Organizational Behavior Ultimate Questions: Quiz

The given statement is true. Leadership style refers to the way in which a leader uses their powers and influences to achieve goals. It is the manner and approach that a leader adopts in their leadership role. Different leaders may have different styles, such as autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire, which determine how they interact with their team and make decisions. Leadership style plays a crucial role in determining the success and effectiveness of a leader in achieving their goals.

The given statement defines leadership as the utilization of power and influence to guide followers towards achieving goals. This definition aligns with the commonly accepted understanding of leadership, where leaders motivate and direct their team members to work together towards a common objective. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.

Organizational culture refers to the collective understanding and awareness of the rules, norms, and values that influence the attitudes and behaviors of employees within a company. It is a shared knowledge that shapes the overall environment and working dynamics within an organization. Therefore, the statement "Organizational culture is the shared social knowledge within an organization regarding the rules, norms, and values that shape the attitudes and behaviors of its employees" is true.

Influence refers to the ability to affect or change the attitudes, behaviors, or decisions of others. It involves using actual behaviors or actions to bring about these changes. Therefore, the statement that influence is the use of an actual behavior that causes behavioral or attitudinal changes in others is true.

The given statement describes a culture that values stereotypically male traits such as assertiveness and the acquisition of money and things. This aligns with the concept of masculinity in Hofstede's Dimensions of Cultural Values. Masculinity refers to a culture that values competitiveness, achievement, and material success.

The aspects of Extroversion are characterized by being outgoing, talkative, and sociable. These traits indicate a preference for social interaction and being comfortable in group settings. Individuals who possess these qualities tend to enjoy being around others, engaging in conversations, and participating in social activities.

Influence can be seen as directional because it involves one person or entity exerting their power or persuasion over another person or entity. It implies that there is a flow or movement of influence from one source to another, indicating a directionality in the process.

The given statement suggests that the culture values traits that are typically associated with femininity, such as caring for others and caring about the quality of life. This aligns with Hofstede's dimension of femininity, which refers to societies that prioritize cooperation, nurturing, and quality of life over competition and assertiveness. Therefore, the correct answer is femininity.

This statement defines power as the capability to influence the behavior of others and to resist any unwanted influence in return. This definition implies that power involves having control or authority over others and the ability to protect oneself from being influenced by others. Therefore, the statement is true.

The aspects of Agreeableness include being trusting, good natured, and cooperative. These traits reflect a person's tendency to be warm, friendly, and accommodating in their interactions with others. Being trusting means having faith in others and believing that they have good intentions. Good natured individuals are generally kind-hearted and pleasant to be around. Cooperative individuals are willing to work together and collaborate with others towards a common goal. These traits contribute to maintaining positive relationships and fostering a harmonious social environment.

A personality with higher extraversion would fit better in a consulting firm because they are team-oriented, people-oriented, and value cooperation. Consulting firms often require collaboration and working closely with clients and colleagues. Individuals with higher extraversion tend to be outgoing, sociable, and enjoy interacting with others, making them well-suited for building relationships and effectively working in teams. They thrive in environments that emphasize teamwork and cooperation, which are common in consulting firms.

Task interdependence refers to the degree to which team members interact with and rely on other team members for the information, materials, and resources needed to accomplish work for the team. This means that team members need to collaborate and depend on each other to complete their tasks successfully. Therefore, the statement "True" is correct as it accurately describes the concept of task interdependence.

This statement describes a culture where people prioritize the well-being of the broader ingroup and are loyal to it. This indicates a collectivist cultural value, as collectivism emphasizes the importance of group harmony, interdependence, and cooperation. In collectivist cultures, individuals are expected to prioritize the needs and goals of the group over their own individual needs and goals.

The correct answer is "Uses computers to hold large meetings of up to 50 people". This option describes electronic meetings, where participants use computers to connect and communicate with each other in a virtual environment. This allows for large meetings to take place without the need for physical presence, enabling collaboration and decision-making among a large group of individuals.

This answer suggests that people's misfortunes are a result of the mistakes they make, indicating an internal locus of control. This means that individuals believe they have control over their own actions and outcomes. They take responsibility for their mistakes and believe that their own choices and decisions influence the outcomes they experience.

The given statement suggests that the culture accepts and acknowledges the unequal distribution of power within organizations. This indicates a high power distance, where there is a clear hierarchy and individuals in higher positions have more authority and control. In such cultures, people generally respect and obey those in power without questioning their decisions or challenging their authority.

The correct answer is "Internal" because it suggests that success is determined by an individual's own efforts and actions rather than external factors such as luck. This implies that those with an internal locus of control believe they have control over their own destiny and are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and strive for success through hard work and determination.

The correct answer is "act as individuals or as members of groups." This dimension refers to how individuals in a society prioritize their own interests versus the interests of the group. In individualistic cultures, people tend to prioritize personal goals, independence, and individual rights. In collectivist cultures, people prioritize the goals and well-being of the group or community and value cooperation, harmony, and interdependence. This dimension helps to understand cultural differences in terms of individual autonomy and the importance of social connections and obligations.

