Updated Supervision 14
Which of the following is a cause of stress linked to the workplace involving the organization's work environment? A) Job insecurity B) Vague or conflicting expectations C) Poor ergonomics D) Hectic pace
C) Poor ergonomics
As the night manager of a large-volume grocery store, Joe never seemed to have enough time to do all his tasks. He decided to try to do a better job of planning by recording the activities that must take place at a set time, prioritizing those activities, scheduling the most challenging and important activities during his most productive times, and scheduling some free time to think and possibly do some less important tasks. Joe is preparing: A) a "to do" list. B) a time log. C) a progress report. D) biofeedback information.
A) a "to do" list.
Which of the following is the second stage of a burnout? A) The employee typically cannot make decisions. B) The employee's perceptions of others become calloused. C) The employee criticizes himself/herself excessively for mistakes made. D) The employee views his/her effectiveness adequately.
B) The employee's perceptions of others become calloused.
Which personality type would try to get more and more done in less and less time? A) Type B personality B) Type A personality C) Type Y personality D) Type X personality
B) Type A personality
Your boss is completing a sheet of paper that has the date at the top, with four columns below with the headings, "Time", "Activity", "Others Involved", and "Location" respectively. Your boss is filling: A) a pink slip. B) a time log. C) a wellness program evaluation form. D) a biofeedback form.
B) a time log.
Nat schedules the employees of a print shop that is open 24 hours a day. Recently, two of his senior employees had a tiff since each of them wanted both Friday and Saturday nights off to go out with their girlfriends. Nat gave one employee Friday nights off and the other employee Saturday nights off. Which of the following strategies is Nat using to manage conflict? A) Avoiding B) Smoothing C) Compromise D) Grievance redressal
C) Compromise
Which of the following is a cause of stress linked to the workplace involving the organization's work environment? A) Job insecurity B) Vague or conflicting expectations C) Poor ergonomics D) Hectic pace
C) Poor ergonomics
_____ often involves discussing and processing current life stressors in a confidential manner. A) Biofeedback B) Meditation C) Psychotherapy D) Procrastination
C) Psychotherapy
Which of the following is a guideline that supervisors may use in implementing change? A) Keep reasons for change confidential B) Reassure employees by hiding bad news C) Roll out the change gradually D) Implement change without employee involvement
C) Roll out the change gradually
Which of the following is a guideline that supervisors may use in implementing change? A) Keep reasons for change confidential B) Reassure employees by hiding bad news C) Roll out the change gradually D) Implement change without employee involvement
C) Roll out the change gradually
Personality traits that describe someone who has varied interests is known as a: A) Type X personality. B) Type Y personality. C) Type B personality. D) Type A personality.
C) Type B personality.
Which of the following is a reason for structural conflict? A) Difficulty in balancing one's roles at work and at home B) Variety in employees' values and opinions C) Various groups in an organization share resources D) Using competition to motivate employees to do exceptional work
C) Various groups in an organization share resources
Changing the statement, "I'll never get the hang of this job", to "This job is difficult, but I'll learn how to do it better", is an example of: A) procrastination. B) biofeedback. C) a positive attitude. D) perfectionism.
C) a positive attitude
A test that measures whether the person has the skills needed to perform a job is called a(n): A) psychomotor test. B) aptitude test. C) proficiency test. D) personality test.
C) proficiency test
The first step in initiating conflict resolution is: A) listening to the solution. B) restating the problem. C) understanding the conflict. D) attempting to place blame.
C) understanding the conflict.
Intentional acts of influence to enhance or protect the self-interest of individuals or groups are called: A) role conflicts. B) strategic conflicts. C) hidden agendas. D) organizational politics.
D) organizational politics.
Which of the following is true about conflict between work and family demands? A) Employees try to balance work and family instead of choosing one over the other. B) Many companies realize that there is labor supply shortage and have begun to adopt family-friendly policies and values. C) The majority of organizations demand 40 hours per week or less to maintain a high-powered career. D) Work always takes precedence over family demands.
A) Employees try to balance work and family instead of choosing one over the other.
When initiating conflict resolution, the supervisor should: A) act as soon as he/she is aware of the problem. B) ignore it at first; it may go away. C) allow his/her emotions to enter the conflict to gain a better understanding of the problem. D) focus on the personalities of those involved.
A) act as soon as he/she is aware of the problem.
Developing an awareness of bodily functions in order to control them is called: A) biofeedback. B) stress management. C) time management. D) burnout.
A) biofeedback.
Developing an awareness of bodily functions in order to control them is called: A) biofeedback. B) stress management. C) time management. D) burnout.
A) biofeedback.
Power that arises from possessing valuable data is called: A) information power. B) expert power. C) legitimate power. D) coercive power.
A) information power
Power that arises from an individual's formal role in an organization is: A) position power. B) personal power. C) physical power. D) legitimate power.
A) position power.
The process of putting off what needs to be done is called: A) procrastination. B) laziness. C) prejudice. D) indifference.
A) procrastination.
Mark, a supervisor in a company, is friendly with his co-workers and gets a lot done through them. Which of the following is he using to build a power base? A) Hanging around with greedy, pushy, or unethical co-workers B) Developing alliances with others in the organization C) Seeking control over resources D) Establishing a close relationship with the manager
B) Developing alliances with others in the organization
Which of the following activities is likely to follow immediately after you record all the activities that must occur at a set time? A) Scheduling the most challenging and important activities for the times of day when you are at your best B) Finding time for your remaining A-level activities C) Learning to use the calendar or scheduling tools built into your computer operating system D) Scheduling time solely for doing, not for thinking alone
B) Finding time for your remaining A-level activities
Which of the following is an example of an academic reference? A) Reference provided by former employers verifying an applicant's work history B) Reference provided by professors regarding an applicant's performance in school C) Reference provided by former colleagues verifying an applicant's character D) Reference provided by friends substantiating an applicant's job performance
B) Reference provided by professors regarding an applicant's performance in school
The last stage of the selection process involves: A) conducting employment tests. B) conducting physical examinations. C) interviewing the job candidates. D) making the selection decision.
