BA 302 Chapter 14

The practice of outsourcing as a response to the globalization of business has created which of the following changes for organizations? A reduction in the reliance on skilled workers. A need to deal with employee stress. A need to decentralize the organizational structure. A need to restructure employee communication channels.

A need to deal with employee stress.

Which of the following is a more ethical alternative to downsizing? Early retirement programs Job sharing Hiring freezes All of the above

All of the above

Learning organizations use which of the following approaches to acquire knowledge that they can use to change behavior? Conducting formal retrospective meetings. Studying customer habits. Benchmarking against best industry practices. All of the above.

All of the above.

Which of the following statements is true regarding performance and organizational change? More successful firms find it easier to change than those performing poorly. 'Nothing fails like success' is a saying with little accuracy when it comes to organizational change. Change in upper level management is a motivator for organizational level change. Successful companies often have special practices in place to keep the organization working toward the status quo.

Change in upper level management is a motivator for organizational level change.

Decentralization is the concentration of decision making at higher levels in the organization. 1) True 2) False

False

Tall structures have wider span of control than flat structures. 1) True 2) False

False

Which of the following is a reason people resist change? Low job satisfaction Low agreeableness Feelings of certainty Fear of failure

Fear of failure

_________ refers to the number of levels within an organization. Hierarchy Departments Structure Centralization

Hierarchy

Which of the following statements regarding change is accurate? Organizational change is the movement of an organization from one state of affairs to another. Organizational change takes on limited forms. Organizational change has little to do with people management. Organizational change is rarely successful.

Organizational change is the movement of an organization from one state of affairs to another.

Marta has been a part-time faculty member at the university for nine years. She has been teaching two to three writing courses a semester. Last month, the dean held a meeting where he announced that next academic year, part-time instructors would be limited to teaching only two classes during the entire year. Marta is very upset and tells her husband, "I may look into teaching at the community college next year but don't let anyone at the university know." This is an example of what kind of change reaction? Passive resistance Enthusiastic support Compliance Active resistance

Passive resistance

Which of the following statements regarding the matrix structure is correct? The matrix structure increases the frequency of informal communication but decreases the frequency of formal communication. The matrix structure is a response to uncertainty and dynamism in the environment. Matrix structures adhere to the unity of command principle. Matrix structures require managers to be more independent than in traditional

The matrix structure is a response to uncertainty and dynamism in the environment.

Convincing the opinion leaders in your organization of the need for organizational change is likely to be a more successful technique to ensure change than trying to get everyone on board at the same time. 1) True 2) False

True

Cultures low in uncertainty avoidance are comfortable with change. 1) True 2) False

True

Employees working in dynamic environments depend on their general mental abilities for good performance. 1) True 2) False

True

Surveys indicate that resistance to change is one of the top two reasons why change efforts within organizations fail. 1) True 2) False

True

The biggest advantage of a mechanistic structure, especially in a stable environment, is its efficiency. 1) True 2) False

True

In which of the following firms is formalization likely to occur? Small, local pizza shop Advertising agency Unionized manufacturing firm Nonunion heavy construction firm

Unionized manufacturing firm

The degree to which decision-making authority is concentrated at higher levels in an organization is formalization. centralization. hierarchical levels. departmentalization.

centralization

When unfreezing for planned change it is important to take things slowly; do not suggest a crisis is imminent. create a vision for change. communicate regarding change only on a need-to-know basis. provide rewards.

create a vision for change.

Compliance refers to going along with proposed changes with little enthusiasm. the most negative reaction to a proposed change. defending the change and encouraging others to give their support to the change as well. being disturbed by changes without voicing those opinions.

going along with proposed changes with little enthusiasm.

Mechanistic structures are conducive to entrepreneurial activity and general innovativeness. maximize efficiency and minimize costs. enhance intrinsic motivation on the job. are flexible and react well to change.

maximize efficiency and minimize costs.

An organization where all the nonessential functions are outsourced is a strategic alliance. modular organization. matrix organization. learning organization.

modular organization.

Flat structures have narrow spans of control. provide lower levels of self-actualization than tall structures. provide opportunities for greater role clarity for employees. provide limited advancement opportunities.

provide limited advancement opportunities.

Unity of command refers to a centralized organizational structure. the situation in which each employee reports to a single manager. a matrix organizational structure. a strong organizational vision from executive leadership.

the situation in which each employee reports to a single manager.