplace mattered more
Answer d) relationships in the workplace mattered more
Unionized employees are typically paid on the basis of
a) performance and seniority
b) performance-based review
c) seniority and job categories
d) variable compensation
e) seniority and productivity
Answer c) seniority and job categories
Organizations often "shoot themselves in the foot" when it comes to rewards by hoping for innovative thinking and risk taking but
rewarding
a) tighter controls over operations and resources
b) the best team members
c) technical achievements
d) quarterly year earnings
e) proven methods and not making mistakes
Answer e) proven methods and not making mistakes
Nunavut has had great difficulty finding doctors willing to commit to serving the territory for more than short periods of time. The
problem could be solved by
a) job enlargement
b) job enrichment
c) gainsharing
d) job sharing
e) job redesign
Answer d) job sharing
If jobs score high on motivation potential, the MPS model predicts that what will be positively affected?
a) teamwork, collaboration and achievement
b) motivation, performance and satisfaction
c) empowerment, involvement, and development
d) teamwork, performance, and satisfaction
e) responsibility, growth, and commitment
Answer b) motivation, performance and satisfaction
Variable-pay or pay-for-performance programs operate reward programs as three levels
a) individual, group, and community
b) individual, departmental, and organization
c) individual, group, and organizational
d) individual, group, and managerial
e) individual, departmental, and community
Answer c) individual, group, and organization
When using bonuses, managers should be mindful of
a) not recognizing friends within the company
b) potential unexpected behaviours arising when employees try to ensure they will receive bonuses
c) the size of the bonus in relation to the event recognized
d) the amount, so that the bonus does not negatively effect the profits of the company
e) very little, the bonus is just so effective
Answer b) potential unexpected behaviours arising when employees try to ensure they will receive bonuses
Job enrichment increases the degree to which workers control the
a) planning, motivation, and incentives of their work
b) ability to communicate with managers within the workplace
c) hours and pay of their job
d) number of motivational incentives in the workplace
e) planning, execution, and evaluation of their work
Answer e) planning, execution, and evaluation of their work
If a hard-working athlete or student with modest abilities consistently outperformed amore gifted, but lazy rival, this indicates that
a) if either ability or motivation is inadequate, performance will be negatively affected
b) if both ability and motivation are inadequate, performance will be negatively affected
c) if either ability or motivation is inadequate, performance will be negatively affected
e) if either ability or compensation is inadequate, performance will be negatively affected
Answer a) if either ability or motivation is inadequate, performance will be negatively affected
Job enlargement is
a) giving an employee a title which suggest he or she has more responsibility, but in fact does not
b) expanding a job horizontally
c) expanding a job vertically
d) giving an employee more tasks while paying at the same level
e) a result of downsizing, as employees must cover the duties of the departed employee
Answer b) expanding a job horizontally
Profit sharing plans
a) are company-established benefit plans in which employees acquires stock as part of their benefits
b) hive employees the right to buy stock in the company at a later date for a guaranteed price
c) focus on past financial results
d) give employees the right to buy stock in the company at a later date for the market price at that time
e) focus on future financial results
Answer c) focus on past financial results
The future of telecommuting is uncertain as there are still many unanswered questions regarding its advantages and
disadvantages
Answer T
Giving rewards for things that were previously done for intrinsic motivation will decrease motivation
Answer T
Job rotation increases skill variety
Answer T
Motivation theories only give vague ideas of how money relates to individual motivation
Answer T
Studies have shown recognition to be the most powerful workplace motivator
Answer T
Individuals respond differently to rewards depending upon what culture they come from
Answer T
Employees in a gainsharing plan can recceive incntive awards even when the organization isn't profitable
Answer T
Performance evidence looking at the impact of flex-time does not stack up favourably
Answer T
A body shop worker who sprays paint 8 hours a day is an example of a job with high skill variety characteristics
Answer F
Organizational structure is made up of key elements. Which of the following is not one of these elements?
a) formalization
b) coordination
c) decentralization
d) departmentalization
e) centralization
Answer b) coordination
The degree to which tasks are subdivided into separate jobs is termed
a) work specialization
b) task structure
c) departmentalization
d) formalization
e) span of control
Answer a) work specialization
Work specialization is the same as
a) span of control
b) job description
c) job grouping
d) unity of command
e) division of labour
Answer e) division of labour
Traditionally, managers have viewed which of the following as an unending source of increased productivity?