B) conducting physical examinations
The struggle that results from incompatible or opposing needs, feelings, thoughts, or demands within a person or between two or more people is known as: A) competition. B) conflict. C) frustration. D) crusade.
B) conflict.
The struggle that results from incompatible or opposing needs, feelings, thoughts, or demands within a person or between two or more people is known as: A) competition. B) conflict. C) frustration. D) crusade.
B) conflict.
In the process of selecting a candidate for a job, the _____ is most likely to do the initial screening. A) supervisor B) human resources department C) line manager D) disciplinary committee
B) human resources department
Conflict between individuals is called: A) structural conflict. B) interpersonal conflict. C) organizational conflict. D) intrapersonal conflict.
B) interpersonal conflict.
Conflict between individuals is called: A) structural conflict. B) interpersonal conflict. C) organizational conflict. D) intrapersonal conflict.
B) interpersonal conflict.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973: A) prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of age against people over 40 years old, provided the job does not involve much physical activity. B) makes it illegal to refuse a job to a disabled person because of the disability, if the disability does not interfere with the person's ability to do the job. C) makes it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. D) protects disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam War, and requires federal contractors to make special efforts to recruit these people.
B) makes it illegal to refuse a job to a disabled person because of the disability, if the disability does not interfere with the person's ability to do the job.
Lewin's model of change defines unfreezing as: A) people reverting to old practices. B) people recognizing a need for change. C) people trying to behave differently. D) people making the new behavior permanent.
B) people recognizing a need for change.
The ability to influence people to behave in a certain way is called: A) conflict resolution. B) power. C) nepotism. D) unethical leadership.
B) power.
The ability to influence people to behave in a certain way is called: A) conflict resolution. B) power. C) nepotism. D) unethical leadership.
B) power.
Schedule time for thinking, not solely for doing, as creative processes require time for: A) recognition. B) reflection. C) listing. D) recalling.
B) reflection
Schedule time for thinking, not solely for doing, as creative processes require time for: A) recognition. B) reflection. C) listing. D) recalling.
B) reflection.
Time management is: A) focusing on only those activities that get the best results. B) the practice of controlling the way you use time. C) ensuring that only the most essential things are done. D) recording all of one's activities.
B) the practice of controlling the way you use time.
Time management is: A) focusing on only those activities that get the best results. B) the practice of controlling the way you use time. C) ensuring that only the most essential things are done. D) recording all of one's activities.
B) the practice of controlling the way you use time.
According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a person who is logical, analytical, and driven by objective values is a: A) sensor. B) thinker. C) perceiver. D) feeler.
B) thinker
Nat schedules the employees of a print shop that is open 24 hours a day. Recently, two of his senior employees had a tiff since each of them wanted both Friday and Saturday nights off to go out with their girlfriends. Nat gave one employee Friday nights off and the other employee Saturday nights off. Which of the following strategies is Nat using to manage conflict? A) Avoiding B) Smoothing C) Compromise D) Grievance redressal
C) Compromise
Bob is a newly-appointed manager who has difficulty completing the points to be discussed in his group meetings. Which of the following would help him do a better job? A) Ensuring the meeting starts only after everyone has arrived for it. B) Making sure there is no ending time for the meeting. C) Reminding participants politely about the subject at hand, if the discussion veers off course. D) Scheduling the meeting for a later date when everyone is relatively free.
C) Reminding participants politely about the subject at hand, if the discussion veers off course.
Supervisor James wanted his part-time crew in the night shift to work harder, so he transferred his most hardworking night-shift worker, Mary, to the day shift, which she had been wanting for a long time. James has used which type of power to reinforce hard work? A) Connection power B) Supervisory power C) Reward power D) Referent power
C) Reward power
In the context of interviewing a candidate, which of the following is true? A) The interviewer should start off an interview by intimidating the candidates so that they give their best. B) The interviewer should ideally include questions about the candidate's age, sex, race, and marital status for an inclusive analysis. C) To prepare for an interview, the interviewer should review the job description and develop a realistic way to describe the job to the candidates. D) The interviewer should arrange for a structured interview if he desires more flexibility and does not want to stick to a standard set of questions.
C) To prepare for an interview, the interviewer should review the job description and develop a realistic way to describe the job to the candidates.
Personality traits that describe someone who has varied interests is known as a: A) Type X personality. B) Type Y personality. C) Type B personality. D) Type A personality.
C) Type B personality.
Managing a conflict by confronting the problem and solving it is known as: A) compromise. B) forcing. C) conflict resolution. D) consolidation.
C) conflict resolution.
Managing a conflict by confronting the problem and solving it is known as: A) compromise. B) forcing. C) conflict resolution. D) consolidation.
C) conflict resolution.
Matilda decides to record her activities, hour by hour, throughout the school day. This practice describes a person who: A) is going to have a burnout. B) has a Type A personality. C) maintains a time log. D) keeps an activities log.
C) maintains a time log
Matilda decides to record her activities, hour by hour, throughout the school day. This practice describes a person who: A) is going to have a burnout. B) has a Type A personality. C) maintains a time log. D) keeps an activities log.
C) maintains a time log.
Since change is a fact of organizational life, supervisors: A) must decide whether organizations should change. B) should not be change agents since only top management makes changes. C) must decide how to make the changes work. D) must tactfully refer the problem to higher-level managers.