Masculinity vs. Femininity refers to the extent to which a society values traditionally masculine or feminine traits. It is about the roles and expectations associated with gender. This dimension explores the preference for assertiveness, competitiveness, and achievement (masculine) versus nurturing, cooperation, and quality of life (feminine). It is not directly related to power inequalities, individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, or time orientation.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation refers to the extent to which a society values long-term planning and future-oriented thinking versus short-term gratification and tradition. The answer "looking to the future vs. looking to the past and present" aligns with this dimension as it highlights the cultural value of prioritizing future goals and aspirations over past traditions and present circumstances. This dimension reflects the degree to which a society values perseverance, thrift, and long-term planning for future success.

The given answer is true because Cialdini's 6 Principles of Influence are indeed Reciprocity, Commitment & Consistency, Scarcity, Social Validation, Liking, and Authority/Expertise. These principles are based on psychological principles that explain how people are influenced and persuaded in various situations. Understanding and utilizing these principles can be effective in influencing others and achieving desired outcomes.

The given answer is Long-Term because it states that the culture emphasizes future-oriented values such as persistence, prudence, and thrift. This indicates a focus on long-term planning and delayed gratification, which aligns with the characteristics of a long-term orientation.

This question is asking about the concept of external and internal locus of control. Locus of control refers to an individual's belief about the extent to which they have control over their own lives. In this context, the statement "Many times exam questions tend to be so unrelated to course work that studying is really useless" suggests that the individual believes that external factors, such as the nature of the exam questions, have a significant impact on their performance rather than their own efforts or abilities. Therefore, the correct answer is "External," indicating that the person has an external locus of control.

Uncertainty Avoidance refers to the extent to which a society or culture feels uncomfortable with ambiguity, uncertainty, and ambiguity. It is the tendency to avoid unknown or unpredictable situations and to create rules and structures to minimize uncertainty. This is reflected in the answer "Avoiding uncertainty/ambiguity" as it directly relates to the concept of uncertainty avoidance. The other options mentioned in the question, such as acceptance of power inequalities, individualism vs. collectivism, and future vs. past orientation, are not directly related to uncertainty avoidance.

The correct answer is "External." This answer suggests that getting a good job is believed to depend mainly on external factors such as being in the right place at the right time. This implies that individuals with an external locus of control believe that their outcomes are determined by external forces beyond their control, rather than their own abilities or efforts.

Power Distance refers to the degree to which a society accepts and expects power inequalities in institutions and organizations. It reflects the extent to which individuals in a society are comfortable with hierarchy and authority. This dimension measures how much individuals in a culture accept and respect authority, and how they perceive power and status differences between people. A high power distance culture values and respects authority, follows a hierarchical structure, and accepts unequal distribution of power, whereas a low power distance culture values equality, promotes participative decision-making, and challenges authority.

This statement is true because these traits and abilities are commonly associated with effective leadership. Extraversion is linked to being outgoing and assertive, which can help leaders communicate and motivate others. Conscientiousness refers to being organized and responsible, traits that are important for planning and decision-making. Openness to new ideas and experiences can enable leaders to be innovative and adaptable. Emotional intelligence, specifically empathy, allows leaders to understand and connect with their team members, fostering trust and collaboration. General mental ability, which encompasses cognitive skills, is essential for problem-solving and strategic thinking. Therefore, all of these traits and abilities contribute to effective leadership.

The given statement is true. Organizational culture serves four major functions. Firstly, it establishes boundaries by defining what is acceptable behavior within the organization. Secondly, it helps in creating a sense of identity and belonging among the employees. Thirdly, it fosters commitment by aligning the values and goals of the organization with those of the employees. Lastly, it provides stability by creating a consistent and predictable environment for the employees.

There is a general mental ability —
sometimes called g or the g factor.

This statement is suggesting that the given list of superficial markers of authority are indeed surprising. It implies that people might assume someone with a deep, assertive voice, graying hair, eyeglasses, a suit or uniform, a British accent, attractiveness, or height to be authoritative, even though these characteristics do not necessarily indicate true authority.

The correct answer is "Gives personal attention and treats each employee individually." This is because individual consideration refers to the leader's ability to give personal attention to each employee and treat them as individuals. This involves understanding their unique needs, strengths, and weaknesses, and providing guidance and support accordingly. This approach helps to build trust, respect, and a positive relationship between the leader and the employees.

The aspects of Neuroticism are characterized by being not relaxed, unsecure, and worried. Neurotic individuals tend to experience more negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, and sadness. They may also have a tendency to overreact to stressful situations and have difficulty in managing their emotions. This is in contrast to individuals who are more relaxed, secure, and not prone to excessive worry.

The correct answer is "External" because the statement suggests a belief in the external locus of control. This means that the person believes that external factors, such as those in power, have control over their life and there is little they can do to change it. This contrasts with an internal locus of control, where individuals believe they have control over their own actions and outcomes.