a) delegation
b) deparmentalization
c) work specialization
d) centraliatin
e) formalization
Answer c) work specialization
Which type of departmentalization achieves economies of scale by placing people with common skills and orientations into
common units?
a) geographic
b) process
c) technical
d) functional
e) product
Answer d) functional
The office supply firm, which has three departments to service retail, wholesale, and government customers, is practising which
type of departmentalization?
a) geographic
b) product
c) customer
d) process
e) functional
Answer c) customer
The unbroken line of authority that extends from the top of the organization to the lowest echelon and clarifies who report to whom
is termed:
a) chain of command
b) authority
c) unity of command
d) power and authority structure
e) power
Answer a) chain of command
Which of the following refers to the number of subordinates a manger can efficiently and effectively direct?
a) unity of command
b) chain of command
c) organizational chart
d) structure of command
e) span of control
Answer e) span of control
Which one of the following components of organizational structure specifically defines where decisions are made?
a) centralization
b) complexity
c) formalization
d) technology
e) departmentalization
Answer a) centralization
What is a major difference between a mechanistic model and an organic model?
a) one is characteristic of the service industry
b) one involves new products and services
c) they vary greatly in organizational size
d) one has high formalization
e) one is for technological firms
Answer d) one has high formalization
Which of the following is consistent with a simple structure?
a) high departmentalization
b) high horizontal differentiation
c) high formalization
d) high centralization
e) high vertical differentiation
Answer d) high centralization
The matrix structure combines the
a) functional and simple structures
b) organic and mechanistic structures
c) simple and product structures
d) bureaucracy and mechanistic structures
e) functional and product structures
Answer e) functional and product structures
Which of the following problems is mot likely to occur in a matrix structure?
a) a loss of economies of scale
b) decreased coordination efforts
c) employees receiving conflicting directives
d) decreased employee motivation
e) decreased response to environmental change
Answer a) a loss of economies of scale
Which term refers to how an organization transfers its inputs to outputs?
a) environment
b) innovation
c) structure
d) technology
e) strategy
Answer d) technology
Organization have different structures, but the structure has little bearing on employee attitudes and behaviour
Answer F
Work specialization can be carried too far and may result in employee boredom, stress, and absenteeism
Answer T
Organizations may choose only one of the forms of departmentalization
Answer F
A decentralized organization is more likely to result in a feeling of alienation by employees than a centralized organization
Answer F
Mechanistic structures are decentralized
Answer F
The bureaucracy is characterized by highly routine tasks, formalized rules, and centralized authority
Answer T
Effective teams need to work together and take collective responsibility to complete significant tasks.
Answer T
Once a group's direction is set,it is re-examined frequently in the first half of the group's life and is likely to be altered.
Answer F
Role expectation can be defined as a certain attitude or behaviour consistent with a role.
Answer F
"Is this group ready to decide about this?" This question is an example of consensus testing.
Answer T
A group must have at least two members who are interdependent with a common goal.
Answer F
Conformity primarily leads to negative behaviour.
Answer F
Norming is characterized by camaraderie.
Answer T
Effective teams have a common and meaningful purpose that provides direction, momentum, and commitment for members.
Answer T
For multi-team systems to succeed, different teams need to coordinate their efforts to produce a desired outcome
Answer T
Groups that work closely together toward a common objective and are accountable to one another are called teams
Answer T
Members in a group are not necessarily interdependent
Answer T
Joan was appalled by how much conflict there was among the members of her team. Although the team had only been in existence
for a short period of time, she was troubled. But when she discussed this with her team leader, he indicated that this was typical of
groups at their forming stage. Is the response of Joan's leader correct?
Answer F
Role conflict is defined as a situation in which an individual has certain attitudes and behaviour that are disagreeable
Answer T
Most conflicts are resolved by the completion of the first stage in a group's development
Answer F
"I think what you started to say is important, Jack. Please continue." This request is an example of an encouraging function to
maintain good relations.
Answer T
"Let's set up an agenda for discussing each of the problems we have to consider." This suggestion is an example of a harmonizing
function to maintain good relations.
Answer F
Virtual teams are typically dependent on work being completed face to face.
Answer F
The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model characterizes groups as exhibiting long periods of inertia interspersed with brief revolutionary
changes triggered primarily by members' awareness of time and deadlines.
Answer T
All groups are teams but not all teams are groups
Answer F
Virtual teams can suffer from the absence of paraverbal and nonverbal cues as well as social isolation.
