Question 1

In the MBO process, when is a mid-level department head in a medium-sized company likely to give input into company goals?

Accepted Answer

In the Management by Objectives (MBO) process, mid-level department heads typically give input into company goals after executives have established strategic goals. This allows them to align departmental objectives with the overall direction of the company.

Question 2

If trying to use the balanced scorecard, what should a manager do for the category "internal business process"?

Accepted Answer

The balanced scorecard approach involves setting and pursuing target values for key performance indicators across different perspectives, including financial, customer, internal business processes, and learning and growth. For the "internal business process" category, it's important to identify and focus on several meaningful measures that can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization's operations.

Question 3

What is the primary danger of implementing "stretch goals"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the primary danger of implementing...

Question 4

Inserting a clawback provision into an executive's employment contract is intended to accomplish which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Clawback provisions are designed to ensure ethical behavior by allowing a company to reclaim executive compensation in certain situations, such as misconduct or the failure to meet performance standards.

Question 5

According to theorists James O'Toole and Warren Bennis, what long-held metric for manager success needs to be updated?

Accepted Answer

O'Toole and Bennis argue that the traditional focus on creating wealth for shareholders as the primary metric for manager success is outdated. They advocate for a broader perspective that includes social responsibility, employee well-being, and sustainable practices.

Question 6

What is the main danger involved when a manager assigns too many goals to employees?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the main danger involved when...

Question 7

Compared to the traditional managerial business standard, the triple bottom line has managers give greater focus to ______.

Accepted Answer

The triple bottom line approach expands the focus from traditional financial performance (benefiting shareholders) to also include social and environmental considerations, thereby emphasizing the importance of stakeholders, which encompasses employees, customers, communities, and the environment.

Question 8

Deep into the process of her meditation, Min-hae suddenly remembers that she needs to file an important report by the end of the day. What should she do?

Accepted Answer

Writing down the thought allows Min-hae to return to her meditation without the worry of forgetting the important task later. This method helps in acknowledging the thought and ensuring it doesn't disrupt her meditation further.

Question 9

In which of the following situations is a clawback most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Clawbacks are typically used to recover money from individuals who have earned it through improper or fraudulent means, especially in cases where their actions have caused significant financial harm to others, such as investors. In the scenario with the CEO making millions on a fraudulent investment, this situation aligns most closely with the circumstances under which clawbacks are invoked.

Question 10

In the MBO process, employees make the most input into ______ goals.

Accepted Answer

In the Management by Objectives (MBO) process, employees are most involved in setting individual goals. This approach emphasizes setting specific, measurable goals that are agreed upon by both management and employees, focusing on the individual's contributions to the organization's objectives.

Question 11

Where can stretch goals cause the most problems?

Accepted Answer

Stretch goals can cause the most problems in sales performance because they may lead to aggressive sales tactics, unethical behavior, or burnout among employees trying to meet unrealistic targets.

Question 12

A SMART goal, among other things, meets the criteria of being ______.

Accepted Answer

SMART goals are defined as Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Time-bound ensures that there is a clear deadline or timeframe for achieving the goal.

Question 13

In which of the following ways does the triple bottom line approach differ from the balanced scorecard approach?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which of the following ways does...

Question 14

What specific quality does the management-by-objectives goal-setting process offer that simply trying to develop a SMART goal lacks?

Accepted Answer

Management-by-objectives involves subordinates in the goal-setting process, making it more collaborative compared to simply setting SMART goals, which can be done without subordinate input.

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE of stress and stress symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A significant number of individuals regularly encounter both physical and psychological symptoms due to stress, highlighting the widespread impact of stress on overall well-being.

Question 16

What form of mental self-regulation exercise is an important stress reducer and offered as an employee benefit by companies like Google and Apple?

Accepted Answer

Meditation is widely recognized as a form of mental self-regulation exercise that helps reduce stress. Companies like Google and Apple offer it as an employee benefit to promote well-being and productivity.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about employee performance appraisals is accurate?

Accepted Answer

The specifics of performance appraisals should indeed be tailored to fit the varied tasks and responsibilities of different employees, ensuring that the appraisal is relevant and meaningful to each individual's role within the organization.

Question 18

Min-hae is about to try her first meditation session. She is at work, and her company allows its employees to take a half-hour each day for personal meditation. What should her first step be?

Accepted Answer

Finding a quiet place is essential for meditation, especially for beginners, to minimize distractions and help focus the mind.

Question 19

What is an example of an "ill-conceived goal" of the kind that can generate unethical behavior in employees?

Accepted Answer

Unrealistic profit expectations can pressure employees to engage in unethical behavior to meet those goals, such as cutting corners, falsifying reports, or engaging in unfair practices.

Question 20

As it is Min-hae's first time meditating, what should she do with respect to the breaths she takes during meditation?

Accepted Answer

Counting breaths is a common meditation technique for beginners to help maintain focus and awareness.

Quiz 9: Managers As Ethical Leaders and Performance Asessments