C) must decide how to make the changes work.
Since change is a fact of organizational life, supervisors: A) must decide whether organizations should change. B) should not be change agents since only top management makes changes. C) must decide how to make the changes work. D) must tactfully refer the problem to higher-level managers.
C) must decide how to make the changes work.
With regard to the most common time wasters, the attempt to do things thoroughly and precisely is known as: A) delegation. B) procrastination. C) perfectionism. D) time management.
C) perfectionism.
Stuart had an "open door" policy for his employees and their problems. However, he was also aware of how this policy could be abused to waste time. Therefore, when one of his employees came into his office to discuss her recent European vacation, Stuart would have most likely responded by: A) listening attentively. B) calling a departmental meeting to hear about this topic. C) saying, "Let's have lunch together, so you can tell me all about it." D) asking her to write about it and submit it to the company's weekly newsletter.
C) saying, "Let's have lunch together, so you can tell me all about it."
Which of the following is a basic approach that supervisors can take to reduce stress in the workplace? A) Assign a single, complex task. B) Give employees total control over decisions and work processes. C) Make fixed policies and procedures. D) Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
D) Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
Which of the following is a permissible question that an interviewer can ask a candidate during a job interview? A) What is the candidate's maiden name? B) Has the candidate ever changed his/her name? C) What is the candidate's preferred courtesy title? D) Has the candidate ever worked under another name?
D) Has the candidate ever worked under another name?
Which of the following falls under the category of a B-level activity? A) John has a report to be finished in the next three hours. B) Maria has a report to be done in the next five hours. C) Sheila has to fill her personal diary. D) Max has to fill his blog for his alumni association.
D) Max has to fill his blog for his alumni association.
Which of the following falls under the category of a B-level activity? A) John has a report to be finished in the next three hours. B) Maria has a report to be done in the next five hours. C) Sheila has to fill her personal diary. D) Max has to fill his blog for his alumni association.
D) Max has to fill his blog for his alumni association.
To control your use of time, you must be able to say no when appropriate. Which of the following tips is most appropriate? A) Ask the person not to bother you as you are busy. B) Do not set a specific time frame for taking part. C) Remind the person that he/she must learn to manage time properly. D) Put a time limit on your participation.
D) Put a time limit on your participation.
To control your use of time, you must be able to say no when appropriate. Which of the following tips is most appropriate? A) Ask the person not to bother you as you are busy. B) Do not set a specific time frame for taking part. C) Remind the person that he/she must learn to manage time properly. D) Put a time limit on your participation.
D) Put a time limit on your participation.
Legitimate power: A) arises from fear related to the use of force. B) arises from a person's knowledge or skills. C) comes from the emotions a person inspires. D) comes from the position a person holds.
D) comes from the position a person holds.
Legitimate power: A) arises from fear related to the use of force. B) arises from a person's knowledge or skills. C) comes from the emotions a person inspires. D) comes from the position a person holds.
D) comes from the position a person holds.
A record of what activities a person is doing hour by hour throughout the day is called a(n): A) activities log. B) progress report. C) activities record. D) time log.
D) time log.
Plans designed to increase opportunities for groups that have traditionally been discriminated against are referred to as: A) ethnocracy plans. B) civil rights. C) affirmative action. D) diversity promotion.
C) affirmative action.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers can ask a candidate to undergo a physical examination only: A) before a job offer is made. B) before the formal interview. C) after a job offer is made. D) during the screening process.
C) after a job offer is made.
The inability to function effectively as a result of ongoing stress is called: A) alienation. B) panic attack. C) burnout. D) boredom.
C) burnout.
The inability to function effectively as a result of ongoing stress is called: A) alienation. B) panic attack. C) burnout. D) boredom.
C) burnout.
A _____ is a list of the positions that are vacant in the organization. A) job description B) job scope C) job posting D) job specification
C) job posting
The listing for a systems analyst job states that the job requires the analyst to prepare feasibility studies, program specifications for the system(s), and work with the programming staff. This information is most likely to be a part of the: A) job specification. B) job description. C) code of ethics. D) mission statement.
job description.
Intentional acts of influence to enhance or protect the self-interest of individuals or groups are called: A) role conflicts. B) strategic conflicts. C) hidden agendas. D) organizational politics.
D) organizational politics.
In its general form, this is a practice of focusing your thoughts on something other than day-to-day concerns. A) Biofeedback B) Meditation C) Procrastination D) Burnout
B) Meditation
To propose a change effectively, the supervisor should begin by: A) analyzing it. B) cautiously recommending it. C) convincing top management. D) writing a proposal.
A) analyzing it.
To propose a change effectively, the supervisor should begin by: A) analyzing it. B) cautiously recommending it. C) convincing top management. D) writing a proposal.
A) analyzing it.
Which of the following is an example of a closed-ended question? A) "Will you be comfortable working in the night shift?" B) "How would your past job experience be relevant in this job?" C) "What is your strategy to keep focused on your work?" D) "Why is this job so important to you?"
A) "Will you be comfortable working in the night shift?"
_____ is the ability to manage emotions and interpersonal relationships. A) Emotional intelligence B) Emotional maturity C) Emotional contagion D) Positive discipline
A) Emotional intelligence
The federal government agency that is in charge of enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the: A) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. B) U.S. Department of Labor. C) Affirmative Action Association. D) Immigration Agency.
A) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Which of the following will the loser experience when conflict is viewed as a win-lose proposition? A) Frustration B) Exhilaration C) Satisfaction D) Procrastination
A) Frustration
Which of the following is an example of an employment reference? A) Reference provided by former supervisors verifying an applicant's work history B) Reference provided by professors regarding an applicant's performance in school C) Reference provided by former colleagues verifying an applicant's character D) Reference provided by friends substantiating an applicant's job performance
A) Reference provided by former supervisors verifying an applicant's work history
Which of the following training techniques would be most suitable for training employees in human relations skills such as communicating, resolving conflicts, and working with people of other races? A) Role-playing B) Distance learning C) Computer-based training D) Autogenic training
A) Role-playing
Which of the following is the federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of mental or physical impairments in hiring and promotion? A) The Americans with Disabilities Act B) The Rehabilitation Act C) The Civil Rights Act of 1964 D) The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
A) The Americans with Disabilities Act
Which of the following is a disadvantage typically associated with the graphic rating scale appraisal method? A) The ratings are subjective. B) It is very complicated to handle. C) The ratings are unfair. D) It fails to measure the degree of improvement.
A) The ratings are subjective
Which of the following is a disadvantage typically associated with the graphic rating scale appraisal method? A) The ratings are subjective. B) It is very complicated to handle. C) The ratings are unfair. D) It fails to measure the degree of improvement.
A) The ratings are subjective.
When conducting the appraisal interview, the supervisor should initially: A) attempt to put the employee at ease. B) reprimand the employee for his/her poor performance. C) provoke the employee to act instinctively. D) try to look over the mistakes of the employee.
A) attempt to put the employee at ease.
A performance appraisal method in which the supervisor keeps a record of situations that show positive and negative ways the employee has acted and uses it to assess the employee's performance is known as the: A) critical-incident appraisal. B) checklist appraisal. C) graphic rating scale. D) forced-choice approach.
A) critical-incident appraisal.
A document that describes the company's conditions of employment, policies regarding employees, administrative procedures, and related matters is called a(n): A) employee handbook. B) code of ethics. C) mission statement. D) vision statement.
A) employee handbook.
In large companies, the responsibility for verifying new employees' work authorization usually rests with the: A) human resources department. B) supervisor. C) new employee. D) U.S. government.
A) human resources department.
Training is best defined as the process of: A) increasing the skills that will enable employees to better meet the organization's goals. B) making the transition phase after adjournment of a team as smooth as possible. C) developing objectives that specify how each department will support organizational goals. D) planning what to do if the original plans or objectives set by an organization do not work out.
A) increasing the skills that will enable employees to better meet the organization's goals.
Skills of a person performing a job refers to: A) proficiency in carrying out the tasks in the job description. B) the general enduring capabilities required for carrying out tasks. C) the educational qualification of the person. D) ethical and moral obligations.
A) proficiency in carrying out the tasks in the job description.
Mentoring is best defined as the act of: A) providing guidance, advice, and encouragement through an ongoing one-on-one work relationship. B) delivering training programs via computer-based training aids in the absence of a live instructor. C) introducing new employees to the other staff members so as to put them at ease. D) organizing an orientation session for new employees so as to motivate them to work efficiently.
A) providing guidance, advice, and encouragement through an ongoing one-on-one work relationship.
The last step in the performance appraisal process involves: A) providing remedies or reinforcing performance. B) establishing and communicating performance standards. C) establishing and communicating performance expectations. D) observing and measuring individual performance against standards.
A) providing remedies or reinforcing performance.
While conducting performance appraisals, Mac gives more weight to factors such as a problem the employee caused last week, or to an award the employee just won. This tendency is specifically referred to as the: A) recency syndrome. B) similarity bias. C) proximity bias. D) halo effect.
A) recency syndrome.
Coaching is best defined as the process in which: A) supervisors provide guidance and instruction in how to do a job so that it satisfies performance goals. B) supervisors dictate to employees as to how to increase their productivity. C) employers criticize employees in public so as to prevent the occurrence of any further lapses. D) employees complain to the employers regarding the occurrence of any unethical behavior.
A) supervisors provide guidance and instruction in how to do a job so that it satisfies performance goals.
On-the-job training primarily involves: A) teaching the job while the trainer and the trainee do the job at the work site. B) teaching the tasks related to a job through computer-based training aids without a live instructor. C) conducting a training program before an employee is recruited so as to test his/her potential. D) conducting a classroom training session where the supervisor addresses specific topics.
A) teaching the job while the trainer and the trainee do the job at the work site.
A graphic rating scale is best defined as a performance appraisal: A) that primarily rates the degree to which an employee has achieved various characteristics. B) that primarily measures the relative performance of employees in a group. C) that presents an appraiser with sets of statements describing employee behavior and requires the appraiser to rate the statements. D) in which a supervisor typically keeps a written record of incidents that show positive and negative ways an employee has acted.
A) that primarily rates the degree to which an employee has achieved various characteristics.
A job description is best described as a listing of: A) the characteristics of a job, including the job title, duties involved, and working conditions. B) the permissible questions related to a particular job that an employer can ask in a job interview. C) the required educational and work background, physical characteristics, and personal strengths for a job. D) the possible sources of employees, both inside and outside the organization.
A) the characteristics of a job, including the job title, duties involved, and working conditions.
Which of the following is one of the advantages primarily associated with a performance appraisal? A) It protects employees against discrimination on the basis of race. B) It motivates employees to work on their shortcomings. C) It encourages employees to play the role of the whistle-blower. D) It accurately measures the resources of the firm.
B) It motivates employees to work on their shortcomings.
The halo effect is best defined as: A) the practice of forming an overall opinion on the basis of one outstanding characteristic. B) the practice of grouping together employees who share common interests. C) the phenomenon where group members lose their individuality and give in to group pressure. D) the act of hiring one's own relative for a job in spite of there being more eligible candidates.
