Question 1

In theory, six managerial competencies are essential for effectiveness. In practice, knowing where one competency begins and the other ends is difficult, and some or all need to be relied upon at different times.

Accepted Answer

Managerial competencies often overlap in practice, and managers may need to rely on multiple competencies simultaneously or at different times to be effective.

Question 2

Communication competency includes both formal and informal communication as well as the ability to negotiate.

Accepted Answer

Communication competency encompasses a wide range of skills, including the ability to effectively engage in both formal and informal communication, as well as negotiation skills, which are crucial for resolving conflicts and reaching agreements.

Question 3

Of the six managerial competencies, communication is the most fundamental.

Accepted Answer

Communication is considered the most fundamental of the six managerial competencies because it underpins and facilitates all other competencies, such as leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making. Effective communication is essential for managers to convey vision, align team efforts, and ensure clear understanding of goals and processes.

Question 4

Formal communication can take place at a personal level, such as during conversation with suppliers and clients.

Accepted Answer

Formal communication can indeed occur at a personal level, including conversations with suppliers and clients, where structured, professional dialogue is maintained.

Question 5

As discussed in the Ethical Challenge, the decision to close plants and lay off employees is one way to help save Ford Motor Company.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As discussed in the Ethical Challenge, the...

Question 6

The Container Store has been able to retain employees and attract new employees by focusing on cost control and communication.

Accepted Answer

The Container Store is known for retaining and attracting employees by focusing on employee satisfaction, offering competitive pay, and providing extensive training, rather than just cost control and communication.

Question 7

"Understanding vision and values" is the first step for any team project and usually is the responsibility of a manager or team leader.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Understanding vision and values" is the first...

Question 8

In a recent study of more than 400 organizations and 80,000 managers, the Gallup Organization found that the best managed companies used employee teams.

Accepted Answer

The Gallup Organization has conducted extensive research on workplace management and performance, finding that the most successful companies often utilize employee teams to leverage diverse skills and perspectives, leading to better outcomes and higher productivity.

Question 9

When people think of teamwork, they realize the importance of making a distinction between the team members and a team leader.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When people think of teamwork, they realize...

Question 10

At Whole Foods Market, the first principle that defines how the company operates is "all work is teamwork".

Accepted Answer

The answer of At Whole Foods Market, the first principle...

Question 11

Among the components of strategic action competency, understanding the industry is highly important.

Accepted Answer

Understanding the industry is crucial for strategic action competency as it enables an organization to identify opportunities, threats, and trends, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and strategy formulation.

Question 12

A manager's multicultural competency is reflected in cultural knowledge and understanding, and an openness and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Accepted Answer

Multicultural competency in management involves understanding, respecting, and effectively interacting with people from diverse cultures, which includes gaining cultural knowledge and demonstrating openness and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Question 13

Openness and sensitivity involve recognizing that culture makes a difference in how people think and act.

Accepted Answer

Openness and sensitivity towards cultural differences are crucial in acknowledging that culture significantly influences individuals' perspectives and behaviors.

Question 14

Taking responsibility for your life at work and at home illustrates teamwork competency.

Accepted Answer

Taking responsibility for your life at work and at home illustrates personal responsibility and accountability, not necessarily teamwork competency, which involves working effectively and cooperatively with others.

Question 15

For new college graduates, surveys reveal that building a family is a top priority for the majority of respondent.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For new college graduates, surveys reveal that...

Question 16

Which of the following is not one of Anne Mulcahy's strategies for the Xerox turnaround?

Accepted Answer

Anne Mulcahy's strategies for the Xerox turnaround included examining the core business of Xerox, negotiating a settlement of a long investigation into fraudulent accounting practices, and introducing new products and services. Centralizing purchasing to main locations was not mentioned as one of her strategies.

Question 17

Anne Mulcahy found that to remain competitive, she must keep her management team focused on:

Accepted Answer

Anne Mulcahy emphasized the importance of growth while maintaining cost controls to ensure competitiveness. This approach balances expansion with financial prudence.

Question 18

A _____________is a combination of knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes that contribute to personal effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

A competency is a combination of knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes that contribute to personal effectiveness.

Question 19

Which of the following is not considered a key managerial competency?

Accepted Answer

Entrepreneurship is not typically considered a key managerial competency, as it focuses more on starting and growing new businesses rather than managing existing ones.

Question 20

A(n) ______________ has a structure and strives to achieve goals that individuals acting alone could not reach.

Accepted Answer

An organization is a structured group of people working together to achieve common goals that individuals alone cannot accomplish.

Quiz 1: Developing Managerial Competencies