Quiz 1: Why Organizational Behavior Matters

______ is a field of study focused on understanding, explaining, and improving attitudes of individuals and groups in organizations. A) Organizational behavior B) Values in organizations C) Management D) Strategic human approach

Why is the understanding of organizational behavior important? A) There has been a broad trend of organizations shifting focus from employee connections and wellbeing to numbers. B) Organizational behavior gives one a deep understanding of macroeconomics. C) Understanding OB allows you to explain behaviors, predict them, and therefore influence them to achieve your organizational goals. D) Because it is important to have an understanding of how to manipulate employers in order to secure pay increases.

Of the three reasons in understanding human behavior, which one is of the greatest interest to a practicing manager? A) predict B) influence C) explain D) guidance

Understanding the ways people act and interact within organizations provides three key advantages. Which of the following is not one of the three key advantages? A) explaining behavior B) predicting behavior C) influencing behavior D) controlling behavior

Jade is in charge of a group of employees who distribute packages around the world. Her main focus is measuring the percentage of time packages are received at the proper location and on time. Jade's focus is on which management function? A) planning B) organizing C) leading D) controlling

At the end of each year, the management team goes on a retreat to set goals and strategies for the upcoming year. The management team is engaging in which management function? A) planning B) organizing C) leading D) controlling

Joanie is making an employee schedule to make certain that she has adequate staff to meet the store's daily sales goals. Joanie is engaging in which management function? A) planning B) organizing C) leading D) controlling

Each week, Eli leads an all-employee meeting to communicate sales goals, answer questions, and provide motivation for achieving goals. Eli is engaging in which management function? A) planning B) organizing C) leading D) controlling

Besides technical and conceptual skills, a manager should possess ______. A) analytical skills B) leading skills C) human skills D) planning skills

Technical skills can be learned on the job. ______ are learned throughout your life. A) Human skills B) Leading skills C) Management skills D) Emotional skills

In order to carry out roles effectively, employees need to have ______, or a basic aptitude for performing and applying specialized tasks. A) human skills B) leading skills C) management skills D) technical skills

______ is an awareness of how your actions and emotions affect those around you. A) Human intelligence B) Psychological intelligence C) Emotional intelligence D) Management intelligence

The success of an organization lies with its ______. A) people B) products C) customer service D) manufacturer

People with effective ______ skills take the feelings of others into account and are adept at dealing with conflict? A) conceptual B) technical C) leading D) human

When looking at an organization as a whole, one needs to visualize how it fits into its overall environment and understand how each part relates to the others. What management skill is this? A) human B) conceptual C) technical D) leading

An example of an intangible resource is ______. A) Jantix Corporation has a reputation of having high quality customer service B) Jantix has a large and easily accessible inventory of products C) Jantix owns the largest production facility in Montana D) Jantix employs the second largest number of employees in Montana

What are the two different kinds of resources that organizations have? A) intangible and tangible B) natural and unnatural C) reliable and unreliable D) financial and technical

Human capital falls into the category of ______. A) competitive resources B) tangible resources C) intangible resources D) natural resources

What are the three aspects of human capital that enhance competitive advantage? A) value, rareness, and importance B) rareness, inimitability, and importance C) morals, vision, and inimitability D) value, rareness, and inimitability

______ accumulates when employees work toward the strategic goals of an organization to achieve competitive advantage. A) Company morale B) Human capital value C) Return on investment D) Earnings per share

______ is the level of exceptional skills and talents employees possess in an industry. A) Human capital importance B) Human capital rareness C) Human capital inimitability D) Human capital value

An example of human capital rareness would be ______. A) Jake, who is an excellent computer programmer with an eye for detail B) Justine, who shares in the same values, attitudes, and type of culture as the organization C) Jennifer, who feels she is in the right organization and does not want to move to another organization D) Jose, who has a genuine willingness to contribute to the performance of his organization

______ is the degree to which the skills and talents of employees can be emulated by other organizations. A) Human capital importance B) Human capital rareness C) Human capital value D) Human capital inimitability

Marigold enjoys where she works and feels she has the same values and attitudes as her company. This is an example of what type of human capital? A) rareness B) inimitability C) importance D) value