A) the practice of forming an overall opinion on the basis of one outstanding characteristic
Interactive multimedia is best defined as: A) the software that brings together sound, video, graphics, animation, and text and adjusts content on the basis of user response. B) the medium of providing instructions through instructor-led classes with the aid of texts and videos. C) the mode of training that allows employees to practice using equipment related to performing particular tasks off the job. D) the software specifically designed for cross-training that involves teaching employees multiple skills so that they can fill in as needed.A) the software that brings together sound, video, graphics, animation, and text and adjusts content on the basis of user response.
A) the software that brings together sound, video, graphics, animation, and text and adjusts content on the basis of user response.
Apprenticeship is best defined as: A) the training that involves working alongside an experienced person, who shows the trainee how to do the various tasks of the job. B) the training that takes place on equipment set up in a special area off the job site. C) the training that involves delivering training programs via computer-based training aids in the absence of a live instructor. D) the off-the-job training method in which specific roles are assigned to the participants.
A) the training that involves working alongside an experienced person, who shows the trainee how to do the various tasks of the job.
Which of the following is an advantage associated with unstructured interviews? A) It makes sure that each interview covers the same material. B) It gives more flexibility to the interviewer. C) It allows the interviewer to ask impermissible questions. D) It allows the interviewer to have a list of questions prepared in advance.
B) It gives more flexibility to the interviewer.
Which of the following is a typical example of an open-ended question? A) "Would you prefer working from home?" B) "What are your views on corporate social responsibility?" C) "Would you have a problem working under a woman supervisor?" D) "Which shift would you prefer to work?"
B) "What are your views on corporate social responsibility?"
Which of the following defines a hidden agenda? A) A list of what has to be done and kept in a safe, locked place B) A central concern that is left unstated C) A method of smoothing D) A situation where a person's feelings are confidentially disclosed
B) A central concern that is left unstated
Which of the following defines a hidden agenda? A) A list of what has to be done and kept in a safe, locked place B) A central concern that is left unstated C) A method of smoothing D) A situation where a person's feelings are confidentially disclosed
B) A central concern that is left unstated
In cultures where people place a higher value on harmony than on "telling it like it is", which of the following strategies are they most likely to implement for managing conflict? A) Forcing B) Avoidance C) Confrontation D) Resolution
B) Avoidance
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a 360-degree feedback method? A) It requires that only the supervisor assess the subordinates. B) It combines assessments from several sources. C) It combines the checklist appraisal and the work-standards approach. D) It is also known as peer review.
B) It combines assessments from several sources.
Which of the following is an advantage associated with employee orientation? A) Reduces the halo effect in an organization B) Reduces nervousness in new employees C) Controls the occurrence of nepotism D) Decreases the costs associated with training
B) Reduces nervousness in new employees
Which of the following is an advantage primarily associated with all forms of computer-based instructions? A) They allow employees to practice using equipments required for a particular task off the job. B) They have a significant cost advantage over other methods when there are many trainees. C) They typically allow employees to work as a team and exchange ideas. D) They make it possible for instructors to track the progress of the learners the moment the instructions are given.
B) They have a significant cost advantage over other methods when there are many trainees.
The major advantage of using BARS is that they: A) prevent a supervisor from saying only positive things about employees. B) can be tailored to the organization's objectives for employees. C) are more subjective than some other approaches. D) do not allow the pay structure to be linked to performance.
B) can be tailored to the organization's objectives for employees.
The primary purpose of holding an appraisal interview should be to: A) allow employees to demand salary increases. B) communicate information about the employee's performance. C) form informal groups so as to improve employee performance. D) sort out the problem of nepotism.
B) communicate information about the employee's performance.
The last stage of the selection process involves: A) conducting employment tests. B) conducting physical examinations. C) interviewing the job candidates. D) making the selection decision.
B) conducting physical examinations.
In the course of the performance appraisal process, the supervisor should ideally start with: A) observing and measuring individual performance against standards. B) establishing and communicating expectations for performance. C) establishing and communicating standards for measuring performance. D) reinforcing performance or providing remedies.
B) establishing and communicating expectations for performance.
The most effective way to overcome the bias resulting from the recency syndrome is to: A) focus on the recent information. B) keep records throughout the year. C) use the employee's co-workers to do the rating. D) use the essay appraisal method.
B) keep records throughout the year.
The behaviorally anchored rating scale is best defined as a performance appraisal: A) method that only marks the degree to which an employee has achieved various characteristics. B) method in which the employee is rated on scales containing statements describing performance in several areas. C) that presents an appraiser with sets of statements describing employee behavior and the appraiser rates the statements. D) in which a supervisor typically keeps a written record of incidents that show positive and negative ways an employee has acted.
B) method in which the employee is rated on scales containing statements describing performance in several areas.
I n the context of conducting an appraisal interview, the supervisor should: A) fill the appraisal form just one hour before the interview to prevent his prejudices from clouding his judgment. B) notify the employees about the appraisal interview ahead of time so that they get the time to think about their performance. C) arrange the interview in an area that is easily accessible to the other employees to increase the transparency of the system. D) discourage the employees from offering any form of feedback as this would only lead to an argument.
B) notify the employees about the appraisal interview ahead of time so that they get the time to think about their performance.
In the context of conducting an appraisal interview, the supervisor should: A) fill the appraisal form just one hour before the interview to prevent his prejudices from clouding his judgment. B) notify the employees about the appraisal interview ahead of time so that they get the time to think about their performance. C) arrange the interview in an area that is easily accessible to the other employees to increase the transparency of the system. D) discourage the employees from offering any form of feedback as this would only lead to an argument.
B) notify the employees about the appraisal interview ahead of time so that they get the time to think about their performance.
The first step in the coaching process involves the supervisor: A) praising the employee. B) observing the employee's performance. C) reprimanding the employee. D) describing the problem.
