Question 1

Employees sometimes use their company-supplied computers for social networking. Many employers have handled such problems by blocking the websites that are most visited. Which of the following causes the most difficulty in handling such problems in recent times?

Accepted Answer

With the rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, blocking certain websites on company-supplied computers becomes less effective in controlling employees' social networking habits. Many employees may simply switch to using their own mobile devices to access these websites, making it more difficult for employers to monitor and manage the use of social networking during work hours.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most appropriate time for a supervisor to counsel an employee?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate time for a supervisor to counsel an employee is when the employee needs help in resolving problems affecting his or her work. Counseling sessions should not be used as a tool for personal gain or to humiliate employees. Additionally, threatening behavior or revealing company secrets are serious issues that require immediate action, not counseling.

Question 3

An approach to counseling where a supervisor asks questions to an employee about a specific problem and then suggests ways to handle the problem after he or she understands the problem is referred to as

Accepted Answer

This approach is known as directive counseling, as the supervisor takes a direct approach to addressing the problem by asking questions and making suggestions for handling it. Emotionally focused therapy and grief therapy are specific types of counseling approaches that are not necessarily related to the scenario described. Nondirective counseling, on the other hand, is a more client-centered approach where the counselor listens and supports the client in finding their own solutions rather than suggesting specific actions.

Question 4

Identify a correct statement about theft of information.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that employees who feel a sense of belonging and investment in their organization are less likely to steal from it. The procedure for preventing and reacting to theft may vary across industries and organizations. It is not recommended for supervisors to investigate theft themselves as it can compromise the investigation and legal proceedings. While new communications technology has created more opportunities for stealing information, it has also provided new tools for preventing and detecting theft.

Question 5

Yolanda is a manager at Feedz Inc. She loves surfing the Internet for the latest fashion trends and tweets these trends throughout the day at work to get more followers. Yolanda is engaging in which of the following thefts?

Accepted Answer

Yolanda is stealing time by using company resources (such as her work computer and internet connection) to engage in personal activities instead of working.

Question 6

Counseling is best defined as the

Accepted Answer

Counseling involves learning about an individual's personal problem (such as emotional or psychological issues), and helping them find ways to resolve it. This is often done through a series of conversations or sessions with a trained professional. A, B, and D are unrelated to this definition of counseling.

Question 7

Daniel, the supervisor of a finance team, decides to utilize the most focused approach to counseling for dealing with Sophia's performance issues at work. He calls Sophia for a meeting to help her solve the problem. In this method of counseling, which of the following would be the right step to take after Daniel asks Sophia questions about her problem?

Accepted Answer

In the most focused approach to counseling, the supervisor should primarily listen to the employee and encourage them to identify the source of their problem. Therefore, after asking Sophia questions about her problem, the right step for Daniel to take would be to listen to Sophia's answers until he understands the problem. This approach allows the employee to take ownership of their problem and find a solution. Therefore, the correct choice is A.

Question 8

Michelle's work performance as an employee at Fort Camp Industries was suffering due to problems at home. When asked by her supervisor, Keith, she told him about her alcoholic husband. Keith listened to her problems, expressed concern, referred her to a trained counselor, and offered to talk to her husband about this. As Michelle's supervisor, which of the following should Keith have refrained from doing?

Accepted Answer

As a supervisor, it is not appropriate for Keith to offer to talk to Michelle's husband about her personal problems. This could potentially cross boundaries and invade Michelle's privacy. It is important for Keith to support Michelle in seeking the appropriate help, but he should not directly involve himself in her personal life outside of work.

Question 9

Ashton's supervisor Carol notices that he is always late to work. She discusses the matter with Ashton and makes him realize how his behavior is affecting everyone in the department. Carol encourages him to analyze the problem and listens to what Ashton has to say. Ashton realizes that the reason behind his being late is that he is running too many errands in the morning. So, he decides to run his personal errands during lunch and after work. In this scenario, which type of counseling approach has been used?

Accepted Answer

Carol uses a nondirective counseling approach by encouraging Ashton to analyze his problem and come up with his own solution, rather than directing him on what to do.