Answer T
The process that adapts employees to the organization's culture is called:
a) socialization
b) formalization
c) indoctrination
d) orientation
e) confirmation
Answer a) socialization
You are new to an organization and do not really know what to expect about the socialization process. you are a recent MBA and
have an undergraduate degree in computer science. Your new firm is a software development company with an emphasis on the
health care industry.
The stage in which you will probably become detached from previous assumptions and replace those with the organization considers
desirable is called:
a) social facilitation stage
b) replacement stage
c) metamorphosis stage
d) encounter stage
e) prearrival stage
Answer d) encounter
Masterson College is a small liberal arts women's college in North Carolina. The founds of the college were Baptist and were
committed to the idea that a liberal arts education was the best preparing for life-long learning. Within the last two decades, the
business department has become of the larger departments on campus. The faculty of the business department are committed to
liberal arts education but are also committed to finding employment for their graduates.
The commitment to finding employment for graduates is part of the
a) dominent culture
b) instructional plan
c) weak culture
d) mission statement
e) subculture of the business department
Answer e) subculture of the business department
Which of the following is not an example of what an organizational culture does?
a) enhances social system stability
b) conveys identity for organization members
c) establishes boundaries between organizations
d) outlines the formal hierarchy
e) acts as a behavioural control mechanism
Answer d) outlines the formal hierarchy
If there is a basic conflict between the individual's expectations and the organization's expectations, the employee is most like to
be disillusioned and quit during which stage?
a) anxiety
b) encounter
c) metamorphosis
d) adjustment
e) prearrival
Answer b) encounter
Which of the following is not considered to be a characteristic of organizational culture?
a) outcome orientation
b) people orientation
c) innovation
d) instability
e) aggressiveness
Answer d) instability
Which of the following does not sustain an organizational culture?
a) promotion procedures
b) selection practises
c) socialization
d) formalization
e) top management
Answer d) formalization
Smaller cultures within an organization, typically define by departmental designations and geographical separation, are often
called:
a) strong cultures
b) mixed cultures
c) dominant cultures
d) departmental entities
e) subcultures
Answer e) subcultures
How does "top management'' have a major impact on an organization's culture?
a) providing appropriate training
b) maintaining traditions of past practises
c) ensuring a proper match of personal and organizational values
d) establishing norms that filter down through the organization
e) socializing the applicant
Answer d) establishing norms that filter down through the organization
Culture has a boundry-defing role; it creates distinctions between one organization and others
Answer T
Given the relative power asymmetries it is unlikely that a subculture could undermine the dominant culture
Answer F
A strong culture can be a liability
Answer T
The size and layout of an organization's corporate headquarters exemplifies material symbols
Answer T
Three forces play a particularly important part in sustaining culture: selection practises, promotion policies, and socialization
methods.
Answer F
A strong culture provides a supportive atmosphere for diversity
Answer F
Organizational culture can be transmitted to employees by stories, rituals, material symbols, and language
Answer T
Culture sets the tone for how an organization operated and how individual members within the organization interact
Answer F
The degree to which organizational activities emphasize maintaining the status quo in contrast to growth is termed stability
Answer T
The degree to which management focuses on results rather than on techniques and processes termed outcome orientation
Answer T
All organizations within an industry use the terminology designated by the industry so that their employees can move freely from
organization to organization
Answer F
Research studies in diverse settings confirm that functionality of conflict, particularity as it relates to productivity.
Answer T
Dysfunctional conflicts hinder a group's performance
Answer T
Arbitration is a process in which two or more parties exchange goods or services and attempt to agree upon the exchange rate for
them.
Answer F
Many open and violent conflicts in work groups are functional
Answer F
Teams experiencing affective conflict have poorer decisions and lower levels of acceptance of the decision
Answer T
An individual's target point represents the lowest outcome he or she would accept during a negotiation process
Answer F
Edward is thinking of reorganizing his department so that Fred and Sarah do not have to work together, as they don't seem to get
along. Whenever they have a disagreement about a task, it always seems to degenerate into emotional attacks against each other.
This is known as cognitive contact.
Answer F
Integrative bargaining is the strategy most used in today's intraorganizational problem-solving behaviour
Answer F
Choosing avoidance as a conflict management strategy is appropriate when you find out that you are wrong
Answer F
Compromise is when each party to a conflict gives up something of value
Answer T
Avoiding encompasses both assertive and uncooperative behaviours
Answer F
Conflict always improve the quality of group decision making
Answer F
Attempting to convince another that your conclusion is right and his or her conclusion is mistaken is an example of the forcing
conflict-handling strategy.
