Question 1

A major reason that decision making is often not such a rational process is that there are

Accepted Answer

There are limits to how much information people can process and recall, which can lead to biases, errors, and irrational decisions. This is known as cognitive limitations or bounded rationality.

Question 2

A frequent decision-making error during a crisis is to

Accepted Answer

During a crisis, people can often become more emotional and less rational, leading to decision-making errors. This is because crises are typically high-stress situations that can trigger an instinctual, fight-or-flight response that can interfere with clear and rational thinking. As a result, it's essential to be mindful of these tendencies and work to remain calm and level-headed when making decisions under pressure.

Question 3

The condition of groupthink is likely to occur when group members

Accepted Answer

Groupthink occurs when group members strive for consensus at the expense of considering alternative ideas and perspectives. Option A reflects this tendency, whereas options B and C are unrelated and option D is the opposite of what fosters groupthink.

Question 4

Marketing executive Jasmine likes to make a decision quickly as soon as enough information is available, and she also likes to generate lots of options. Her decision-making style is therefore characterized as,

Accepted Answer

Jasmine's decision-making style is characterized as flexible because she likes to make decisions quickly but also generates a lot of options, which suggests openness to exploring different possibilities and adjusting her approach as needed. Decisive (A) suggests a more straightforward and resolute approach, while hierarchic (C) suggests a more structured and top-down approach. Integrative (D) suggests a collaborative approach that seeks to find common ground between different perspectives, which is not specifically indicated in the scenario.

Question 5

A key aspect of lateral thinking is that it

Accepted Answer

Lateral thinking is all about generating multiple, creative solutions to a problem. It encourages a broad exploration of possibilities, rather than a narrow, limited focus. Therefore, option D, "leads to many different solutions to a problem," is the best choice.

Question 6

In making a decision, the alternative should be chosen that most clearly

Accepted Answer

The ultimate goal of any decision-making process is to achieve the desired outcome or goal. Therefore, the alternative that best accomplishes this objective should be chosen. The other options may be important factors to consider, but they should not be the sole determinant of the decision.

Question 7

The purpose of a heuristic in decision making is to

Accepted Answer

Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that simplify decision making by reducing the cognitive effort required to process information. They help individuals make decisions quickly and efficiently, but they may also lead to cognitive biases or errors. Therefore, the purpose of heuristics is to simplify the decision-making process.

Question 8

Creativity can be defined simply as the process of

Accepted Answer

Creativity is the process of coming up with new and unique ideas that can be implemented. Doing two things at once (A) and implementing a plan (D) may require creativity, but they are not the same thing as creativity itself. Providing feedback (C) is a separate process from creativity.

Question 9

To say that a decision is based on political considerations means that it is not based on

Accepted Answer

Political considerations refer to factors such as gaining or maintaining power, pleasing certain groups or individuals, or addressing public opinion, rather than objectively assessing a situation and making a decision based on its merits. Therefore, a decision based on political considerations is not based on the objective merits of the situation.

Question 10

The purpose of decision making is to

Accepted Answer

The purpose of decision making is to arrive at a solution to a problem or challenge. The other options are steps involved in the decision-making process but not the ultimate purpose.

Question 11

The purpose of visualization for making better decisions under crisis is to

Accepted Answer

Visualization helps you mentally prepare for different scenarios and consider your options, which can lead to more effective decision-making during a crisis. It is not about dwelling on past failures or indulging in pleasant fantasies that have no connection to the situation at hand. Thinking about how angry your boss may be is not a constructive use of visualization, as it does not help you identify practical solutions or potential pathways forward.

Question 12

A recommendation for becoming more adept at making decisions under crisis conditions is

Accepted Answer

Anticipating crises is a proactive approach that involves identifying potential problems before they occur, developing contingency plans and constantly refining them. This approach can enable decision makers to react quickly and more effectively when a crisis does occur. Establishing a special committee or avoiding risks may be helpful in certain situations, but they do not necessarily prepare decision makers for making quick and effective decisions under crisis conditions. Avoiding speaking to the media is also not an effective strategy for managing a crisis, as communication is key in keeping stakeholders informed and managing perceptions.

Question 13

Information technology executive Darryl likes to pore over a lot of information before making a decision, and he also likes to commit to one course of action. His decision-making style is therefore characterized as

Accepted Answer

Darryl's decision-making style is characterized as hierarchic because he likes to go through a lot of information before making a decision and then commit to one course of action. This style is also known as analytical decision making, which involves processing information in a step-by-step manner and making a decision based on a logical analysis of the facts.

Question 14

Billy is usually heavily influenced by the first information he receives on a topic. He is under the influence of a process called

Accepted Answer

Anchoring refers to the tendency to rely too heavily on an initial piece of information when making subsequent decisions or judgments. In this scenario, Billy is heavily influenced by the first information he receives, which is an example of anchoring.

Question 15

Emotional intelligence generally deals with the ability to

Accepted Answer

Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others. Option A clearly states the ability to connect with people and understand their emotions, which is the essence of emotional intelligence. Option B is about self-control during testing and is not related to emotional intelligence. Option C is about manipulating emotions for personal gain and is opposite to emotional intelligence. Option D is about using common sense to earn a living, which is not necessarily linked to emotional intelligence.

Question 16

A distinguishing feature of the nominal group technique is that

Accepted Answer

The nominal group technique involves individuals generating ideas independently and then collectively discussing and rating these ideas to select the best one.

Question 17

A problem is technically defined as a discrepancy between the

Accepted Answer

A problem is defined as a discrepancy between the ideal and actual conditions, which means that there is a difference between what is desired or expected and what is currently happening. It may involve obstacles that need to be overcome or a situation that needs to be resolved. A problem may relate to the past, present or future, but it is not limited to any specific timeframe. Therefore, options A and B are not the best choices. Option C may reflect some situations where a person's wishes and desires are not met, but it does not necessarily qualify as a problem.

Question 18

Julio was going to recommend a new billing system for the hospital where he works. However, he does not want to upset the executive who installed the system, so he does not make the recommendation. Julio has fallen into the

Accepted Answer

Julio has fallen into the status quo trap by not making the recommendation for a new billing system due to the fear of upsetting the executive who installed the current system. He is hesitant to disrupt the current situation and prefers to maintain the status quo.

Question 19

A major advantage of group decision making is that

Accepted Answer

Group decision making fosters a sense of commitment to decisions made because every member is involved in the process. When everyone has had the opportunity to discuss and contribute their ideas, the likelihood of acceptance and commitment to an agreed-upon decision increases.

Question 20

The type of motivation necessary for creativity is a

Accepted Answer

Creativity requires passion and intrinsic motivation, which comes from a genuine interest in the task and the desire to innovate or express oneself in new ways. Financial incentives and competition can actually hinder creativity, as they may limit the individual's focus and originality. Inner peace and harmony may be beneficial for overall well-being, but they are not necessarily linked to creativity.

Quiz 5: Problem Solving and Decision Making