Question 10

Identify a characteristic of counseling.

Accepted Answer

Counseling can indirectly motivate employees by addressing personal concerns and helping them develop coping strategies. This, in turn, can improve job satisfaction and potentially lead to better performance. Choices A and B are incorrect as they both present myths, rather than characteristics, of counseling. Choice D is also incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that employees who receive counseling rarely meet performance standards.

Question 11

In the context of counseling, a supervisor should refrain from

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of counseling, a supervisor...

Question 12

When dealing with an employee suspected of substance abuse, a supervisor should

Accepted Answer

When dealing with an employee suspected of substance abuse, a supervisor should focus on how the issue affects work performance and offer support for treatment, such as permitting the employee to take a disability leave to get treatment. This approach is more constructive and supportive, aiming at recovery and maintaining employment where possible, rather than punitive measures like immediate termination.

Question 13

Which of the following is an advantage of counseling?

Accepted Answer

Counseling gives employees a sense that the supervisor and organization are interested in their welfare, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and motivation. Option B is incorrect, as counseling is not about the supervisor confiding in employees. Option C is incorrect, as counseling should be impartial and not show favoritism to any particular employee. Option D is incorrect, as counseling should not be used as a threat for termination but rather as a tool for development and improvement.

Question 14

Who among the following is most likely to engage in violence at work?

Accepted Answer

Individuals who experience domestic violence, like Dorothy, may exhibit increased stress or emotional disturbance, potentially leading to violence in the workplace.

Question 15

Rohan, an employee at Sigma Tech, has performance issues at work. Samantha, his supervisor, is concerned about his work performance and thus decides to utilize the most focused approach to counseling. She asks Rohan to join her in a meeting in order to discuss and help him solve the problem. In this method of counseling, which of the following would be the right step to take after Samantha listens to Rohan's answers until she understands the problem?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rohan, an employee at Sigma Tech, has...

Question 16

Adil, the supervisor of a development team, is concerned about Rita's performance at work. He decides to utilize the most focused approach to counseling and has a meeting with Rita to help solve her problem. Which of the following is the first step that Adil would take in this method of counseling?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Adil, the supervisor of a development team,...

Question 17

Mark works as a supervisor in the manufacturing unit of Acme Corporation. He ensures that every new employee who joins his team receives proper training about machinery and safety procedures. He observes that Jack, a new employee, frequently works without wearing proper safety gear. When asked, Jack responded by saying "Sorry, I forgot to wear my helmet." On being warned, Jack got into an argument with Mark. In this scenario, which of the following problem behaviors is Jack exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

Jack is exhibiting insubordinate behavior by arguing with Mark after being warned about not wearing proper safety gear. Insubordination is a problem behavior where an employee refuses to accept authority or follow instructions.

Question 18

Which of the following statements is true about counseling at the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Counseling at the workplace is a cooperative process between a supervisor and an employee aimed at addressing problem behaviors and finding solutions. It involves open communication, active listening, and the development of an action plan to work on identified issues. It is a constructive way for supervisors to support their employees and improve their performance.

Question 19

Nondirective counseling is best defined as an approach to counseling in which the supervisor

Accepted Answer

Nondirective counseling involves the supervisor primarily listening and encouraging the employee to seek the source of the problem and propose possible solutions. It is a client-centered approach where the focus is on the employee and their perspective. The supervisor does not dictate the guidelines or reprimand the employee but facilitates their exploration of the problem and helps them find their own solutions.

Question 20

Cindy, the supervisor of a marketing team, is concerned about John's continuous poor performance and arranges to have a meeting with him. This session helps Cindy identify that John was facing a problem of substance abuse. She then suggests that John take a disability leave to get treatment. Which of the following approaches to counseling has Cindy adopted?

Accepted Answer

Cindy has adopted the approach of directive counseling as she has identified John's problem and suggested a specific course of action (taking a disability leave for treatment) to address it.

Quiz 12: Problem Employees Counseling and Discipline