B) observing the employee's performance.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's general guidelines on performance appraisals, the behaviors or characteristics measured by a performance appraisal should strictly be: A) related to the educational qualification of the employee. B) related to the job and to succeeding on the job. C) based on the company's policies. D) based on an employee's personal views.
B) related to the job and to succeeding on the job.
In the process of selecting candidates for a job, the first step involves: A) interviewing the candidates. B) screening from employment applications and résumés. C) having the candidates undergo a physical exam. D) conducting background and reference checks.
B) screening from employment applications and résumés.
Tim shares his supervisor's views on political issues and also his interest in golf. It is observed that Tim is given an excellent appraisal report even though he deserved only an average. This form of bias is referred to as: A) halo effect. B) similarity bias. C) central tendency. D) harshness bias.
B) similarity bias.
Job specification is best defined as a listing of: A) the characteristics of a job, including the job title, duties involved, and working conditions. B) the characteristics desirable in the person performing a given job, including educational and work background. C) possible sources of employees, both inside and outside the organization. D) the procedures to be used by employees when faced with specific ethical situations.
B) the characteristics desirable in the person performing a given job, including educational and work background.
Cross-training is best defined as: A) the type of off-the-job training that takes place on equipment set up in a special area. B) the type of training in which employees learn to perform more than one job. C) the off-the-job training method in which specific roles are assigned to the participants. D) the training program aimed at strengthening a particular skill and involves working alongside an experienced person.
B) the type of training in which employees learn to perform more than one job.
The most basic way to evaluate training is to measure: A) the theoretical knowledge of each trainee. B) whether the problem addressed by the training is being resolved. C) whether the employees are satisfied with the job. D) the qualification of the trainer.
B) whether the problem addressed by the training is being resolved.
In the context of coaching an employee, when an employee makes a mistake, the supervisor should: A) focus primarily on the perceived deficiencies in the employee's character. B) work with the employee, focusing on solving the problem. C) call for a meeting and reprimand the concerned employee. D) authoritatively dictate to the employee as to how he/she is expected to perform.
B) work with the employee, focusing on solving the problem.
In the context of performance appraisals and pay reviews, which of the following statements is true? A) The pay of an employee has no link to his/her performance, as the pay for every employee is typically fixed by the EEOC. B) The fixing of pay on the basis of performance makes training and coaching programs more effective. C) Companies that do not base the pay structure on performance can more readily keep the appraisal focused on the employee's performance. D) A performance appraisal should not focus on behavior.
C) Companies that do not base the pay structure on performance can more readily keep the appraisal focused on the employee's performance.
In which of the following modes of training is the information entirely delivered through computers and other communications technology? A) On-the-job training B) Apprenticeship C) Distance learning D) Classroom training
C) Distance learning
Which of the following is an advantage closely associated with the creation of a learning environment? A) Encourages competition and rivalry among employees and improves their individual performance. B) Provides a distraction from the "real work" of the organization and is a stress reliever for employees. C) Encourages group members to learn from each other and thus benefit from working as a team. D) Increases the rate of group cohesiveness and leads to increase in the occurrence of groupthink instances.
C) Encourages group members to learn from each other and thus benefit from working as a team.
learning environment? A) Encourages competition and rivalry among employees and improves their individual performance. B) Provides a distraction from the "real work" of the organization and is a stress reliever for employees. C) Encourages group members to learn from each other and thus benefit from working as a team. D) Increases the rate of group cohesiveness and leads to increase in the occurrence of groupthink instances.
C) Encourages group members to learn from each other and thus benefit from working as a team.
Jacob is a new employee in Richard's department. Richard wants to orient Jacob in the most comfortable way possible, so he invites Jacob out to lunch on his first day and asks the other employees in the department to welcome Jacob by inviting him out to lunch with them on other days. Which of the following methods of orientation is being employed by Richard? A) Establishing the norms of the organization B) Initiating a formal training process C) Encouraging the involvement of co-workers D) Arranging for a follow-up with the employee
C) Encouraging the involvement of co-workers
Which of the following steps completes the training cycle? A) Preparation of training modules B) Implementation C) Evaluation D) Establishment of company norms
C) Evaluation
In the context of orientation of new employees, which of the following is true? A) It is time consuming and often reduces employee efficiency. B) It often gives employees a sense that their individuality would be crushed. C) It encourages employees to develop a positive attitude. D) It strictly discourages employees from forming informal groups.
C) It encourages employees to develop a positive attitude
In the context of orientation of new employees, which of the following is true? A) It is time consuming and often reduces employee efficiency. B) It often gives employees a sense that their individuality would be crushed. C) It encourages employees to develop a positive attitude. D) It strictly discourages employees from forming informal groups.
C) It encourages employees to develop a positive attitude.
Which of the following is true of the paired-comparison appraisal approach? A) It typically involves hiring organizational psychologists to analyze the performance of the employees as a group. B) It requires the appraiser to choose the most appropriate statement from a series of statements about an employee. C) It is most effective when the supervisor wants to find one outstanding employee in a group. D) It requires the supervisor to write a detailed description of the employee's performance.
C) It is most effective when the supervisor wants to find one outstanding employee in a group.
At Oreos Inc., the supervisor and the human resources department have decided to recruit people from within the organization for filling up the company's various vacant positions. Which of the following would prove to be most effective in their quest to find the right candidate? A) Help wanted ads in the newspapers B) Employment agencies C) Job postings D) Survey of local colleges
C) Job postings
Which of the following appraisal methods is best suited for measuring the relative performance of employees in a group? A) Essay appraisal B) Forced-choice approach C) Paired-comparison approach D) Critical-incident appraisal
C) Paired-comparison approach
In the context of small organizations, who is usually responsible for the orientation of employees? A) Human resources department personnel B) The employees themselves C) The supervisor D) The stockholders of the company
C) The supervisor
The tendency to select employee ratings in the middle of a rating scale is called: A) leniency bias. B) harshness bias. C) central tendency. D) similarity bias.