Swansea can easily answer questions about complex finance issues within the bank, yet her knowledge is beyond what can be easily trained. She has worked in the organization for so long that she has a feel or instinct for how to navigate tough issues beyond what she can easily articulate. This is an example of ______. A) value B) rareness C) tacit knowledge D) emotional intelligence

Miguel feels that it is important to nurture his high-performing employees in order for his company to keep a competitive advantage. What aspect of human capital is Miguel focusing on maintaining in his company? A) rareness B) inimitability C) importance D) value

What statement reflects the change from early management theory to current theory? A) There has been a shift from how workers could perform more efficiently to the human element through behavior sciences. B) There has been a shift from why workers perform to how much they can produce. C) The shift occurred within the past few years in the millennium. D) The shift occurred because there was too much focus on the behavioral sciences and needed to place the focus back on production.

Which of these sciences is not linked to organizational behavior? A) social psychology B) accounting C) political science D) anthropology

Which of the five behavioral sciences, related to organizational behavior, has a primary focus on the mental health and well-being of employees in relationship to their work performance? A) psychology B) sociology C) social psychology D) political science

Leigh is interested in reducing the level of prejudice and discrimination in her company. Which of the five behavioral sciences would help her change attitudes and improve the way her teams work together? A) political science B) sociology C) social psychology D) anthropology

Of the five behavioral science disciplines, which one studies how conflict is managed and how power is distributed? A) psychology B) sociology C) social psychology D) political science

Which of the five behavioral sciences related to organizational behavior studies people and their activities in relation to societal, environmental, and cultural influences? A) political science B) sociology C) social psychology D) anthropology

Brant is managing three competing advertising teams within his organization. While there will only be one team picked for the final job, he wants the teams to have an even distribution of power without self-interest, which can reduce team conflict. Which of the five behavioral sciences, related to organizational behavior, could help Brant with this power struggle? A) psychology B) sociology C) social psychology D) political science

Of the five behavioral science disciplines, which one has helped organizational behavior with designing performance appraisals and recruitment techniques? A) psychology B) sociology C) social psychology D) political science

Of the five behavioral science disciplines, which one has increased understanding of other cultures and different types of values held by people from other countries? A) political science B) sociology C) social psychology D) anthropology

Which of the sciences listed below looks at the way groups behave and the way they communicate and exchange information? A) political science B) sociology C) social psychology D) anthropology

______ is the use of your intelligence, knowledge, and skills to question and carefully explore situations and arrive at thoughtful conclusions based on evidence and reason. A) Deductive logic B) Emotional intelligence C) Critical thinking D) Hypotheses thinking

As stated in the textbook, what skill is ranked most important among senior human relations professionals? A) oral communication B) emotional intelligence C) leadership D) critical thinking

Emily has a problematic employee, and uses the critical-thinking methodology to consider the situation. She starts by suspending her own bias, and recording his actual behaviors while at work. Emily is engaging in which step of the critical-thinking methodology? A) observe B) interpret C) evaluate D) explain

Critical thinking and evidence-based management is closely related to the theory of ______. A) contingency thinking B) outside the box thinking C) reciprocal thinking D) positive thinking

When more than 400 senior HR professionals were asked to name the most important skill their employees will need in the next 5 years, ______ ranked the highest. A) critical thinking B) innovation C) information technology D) positive thinking

Heather added a database to her inventory system. As a result, her employees fulfilled orders more quickly. In this example, the new database is an example of a(n) ______. A) dependent variable B) independent variable C) hypothesis D) correlation

The owner of a local ice-cream shop in a small tourist town realized that when hotel occupancy is up, sales in her ice-cream shop are also up. The relationship between hotel occupancy rate and ice-cream sales is an example of a(n) ______. A) dependent variable B) independent variable C) hypothesis D) correlation

What is one way to enhance critical thinking in organizational behavior as stated in the textbook? A) deductive reasoning B) inductive reasoning C) using the scientific method D) selective reasoning

______ states that our actions must be dependent on the nature of the situation. A) Outside the box thinking B) Contingency thinking C) Reciprocal thinking D) Positive thinking

Successful organizational behavior managers use ______, which is a wealth of proven research as a basis for understanding different situations. A) evidence-based management B) strategic management C) human resource management D) crises management