Work specialization refers to the degree to which tasks in an organization are divided into separate jobs. This means that different tasks and responsibilities are assigned to different individuals or departments based on their skills and expertise. Work specialization helps in increasing efficiency and productivity as individuals can focus on specific tasks and become experts in their respective areas. It also allows for better coordination and division of labor within the organization.

The given statement suggests that in this culture, people prioritize taking care of themselves and their immediate family. This reflects the values of individualism, where individuals are encouraged to be independent and self-reliant. In individualistic cultures, personal goals and achievements are highly valued, and there is less emphasis on collective goals or group harmony.

It is all relative.

Scarcity is the principle where people perceive something as more valuable and desirable when it is limited or in short supply. When a resource becomes scarce, our perception of its value increases, even if it may not actually deserve that level of importance. This principle suggests that people are more likely to comply with requests or make a purchase when they believe that the opportunity is rare or time-limited. By creating a sense of scarcity, individuals or businesses can influence others to take action and make decisions quickly.

Goal interdependence refers to the situation when team members have a shared vision of the team's goal and align their individual goals with that vision as a result. This means that team members understand and are committed to achieving the same overarching goal, and they actively work towards aligning their personal goals and actions with the team's goal. This type of interdependence fosters collaboration, cooperation, and a sense of unity within the team, leading to increased effectiveness and success in achieving the desired outcomes.

The correct answer is "Internal" because it suggests that the reason people are lonely is because they don't make an effort to be friendly. This implies that individuals have control over their own actions and behaviors, and that their level of social interaction is dependent on their own choices and efforts. This aligns with the concept of an internal locus of control, where individuals believe that they have control over their own lives and outcomes.

The given statement describes a culture that feels threatened by uncertain and ambiguous situations and relies on formal rules to create stability. This indicates a high level of uncertainty avoidance. In such cultures, there is a strong preference for structure, rules, and regulations to minimize uncertainty and ensure predictability. This can be seen in societies where there is a strong emphasis on adherence to laws, regulations, and established norms.

The correct answer is "Members meet face-to-face and rely on verbal and nonverbal communication." This option describes the interacting technique, where team members physically gather together and communicate through both spoken words and nonverbal cues. This technique allows for direct interaction and exchange of ideas among team members, promoting collaboration and active participation in decision-making.

Brainstorming is an idea-generating process that is designed to overcome pressure for conformity. It involves members meeting face-to-face and relying on verbal and nonverbal communication to generate ideas. The goal of brainstorming is to encourage creativity and free thinking by allowing individuals to share their ideas without judgment or criticism. By creating an open and non-judgmental environment, brainstorming aims to generate a wide range of ideas and perspectives, ultimately leading to better decision-making.

Intellectual stimulation refers to the leader's ability to promote intelligence, rationality, and careful problem-solving among their employees. This involves encouraging critical thinking, challenging assumptions, and fostering an environment where innovative ideas are valued. It is different from charisma, vision setting, communicating high expectations, and providing personal attention.

Sequential interdependence refers to a situation where different tasks need to be completed in a specific order, and the interaction between team members only occurs between those who perform tasks that are next to each other in the sequence. This means that each task is dependent on the completion of the previous task, and the output of each task is passed on to the next task in the sequence. This type of interdependence requires coordination and interaction, but to a lesser extent compared to other types of interdependence.

The correct answer is "External". This is because the statement suggests that many of the unhappy things in people's lives are caused by factors outside of their control, such as bad luck. This aligns with the concept of an external locus of control, where individuals believe that external forces or circumstances have a significant influence on events and outcomes in their lives.

The correct answer is "Answers the question of 'who reports to whom?' and signifies formal authority relationships." This option refers to the concept of chain of command, which is the hierarchy of authority in an organization. It determines the reporting relationships and formal lines of authority within the organization.

The given statement suggests that the culture prefers a more egalitarian distribution of power, indicating a lower power distance. In cultures with low power distance, there is a belief in equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, and there is less emphasis on hierarchical structures and authority. This means that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups, but rather distributed more evenly among the members of society.

The well-prepared student believes that their success or failure on a test is determined by their own efforts and abilities, rather than external factors such as the fairness of the test. They have an internal locus of control, meaning they feel in control of their own outcomes. This suggests that they take responsibility for their performance and believe that they have the power to influence their own success.

The correct answer is about the principle of Authority/Expertise. This principle states that people are more likely to be persuaded by someone who has more status or expertise, regardless of the strength of their arguments. This means that individuals tend to trust and comply with requests from those who are perceived as knowledgeable or authoritative in a particular field. The expertise and credibility of the person play a significant role in influencing others, even if their arguments may not be the most compelling.

Agentic State Theory suggests that individuals may experience a shift in their behavior when they perceive themselves as agents who are acting on behalf of an authority figure. This theory proposes that a lack of sense of responsibility can lead to obedience, as individuals may feel less accountable for their actions and more inclined to follow orders without questioning or taking personal responsibility for the consequences. This lack of responsibility can make individuals more susceptible to conforming to authority figures, even if their actions may go against their own moral values or judgment.