C) central tendency.
As part of the training program for commercial loan officers, Brenda was trained by the training instructors at one of the bank's training institutes for different positions of its operations. These different positions included being a bank teller, a new accounts representative, a loan collector, and an installment loan officer. This is an example of: A) on-the-job training. B) computer-based training. C) cross-training. D) autogenic training.
C) cross-training.
At Eclectic Gas and Electric Company, a team was established to review the apprenticeship program. They surveyed the supervisors and trade workers in the apprenticeship program. The survey was then used to make improvements in the program. This survey is most likely to be a part of the process of: A) recruiting new employees. B) orienting new employees. C) evaluating the training process. D) implementing the training process.
C) evaluating the training process.
Orientation is best defined as the process of: A) developing objectives that specify how each department will support organizational goals. B) planning what to do if the original plans or objectives set by an organization do not work out. C) giving new employees the information they need to do their work comfortably, effectively, and efficiently. D) correcting defects in the goods or services of a firm or improving them in some way.
C) giving new employees the information they need to do their work comfortably, effectively, and efficiently.
A psychomotor test: A) identifies various personality traits. B) measures an applicant's ability to learn skills related to the job. C) measures a person's strength, dexterity, and coordination. D) determines whether an applicant has the skills needed to perform a job.
C) measures a person's strength, dexterity, and coordination.
With regard to the most common time wasters, the attempt to do things thoroughly and precisely is known as: A) delegation. B) procrastination. C) perfectionism. D) time management.
C) perfectionism.
In the performance appraisal process, if a supervisor finds that the reason behind an employee's poor performance is his lack of certain skills, the supervisor should ideally: A) dismiss the concerned employee. B) reprimand the employee in public. C) provide the necessary training. D) adjust the appraisal standards and ratings.
C) provide the necessary training.
Vestibule training is best defined as: A) the on-the-job training method in which specific roles are assigned to the participants. B) the on-the-job training program aimed at strengthening a particular skill of the participant. C) the training that takes place on equipment set up in a special area away from the job site. D) the training that involves delivering training programs via computer-based training aids in the absence of a live instructor.
C) the training that takes place on equipment set up in a special area away from the job site.
Role-playing is best defined as a(n): A) off-the-job training method that takes place on equipment set up in a special area. B) type of training method in which employees are primarily taught jobs beyond their area of expertise. C) training method in which roles are assigned to participants, who then act out the way they would handle a specific situation. D) training program aimed at strengthening a particular skill and involves working alongside an experienced person.
C) training method in which roles are assigned to participants, who then act out the way they would handle a specific situation.
Which of the following is the main advantage of classroom training? A) It typically brings about a two-way communication between the instructor and the trainee. B) It allows trainees to directly practice what they are learning. C) A large amount of information can be delivered to the trainees through the Internet. D) A large quantity of information can be delivered to more than one trainee in a relatively short time.
D) A large quantity of information can be delivered to more than one trainee in a relatively short time.
Which of the following is the last step in the process of planning a training program for employees? A) Conducting training in a timely manner B) Deciding who will participate in the training program C) Setting objectives for the training D) Choosing training methods
D) Choosing training methods
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the forced-choice approach to appraisal? A) It requires the supervisor to write a detailed description of the employee's performance. B) It requires hiring organizational psychologists to analyze the performance of the employees as a group. C) It requires the supervisor to keep a written record of incidents that show positive and negative ways an employee has acted. D) It involves the supervisor choosing from sets of statements, the most characteristic and the least characteristic ones describing an employee.
D) It involves the supervisor choosing from sets of statements, the most characteristic and the least characteristic ones describing an employee.
Which of the following is one of the conditions to get a disability status under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? A) Illegal drug users disciplined for current abuse B) Cultural and economic disadvantages C) Temporary or short-term problems D) Severe obesity
D) Severe obesity
It has been observed that a majority of companies direct their managers to separate performance appraisals from discussions of pay. Which of the following is most likely to be the reason behind this? A) The employees focus more on individual performance making them very self-centered and unwilling to work as part of a team. B) The employees focus more on the pay leading them to utilize all kinds of unethical means to meet the set standards. C) The employees are intimidated by this process leading to a drastic drop in their productivity. D) The employees focus more on the pay making it difficult for supervisors to use performance evaluation as an opportunity for motivating and coaching.
D) The employees focus more on the pay making it difficult for supervisors to use performance evaluation as an opportunity for motivating and coaching.
The appraisal method that contains a series of questions such as "Does the employee have adequate job knowledge?" to which the appraiser answers yes or no is known as the: A) essay appraisal. B) forced-choice approach. C) graphic rating scale. D) checklist appraisal.
D) checklist appraisal.
The performance appraisal method in which a supervisor compares each employee's accomplishments with the goals for that employee is referred to as: A) critical-incident appraisal. B) checklist appraisal. C) work-standards approach. D) management by objectives.
D) management by objectives.
Since performance expectations are a type of objective, they should be: A) discreet. B) indefinite. C) ambiguous. D) measurable.
D) measurable
Work-standards approach to appraisal is best defined as a performance appraisal: A) method that only marks the degree to which an employee has achieved various characteristics. B) method in which the employee is rated on scales containing statements describing performance in several areas. C) that presents an appraiser with sets of statements describing employee behavior and requires the appraiser to rate the statements. D) method in which the appraiser compares the employee's performance to objective measures of what an employee should do.
D) method in which the appraiser compares the employee's performance to objective measures of what an employee should do.
