Question 1

Ill-defined problems require a non-programmed decision process.

Accepted Answer

Ill-defined problems are those that do not have a clear solution or path to a solution. These types of problems require a non-programmed decision process, which involves creative thinking and problem solving skills to find a solution. Programmed decision processes are used for well-defined problems that have clear and structured solutions.

Question 2

Our mental models of the world can prevent us from recognizing emerging problems in the workplace.

Accepted Answer

Our mental models are based on preconceived notions and beliefs that we have formed about the world around us. These mental models can be useful in helping us navigate our way through familiar situations, but they can also prevent us from recognizing emerging problems in the workplace. This is because our mental models can cause us to be resistant to change and new ideas, which can make it difficult for us to adapt to new situations and to recognize emerging problems.

Question 3

The decision maker's emotions play an important role in his or her identification of a problem or opportunity.

Accepted Answer

The decision maker's emotions can influence their perception of a problem or opportunity and shape their decision-making process. Emotions can affect how a decision maker frames and interprets information, as well as their willingness to take risks or seek out new opportunities. Therefore, understanding the role of emotions in decision-making is crucial for effective problem-solving and opportunity identification.

Question 4

If employee goals and norms conflict with the organization's goals,then:
A) employees should make most decisions in the organization.
B) employees should be invited to make recommendations on important ideas, which are almost always accepted by management.
C) employees should never be involved in organizational decisions.
D) employees should have a low level of employee involvement.
E) employees should belong to self-directed work teams.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If employee goals and norms conflict with...

Question 5

According to bounded rationality theory,people make better decisions when their perceptions are "bounded" or framed by past experience.

Accepted Answer

Bounded rationality theory suggests that individuals make decisions with limited information, time, and cognitive processing ability, rather than making better decisions when their perceptions are framed by past experience. It highlights the constraints on human decision-making rather than the enhancement of decision quality through experience.

Question 6

Bounded rationality adopts the main assumptions of the rational choice paradigm of decision making.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Bounded rationality adopts the main assumptions of...

Question 7

The last step in the rational decision-making model is to evaluate the decision outcomes.

Accepted Answer

The last step in the rational decision-making model is to evaluate the decision outcomes. This involves measuring the success of the decision and considering if any adjustments need to be made for future decisions.

Question 8

One reason why the problem identification stage is imperfect is that various stakeholders try to "frame" the decision maker's view of the situation.

Accepted Answer

Various stakeholders may have different perspectives and interests, and may try to present the problem in a way that supports their own preferences or goals. This can influence how the decision maker understands and approaches the problem.

Question 9

The textbook argues that problem identification is usually the least important step in the rational choice paradigm.

Accepted Answer

The textbook argues that problem identification is usually the most important step in the rational choice paradigm because it establishes the need for decision-making and sets the stage for the rest of the process.

Question 10

The rational choice paradigm states that effective decision makers begin at any step in the model.

Accepted Answer

The rational choice paradigm suggests that effective decision makers follow a structured and sequential process, typically starting with the identification of a problem, then moving through steps such as identifying decision criteria, weighing those criteria, generating alternatives, evaluating the alternatives, and finally choosing the best alternative.

Question 11

If a decision maker encounters the same problem several times,he or she can increasingly rely on non-programmed decision routines to solve the problem.

Accepted Answer

Nonprogrammed decisions are used for new, unstructured and complex problems, whereas programmed decisions are used for routine, repetitive problems. As a decision maker encounters the same problem multiple times, they would rely more on programmed decision routines.

Question 12

Decision making is an unconscious process of moving toward a desirable state of affairs.

Accepted Answer

Decision making involves a conscious process of evaluating options and selecting the most appropriate action or choice. It may involve consideration of past experiences, current circumstances, and future consequences. While subconscious factors may influence decision making, it is ultimately a conscious process.

Question 13

Subjective expected utility refers to how much the selected alternative benefits or satisfies the decision maker.

Accepted Answer

Subjective expected utility is a measure of the satisfaction or benefit that a decision maker expects to obtain from a particular alternative. It is a subjective measure based on the decision maker's individual preferences and beliefs.

Question 14

Employees probably should not make the decision alone (without the manager's involvement)when:
A) their goals and norms conflict with the organization's objectives.
B) they lack commitment to decisions made by the boss alone.
C) they possess more knowledge than the manager.
D) employees are likely to disagree with each other regarding the preferred solution.
E) the problem calls for a nonprogrammed decision.

Accepted Answer

If employees' goals and norms conflict with the organization's objectives, it can lead to negative consequences for the company. In such situations, it is important for the manager to be involved in the decision-making process to ensure alignment between employee decision-making and organizational objectives.

Question 15

Decision makers have a need to reduce uncertainty,so they tend to focus on solutions before fully understanding the problem.

Accepted Answer

This is a common tendency among decision makers as they feel pressure to take action and find a solution quickly. However, it is important for decision makers to fully understand and define the problem before trying to solve it in order to make effective decisions.

Question 16

Decision makers can discover blind spots in problem identification by discussing the situation with other people.

Accepted Answer

Discussing a situation with other people can help decision makers gain different perspectives and uncover blind spots in problem identification.

Question 17

A higher rather than lower level of employee involvement is preferable when:
A) management and employees possess the same information regarding the problem.
B) the problem relates to a nonprogrammed decision.
C) employees goals and norms conflict with the organization's objectives.
D) employees are likely to disagree with each other regarding the preferred solution.
E) all of these conditions exist.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A higher rather than lower level of...

Question 18

Decision structure,risk of conflict,and decision commitment are:
A) three conditions required for bounded rationality.
B) factors that support implicit favourites.
C) contingencies of employee involvement.
D) causes of escalating commitment.
E) constraints of team decision making.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Decision structure,risk of conflict,and decision commitment are:
A)...

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT explicitly identified as a contingency of employee involvement?
A) Divergent thinking
B) Decision structure
C) Decision commitment
D) Risk of conflict
E) Source of decision knowledge

Accepted Answer

Divergent thinking is not explicitly identified as a contingency of employee involvement. The other options, decision structure, decision commitment, risk of conflict, and source of decision knowledge are all contingencies that can affect the success of employee involvement programs.

Question 20

The decision-making process is more effective when problems are defined in terms of their solutions.

Accepted Answer

Defining problems in terms of their solutions can limit creativity and overlook potential underlying issues, making the decision-making process less effective by constraining the exploration of alternative solutions.

Quiz 7: Decision Making and Creativity