According to ______, all organizations are unique, and subject to internal and external environmental influences that can affect their efficiency. A) chaos theory B) open systems theory C) network theory D) closed system theory

Tixla Corporation has a good relationship with its suppliers and consumers are happy with their product, but their employees are unhappy and production is low. There is likely a break in which of the following? A) evidence chain B) organization chain C) open system chain D) value chain

Per the text, open systems interact with their environments primarily via ______. A) inputs and outputs B) employees and managers C) goods and services D) consumers and suppliers

Siva has noticed a problem with his team that he manages. He has come up with a theory to explain the problem. He then tests his theory with independent and dependent variables. Siva has used what to help his critical-thinking process? A) leadership B) the scientific method C) evidence-based management D) the open systems theory

Isabella has been transferred to an office overseas. She is going to need to learn about this new culture and new business customs. This is an example of what challenge/opportunity that faces organizations today? A) people skills B) innovation and change C) sustainability D) globalization

Recessions and financial crises have led to layoffs, reduced wages, unemployment, bankruptcy, and labor shortages. These are examples of which challenge/opportunity for organizations? A) innovation and change B) sustainability C) economic factors D) customer service

In order to flourish in a work environment with economic factors that are constantly in flux, one must ______. A) align themselves with powerful political factions B) adapt and learn new skills when required C) learn to be an autocratic leader D) gain as much coding experience as possible

Kanye from Challenge Appliances went through a training process to learn the importance of respecting individual differences. This is an example of which challenge/opportunity for organizations? A) workforce diversity B) people skills C) customer service D) sustainability

The ability to communicate and interact with others is an example of which challenge/opportunity for organizations? A) customer service B) workforce diversity C) people skills D) innovation and change

Critical thinking is most closely related to which challenge/opportunity for organizations? A) people skills B) innovation and change C) customer service D) workforce diversity

Which challenge/opportunity looks at environmental factors during decision-making and goal setting? A) globalization B) workforce diversity C) sustainability D) economic factors

How many levels of analysis are within the organizational behavior model? A) Five B) Four C) Three D) Seven

Which concept is not one of the levels of analysis within the organizational behavior model? A) individuals B) departments C) teams D) organizations

Which level of analysis is considered the foundation of the organizational behavior model? A) individuals B) departments C) teams D) organizations

To have a good understanding of a team, a manager should also understand the underlying behaviors of ______. A) individuals B) departments C) teams D) organizations

Manchester United, the British soccer team, has well documented personality conflicts among team members, yet the members are highly effective together on the field. Which level of organizational analysis does their ability to cooperate to be effective represent? A) departments B) individuals C) organizations D) teams

______ provide individuals and groups with the tools and systems to achieve objectives and goals. A) Individuals B) Departments C) Teams D) Organizations

Yohan and Nancy do not get along outside of the office. However, when they are at work they are able to cooperate with each other to accomplish their goals. Their manager, Eli, has a good understanding of their personality differences, and therefore understands how to motivate them at work. Eli is illustrating ______ of the organizational behavior model. A) individuals and teams B) teams and organizations C) individuals and organizations D) teams and departments

Which level of the organizational behavior model lays the foundation for the other levels? A) individuals B) departments C) teams D) organizations

Why is the organizational level the final component of the organizational model? A) because organizational culture is a function of teamwork and individual output B) because the individuals and teams of an organization are the building blocks to a smooth-running business C) because leadership begins with individuals and teams D) because individual success is the most important thing in organizations

Google's employee-centered flexible working structure is an example of what level of the behavior model? A) individuals B) departments C) teams D) organizations

______ focuses on the strengths, virtues, vitality, and resilience of individuals and organizations. A) High-involvement management B) Leadership C) Positive organizational behavior D) Ethical organizational behavior

Scholarship on positive organizational behavior focuses on a number of key elements. Which of the following is not one of these elements? A) strengths B) virtues C) vitality D) strategy

Positive organizational behavior's main focus is on ______. A) fixing one's weaknesses B) happiness as opposed to profits C) changing organizational culture D) nurturing one's strengths

______ is a strategy in which managers empower employees to make decisions, provide them with extensive training and opportunities to increase their knowledge base, share important information, and provide incentive compensation. A) High-involvement management B) Leadership C) Positive organizational behavior D) Ethical organizational behavior