Answer T
Across cultures, people have different ideas about the appropriateness and effects of conflict.
Answer T
The only desired outcome of a conflict is an equitable and fair agreement between the parties involved.
Answer F
Ron felt that the best approach to resolving the conflict between two of his staff members was to merge both of their perspectives,
as they both seemed valid to him. This approach to conflict management is known as problem solving
Answer T
The smaller the group and the less specialized its activities, the great likelihood of conflict
Answer F
The major advantage of mediation over arbitration is that it always results in a settlement
Answer F
An accurate definition of a conflict is important as this will help to establish the type of outcomes, which might settle it.
Answer F
Within conflict, accepting the will of the other party is termed yielding.
Answer T
What is an organization's most common informal network?
a) e-mail
b) voice-mail
c) bulletin
d) grapevine
e) memo
Answer d) grapevine
Communication that takes place among members of the same work group is
a) technical communication
b) vertical communication
c) occupational communication
d) lateral communication
e) downward communication
Answer d) lateral communication
Ted was always very conscious of not invading his employees personal "space" when speaking to them by not getting too close
when he was talking to hem. Ted was therefore paying attention to
a) empathy
b) kinesics
c) cultural barriers
d) proxemics
e) groupthink
Answer d) proxemics
Which communication network does an unstructured committee best illustrate?
a) horizontal
b) wheel
c) circle
d) interpersonal
e) all-channel
Answer e) all-channel
In dealing with cross-cultural communication, a manager might practise putting herself in the place of the employee, a method
termed
a) symbolic interaction
b) empathy
c) sympathy
d) hypothesis testing
e) semantics
Answer b) empathy
Which of the following is not considered an organization?
a) university
b) military unit
c) all 45 year olds in a community
d) municipal, provincial and federal government agencies
e) church
Answer c) all 45 year olds in a community
A(n) _________ is consciously coordinated social unit, composed of two or more people, that functions on a relatively continuous
basis to achieve a common goal or set of goals.
a) informal group
b) team
c) ethnic group
d) unit
e) organization
Answer e) organization
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Looking in-depth at single situations in order to gain insights into organization behaviour relates to the examination of
a) survey studies
b) field studies
c) laboratory studies
d) case studies
e) meta-analysis
Answer d) case studies
Giselle has introduced a new performance measure that focuses on an employee's efficiency and effectiveness. This is known as
the employee's
a) productivity
b) diversity
c) ethics
d) culture
e) performance
Answer a) productivity
The behavioural science which underlies organizational cultures is know an
a) psychology
b) anthropology
c) social psychology
d) sociology
e) political science
Answer b) anthropology
Employee productivity, developing effective employees, and putting people first are challenges at the ______ level
a) individual
b) motivational
c) organizational
d) group
e) ethical
Answer c) organizational
The behavioural science which underlies work design and performance appraisal is known as
a) sociology
b) social psychology
c) political science
d) psychology
e) anthropology
Answer d) psychology
The approach to organization behaviour which suggests that its answers "depends upon the situation" is called the
a) contingency approach
b) behavioural approach
c) field study approach
d) mechanistic approach
e) organic approach
Answer a) contingency approach
Working with others and workplace diversity are challenges at the ____ level
a) organizational
b) motivational
c) individual
d) ethical
e) group
Answer e) group
The most significant contributions to OB with respect to implementing change and reducing barriers to its acceptance has been
made by
a) sociology
b) anthropology
c) political science
d) social psychology
e) psychology
Answer d) social psychology
Which of the following is an example of being an efficient organization or employee?
a) being a sales person who acquires the most clients of anyone in the company
b) operating a hospital at the lowest possible cost while achieving higher output
c) being an instructor who teaches larger classes than his fellow colleagues
d) being the most pleasant real estate broker in Toronto
e) being a telemarketer who makes the required number of calls at the end of the day
Answer b) operatin ga hospital at the lowest possible cost while achieving higher output
If today's managers positively address and manage workforce diversity, which of the following increase?