Grace believes that all graduates from a certain university have poor engineering skills, and uses this belief as a base to appraise the performance of all employees from that university. Grace's _____ is affecting the appraisal process. A) central tendency B) narcissism C) ethical belief D) prejudice
D) prejudice
The interviewer should begin the interviewing process by: A) making the candidate feel comfortable. B) asking about background, qualifications, goals, and expectations. C) recording impressions of the candidate. D) preparing the content and conditions of the interview.
D) preparing the content and conditions of the interview.
The difference between an open-ended question and a closed-ended one is that the latter: A) allows the employer to ask information about a conviction. B) requires a comparatively broad and more inclusive response. C) often leads to the halo effect. D) requires a simple answer, such as yes or no.
D) requires a simple answer, such as yes or no.
An interview based on questions the interviewer has prepared in advance is most accurately referred to as a(n): A) nonstandardized interview. B) semi-structured interview. C) unstructured interview. D) structured interview.
D) structured interview.
Avoidance strategies are most useful for conflicts that are very serious.
False
Change is the struggle that results from incompatible or opposing needs, feelings, thoughts, or demands within a person or between two or more people.
False
The first step of initiating conflict resolution is to state the problem in terms of actions and effects.
False
At Oreos Inc., the supervisor and the human resources department have decided to recruit people from within the organization for filling up the company's various vacant positions. Which of the following would prove to be most effective in their quest to find the right candidate? A) Help wanted ads in the newspapers B) Employment agencies C) Job postings D) Survey of local colleges
Job postings
Which of the following is a method a person uses to acquire and keep power within an organization?
Political strategy
Which of the following is the final phase of Lewin's model of change?
Refreezing
Which of the following is a positive aspect of conflict?
Serves as a signal that a problem exists
Which of the following is one of the advantages of recruiting outside an organization? A) The candidates are familiar with the work environment. B) The candidates bring in skills that the organization might lack. C) The expenses involved are comparatively less. D) The process of recruitment is less time consuming.
The candidates bring in skills that the organization might lack.
As the U.S. workforce becomes increasingly diverse, the forces for change from employees are likely to strengthen.
True
Ongoing conflicts have both negative and positive consequences.
True
Power that arises from an individual's own characteristics is defined as:
personal power.
Managing a problem by confronting and solving it is defined as:
conflict resolution.
Skills of a person performing a job refers to: A) proficiency in carrying out the tasks in the job description. B) the general enduring capabilities required for carrying out tasks. C) the educational qualification of the person. D) ethical and moral obligations.
proficiency in carrying out the tasks in the job description.
A record of what activities a person is doing hour by hour throughout the day is called a(n): A) activities log. B) progress report. C) activities record. D) time log.
d) time log
A job description is best described as a listing of: A) the characteristics of a job, including the job title, duties involved, and working conditions. B) the permissible questions related to a particular job that an employer can ask in a job interview. C) the required educational and work background, physical characteristics, and personal strengths for a job. D) the possible sources of employees, both inside and outside the organization.
the characteristics of a job, including the job title, duties involved, and working conditions.
Which of the following is true about conflict between work and family demands? A) Employees try to balance work and family instead of choosing one over the other. B) Many companies realize that there is labor supply shortage and have begun to adopt family-friendly policies and values. C) The majority of organizations demand 40 hours per week or less to maintain a high-powered career. D) Work always takes precedence over family demands.
A) Employees try to balance work and family instead of choosing one over the other.
Which of the following is a cause of stress due to management issues in a job? A) Poor communication B) Infrequent rest breaks C) Poor ergonomics D) Meaningless tasks
A) Poor communication
Gina has a meeting scheduled for an hour during which she needs to find a solution for the problem at hand. If the problem cannot be solved in the time allotted, which of the following should Gina follow to achieve her goal? A) Schedule a follow-up meeting B) Start later than the expected start time C) Set a beginning time but no ending time for the meeting D) Discourage any sort of diversion/interruption, even if it requires being rude
A) Schedule a follow-up meeting
Which of the following is a requisite of a change agent? A) Should have expertise in the area affected B) Should have coercive power C) Should be a Type A personality D) Should possess referent power
A) Should have expertise in the area affected
Which of the following is a requisite of a change agent? A) Should have expertise in the area affected B) Should have coercive power C) Should be a Type A personality D) Should possess referent power
A) Should have expertise in the area affected
In cultures where people place a higher value on harmony than on "telling it like it is", which of the following strategies are they most likely to implement for managing conflict? A) Forcing B) Avoidance C) Confrontation D) Resolution
B) Avoidance
Mark, a supervisor in a company, is friendly with his co-workers and gets a lot done through them. Which of the following is he using to build a power base? A) Hanging around with greedy, pushy, or unethical co-workers B) Developing alliances with others in the organization C) Seeking control over resources D) Establishing a close relationship with the manager
B) Developing alliances with others in the organization
Which of the following is a commonly used political strategy in an organization? A) Delegating personal tasks to workers B) Evaluating a worker on racial basis C) Building relationships at all levels D) Salvaging others' reputation
C) Building relationships at all levels
Which of the following is a basic approach that supervisors can take to reduce stress in the workplace? A) Assign a single, complex task. B) Give employees total control over decisions and work processes. C) Make fixed policies and procedures. D) Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
D) Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
Which of the following refers to organizational activities designed to help employees adopt healthy practices? A) Personal therapy B) Time management C) Biofeedback D) Wellness program
D) Wellness program
An efficient way to respond to a memo is to: A) handle each item in the memo only once. B) take it home since interruptions will not occur there. C) ignore it until it actually needs to be answered. D) write a brief response across the top and return it to the sender.
D) write a brief response across the top and return it to the sender.