Managers who practice positive organizational behavior believe ______ is the most important resource. A) human capital B) equipment C) cash liquidity D) raw materials

A direct primary employee outcome resulting from positive organizational behavior is ______. A) improved self-confidence B) increased turnover C) enhanced liquidity D) decreased self-confidence

Brandon Steiner, CEO of Steiner Sports, believes health and well-being are important for employee performance, requires his employees to eat healthy while at work, and empowers them to be healthy by providing healthy snacks and gym memberships. This is an example of ______. A) superleadership B) autocratic leadership C) futuristic management D) high-involvement management

Libby was the manager at Next Hamburger Palace. Libby noticed that Paige did not enjoy making burgers on the grill, but she loved and excelled at waiting on customers. As a result, Libby stopped assigning Paige to the grill and always put her in customer service-related tasks. Libby also gave Paige tapes to improve her customer service skills even more. Libby's actions were an example of ______. A) organizational change B) positive organizational behavior C) reciprocal leader D) 360-degree feedback

Positive organizational behavior is closely linked to which type of management? A) high-involvement B) top-down C) visionary D) reverse psychology

Which CEO's motto was "If you don't feel your best, you can't do your best"? A) Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com B) Bill Gates, Microsoft C) Brandon Steiner, Steiner Sports D) Chris Neck, Above and Beyond Fitness

Positive organizational behavior places the highest priority on the well-being of its ______. A) suppliers B) managers C) employees D) customers

Gigi, the general manager of Orchard Wealth Bank, is confident that her loan officers share the same values and mission of the company. She empowers her employees to make their own decisions on loan applications because she has provided extensive training. She also has a weekly "morning meeting" to share important information about the company to help facilitate their decision-making processes. Gigi is practicing ______. A) high-involvement management B) positive organizational behavior C) ethical organizational behavior D) superleadership

A strategic organizational behavior approach is closely related to human capital.

A strategic organizational behavior approach is based on the idea that goods are the key to productivity, competitive edge, and financial success.

When Mary motivates her team with a new reward system, she is engaging in the management function of organizing.

Manufacturing equipment and supplies are examples of intangible resources.

Value, rareness, and importance are all part of human capital.

An example of human capital rareness is an employee who has a gift for dealing with customer complaints and can resolve dilemmas.

Organizational behavior has looked outside of the business school and uses concepts from many other behavioral sciences.

Accounting is one of the five behavioral sciences that has strong links to organizational behavior.

In the labor market in the United States, there are not many available jobs for skilled laborers.

The most successful senior executives score lower on critical-thinking skills than less successful senior executives.

When open systems work well, they create a value chain.

One might consider coworkers to be internal clients.

An organization's most important asset is its people because they can create, strategize, and innovate.

The organizational behavior model consists of individuals, departments, and organizations.

Managers who practice positive organizational behavior value human capital as their least important resource.

Managers need to possess ______, or the ability to relate to other people.

Human capital is essential for gaining a ______, the edge that gives organizations a more beneficial position than their competitors.

______ is defined as the study of other cultures and the types of values and attitudes held by others and is one of the five disciplines that informs OB.

Successful OB managers use ______, which relies on research-based facts to make decisions.

______ states that our actions must be dependent on the nature of the situation because there is no one best way of managing people.

Which of the seven challenges/opportunities facing organizations explained in the textbook relates to critical thinking and the ability to strategize and create?

______ are the foundation of a business, and the way they work and behave makes or breaks a business.

Of the levels of analysis of organizational behavior, ______ provide individuals and groups with the tools to achieve objectives.

Managers who practice positive organizational behavior value ______ as their most important resource.

Positive organizational behavior places the highest priority on the ______ of employees.

What is organizational behavior, and what does it mean when managers take a strategic OB approach?

Name, define, and describe the three main aspects of human capital that enhance competitive advantage.

Why is it important to look at the five main behavioral sciences disciplines when studying organizational behavior?

Name five of the seven challenges and/or opportunities facing the field of OB. Describe one in more detail, explaining why it is a challenge and/or opportunity.

Looking at the levels within the organizational behavior model, what is considered the foundation and why?

How is positive organizational behavior related to high-involvement management?