a) miscommunications
b) creativity and innovation
c) employee turnover
d) ineffective decision making
e) interpersonal conflicts
Answer b) creativity and innovation
A major theme underlying the process of organizational behaviour is the belief that human behaviour is
a) opaque
b) knowable
c) unpredictable
d) intuitive
e) instinctual
Answer b) knowable
Workplace diversity occurs because organizations are becoming more homogeneous
Answer F
The term organization generally refers to business firms but excludes government, social service agencies and other public
organizations
Answer F
If diversity is ineffectively managed, high turnover and miscommunication can result, creating an environment, which hinders
achievement of organizational goals
Answer T
The behaviour of individuals in a structured situation is similar to their behaviour when they are in unstructured situations
Answer F
Ethics can inform us whether our individual actions are right or wrong; however, organization and group actions are too complex
for ethics to apply
Answer F
Organizational behaviour is best suited for managers in large corporations rather than small businesses and entrepreneurial
enterprises
Answer F
The challenge for organizations is to accommodate diverse groups of people by addressing their different lifestyles, family needs,
and work style
Answer T
SMART stands for
a) specific, unfixed, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound
b) specific, measurable, inaccessible, results-oriented, and time-bound
c) specific, measurable, attainable, results0oriented, and time-bound
d) specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound
e) equivocal, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound
Answer d) specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound
You graduated from college two years ago and began working at Hampstead Electronics. You have received good performance
evaluations and a raise. You just found out that a recent college graduate with no experience has been hired at a higher salary than
you are now making.
Which theory will you probably use in evaluating how you regard the situation?
a) equity
b) performance-reward
c) expectancy
d) reinforcement
e) goal setting
Answer a) equity
Your department is made up of people who are very different in their lifestyles and their stages of life. Mary is a 23-year-old single
parent who is working for minimum wage. Jonathan is 60 years old, extremely wealthy and works because he enjoys it. Jane is
single, 45 years old and has few interests outside the office. You have decided to attempt to apply Maslow's hierarchy of needs to
motivate each of these individuals.
You would expect that Mary is trying to satisfy which need?
a) esteem
b) safety
c) self-actualization
d) social
e) physiological
Answer e) physiological
Your organization has decided to institute a management by objectives program. The people in your department have asked you to
explain the program and help them understand how it will affect them.
Which of the following is an example of an MBO objective?
a) quality of all products should increase substantially
b) telephone orders should be processed promptly
c) company costs should be decreased as much as possible
d) sales should be increased by two percent
e) new customers should be brought in on a regular basis
Answer d) sals should be increased by two percent
Performance evaluations done by one's associates is called
a) immediate subordinate(s) review
b) immediate superior's review
c) the comprehensive approach: 360 degree evaluation
d) combined subordinate/superior review
e) peer review
Answer e) peer review
Jason faced a real uproar recently from his employees after they received their annual pay increases. The main complaint was that
his employees didn't think that the process by which the increases were awarded was fair. This is an example of
a) interactional justice
b) operant justice
c) procedural justice
d) distributive justice
e) equitable justice
Answer c) procedural justice
The premise that higher level needs can emerge before lower level needs are met is part of
a) ERG theory
b) process theory
c) Maslow's theory
d) expectancy theory
e) valence theory
Answer a) ERG theory
According to cognitive evaluation theory, pay should not be directly related to job performance.
Answer T
Julie wishes to apply Maslow's hierarchy in her workplace. She is interested in how various employee needs are met by the
organization.
The organization will find that employees' self-actualization needs are the easiest to satisfy
Answer F
Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief that he or she is capable of performing.
Answer T
According to Alderfer, once an employee's existence needs are substantially satisfied, the employee moves on to his or her
relatedness needs.
Answer T
Within McClelland's theory of needs, the need for power is the drive to excel, and to achieve in relation to a set of standards.
Answer F
The most important thing to John after 15 years with the same company is his job title and public recognition. This indicates that
he is at the self-actualization stage of Maslow's hierarchy.
Answer T
Institutions such as prisons and the military are unlikely to embrace Theory X
Answer F
Xavier is considered to be a very sensitive manager when it come to the issues facing his employees on a personal level. This
means that he scores high with them in terms of distributive justice.
Answer F
Operant conditioning assumes behaviour is influenced by reinforcement or lack of reinforcement brought about by the
consequences of behaviour
Answer T
Hygienic factors usually lead to job satisfaction when present in a job
Answer F
The four ingredients common to MBO programs are goal specificity, participative decision making, an implicit time period, and
performance feedback
Answer F
Michealson suggests that researchers have a moral obligation to make workplaces better for employees
Answer T
Tom is of the belief that the more effort that he puts into his job, the better he will perform. This is called expectancy
Answer T
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MGT 502 Organizational Behaviour 100 S