Question 1

The contingency perspective asserts that managers are responsible for determining which managerial approach is likely to be most effective in a given situation.

Accepted Answer

The contingency perspective in management suggests that there is no one best way to manage and that an effective management strategy depends on the specifics of the situation, including the environment, the task, and the people involved. Managers must analyze and understand these factors to choose the most appropriate approach.

Question 2

Small-batch technology is typified by workers who produce custom-made products in relatively small quantities.

Accepted Answer

Small-batch technology involves the production of small quantities of goods, tailored to specific customer needs, often involving a higher degree of manual labor and customization.

Question 3

William Ouchi identified and described three different types of technology: small-batch technology, mass-production technology, and continuous-process technology.

Accepted Answer

William Ouchi is known for his work on management theory, particularly Theory Z, and not for identifying and describing types of technology. The classification of technologies into small-batch, mass-production, and continuous-process is more closely associated with the work of sociologist James Thompson.

Question 4

Oil refineries, flour mills, and chemical processors utilize continuous-process technology.

Accepted Answer

Continuous-process technology is used in industries where materials flow continuously through the production process, such as oil refineries, flour mills, and chemical processing plants, allowing for efficient, large-scale production.

Question 5

Technological advances in information processing make the largest contributions to the areas of human behavior.

Accepted Answer

Technological advances in information processing primarily contribute to areas such as computing, data analysis, and information management rather than directly to the study or modification of human behavior.

Question 6

Since diversity is now commonplace in most organizations, future managers need not be concerned with this issue.

Accepted Answer

Diversity continues to evolve, and managing it effectively is crucial for fostering an inclusive, innovative, and productive work environment. Future managers must remain actively engaged in understanding and addressing diversity issues to ensure organizational success.

Question 7

In the future, cultural, racial, and gender diversity will have a huge influence on management thinking.

Accepted Answer

Diverse perspectives foster innovation, creativity, and better decision-making, leading management thinking to increasingly value and integrate cultural, racial, and gender diversity.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is not true?

Accepted Answer

Management thinking is dynamic and adapts over time to new challenges, technologies, and societal shifts. It does not rigidly adhere to historic principles without room for change.

Question 9

Economic influences relate to the availability, production, and distribution of __________ within a society.

Accepted Answer

Economic influences primarily concern the availability, production, and distribution of resources within a society, as these are fundamental to economic activity and decision-making.

Question 10

__________ influences are illustrated by Home Depot's monitoring of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and its subsequent distribution of such scarce resources as plywood and emergency generators to cities along its projected path.

Accepted Answer

The answer of __________ influences are illustrated by Home Depot's...

Question 11

Because world supplies of oil are limited, future generations may have to rely upon alternative sources of energy such as coal, wind, solar, and perhaps even newer forms of energy. To energy businesses, this eventual shift in sources of energy is most directly a/an __________ factor that may influence management thought.

Accepted Answer

The shift in energy sources due to limited oil supplies is primarily an economic factor, as it affects the availability and cost of resources, influencing business strategies and management decisions.

Question 12

__________ influences relate to the aspects of a culture that influence interpersonal relationships.

Accepted Answer

Social influences relate to the aspects of a culture that influence interpersonal relationships, including norms, values, customs, and beliefs that govern how people interact with each other.

Question 13

Work stoppages and strikes are examples of __________ phenomena that have influenced management thought.

Accepted Answer

Work stoppages and strikes are social phenomena as they involve collective actions by workers to address grievances, impacting labor relations and management practices.

Question 14

Empowered workers at Harley Davidson were one of the key factors that contributed to the dramatic resurgence of the company despite the fierce competition from Japanese motorcycles. These workers represent a/an __________ influence.

Accepted Answer

Empowered workers influencing the resurgence of Harley Davidson is an example of a social influence, as it pertains to the organization's internal culture and social dynamics, rather than political, global, technological, or economic factors.

Question 15

__________ factors influence management thought related to the impact of political institutions on individuals and organizations.

Accepted Answer

Political factors directly influence management thought as they relate to the impact of political institutions on individuals and organizations.

Question 16

When Congress addresses the minimum wage and workplace safety standards of organizations, it is exemplifying its __________ influence on management thought.

Accepted Answer

When Congress enacts laws or regulations concerning minimum wage and workplace safety standards, it is exercising its political power. These actions are examples of how the government can influence management practices and organizational behavior through legislation and regulation.

Question 17

Practices such as CAD, CAM, and CIM represent which type of influence on management thought?

Accepted Answer

CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CIM (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing) are all practices that leverage technology to improve design, manufacturing processes, and integration in production. These practices represent a technological influence on management thought by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity through the use of advanced software and machinery.

Question 18

Many new innovations have had an effect on how managers view their jobs. Examples include cellular phones, laptop computers, and the Internet. These innovations are examples of __________ influences on management thought.

Accepted Answer

Cellular phones, laptop computers, and the Internet are technological innovations that have significantly impacted how managers perform their duties, making "technological" the correct answer.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is not true?

Accepted Answer

Administrative management focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization as a whole rather than on the productivity of the individual. This approach is more concerned with establishing guidelines and processes for the organization to operate smoothly.

Question 20

The __________ perspective had its roots in the management experiences that were occurring in the rapidly expanding manufacturing organizations that typified U.S. and European industrialization.

Accepted Answer

The classical perspective is the correct answer because it emerged during the period of industrial revolution when there was a need for systematic management approaches to handle the complexities of expanding manufacturing organizations in the U.S. and Europe. This perspective focuses on the efficiency, productivity, and structure of organizations, which were key concerns during the rapid industrialization era.

Quiz 2: Evolution of Management Thought

The contingency perspective asserts that managers are responsible for determining which managerial approach is likely to be most effective in a given situation.

Small-batch technology is typified by workers who produce custom-made products in relatively small quantities.

William Ouchi identified and described three different types of technology: small-batch technology, mass-production technology, and continuous-process technology.

Oil refineries, flour mills, and chemical processors utilize continuous-process technology.

Technological advances in information processing make the largest contributions to the areas of human behavior.

Since diversity is now commonplace in most organizations, future managers need not be concerned with this issue.

In the future, cultural, racial, and gender diversity will have a huge influence on management thinking.

Which of the following statements is not true?

Economic influences relate to the availability, production, and distribution of __________ within a society.

__________ influences are illustrated by Home Depot's monitoring of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and its subsequent distribution of such scarce resources as plywood and emergency generators to cities along its projected path.

__________ influences relate to the aspects of a culture that influence interpersonal relationships.

Work stoppages and strikes are examples of __________ phenomena that have influenced management thought.

Empowered workers at Harley Davidson were one of the key factors that contributed to the dramatic resurgence of the company despite the fierce competition from Japanese motorcycles. These workers represent a/an __________ influence.

__________ factors influence management thought related to the impact of political institutions on individuals and organizations.

When Congress addresses the minimum wage and workplace safety standards of organizations, it is exemplifying its __________ influence on management thought.

Practices such as CAD, CAM, and CIM represent which type of influence on management thought?

Many new innovations have had an effect on how managers view their jobs. Examples include cellular phones, laptop computers, and the Internet. These innovations are examples of __________ influences on management thought.

Which of the following statements is not true?

The __________ perspective had its roots in the management experiences that were occurring in the rapidly expanding manufacturing organizations that typified U.S. and European industrialization.