Question 1

A manufacturer of lawn mowers used to advertise on television by showing a woman giving one pull to the starting rope. If the mower started, she said 'pass'. If it did not start, the mower went back for rework. This type of test of lawn mowers is a form of:

Accepted Answer

Feedback control is a type of control in which the output of a system is measured and used to adjust the input. In this case, the output is whether or not the mower starts, and the input is the number of pulls on the starting rope. The manufacturer is using feedback control to ensure that the mowers are starting with one pull.

Question 2

Using a systems view, an organisation's productive cycle can be divided into three stages occurring at different times. The ______control involves regulating ongoing activities as part of the transformation process.

Accepted Answer

Concurrent control involves regulating ongoing activities that are part of the transformation process in an organization's productive cycle, ensuring that operations are carried out correctly and efficiently in real-time.

Question 3

Of the three major classifications or types of controls described by the text, the type that is self-regulating (i.e. monitoring the situation and automatically taking corrective action when necessary) is called:

Accepted Answer

Cybernetic control is the type of control that is self-regulating, involving monitoring the situation and automatically taking corrective action when necessary. This type of control system is designed to be adaptive, adjusting its operations in response to changes in the environment or system it is controlling.

Question 4

Regardless of the type of control to be used (e.g. timing, multiple), there are three managerial approaches to how control will be exercised. The three are bureaucratic rules, clan control, and:

Accepted Answer

Market control is the correct answer because it involves using external market mechanisms, such as competition and price comparisons, to establish standards for performance and resource allocation, complementing bureaucratic rules and clan control as a managerial approach to exercising control.

Question 5

Market controls are primarily aimed at controlling:

Accepted Answer

Market controls are primarily aimed at controlling costs, as they involve mechanisms such as pricing strategies, competition, and supply and demand dynamics to regulate economic activities and ensure efficiency.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a market mechanism used in market control?

Accepted Answer

The options A, B, and C are all aspects of market dynamics and competition, but none of them are mechanisms used in market control. Market control mechanisms typically involve regulatory policies, price controls, monopolistic or oligopolistic structures, and other interventions that directly influence market operations and outcomes.

Question 7

The basic managerial approach to controls that rely on regulation through such mechanisms as rules, policies, schedules and reward systems is known as:

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic control is characterized by the reliance on formal rules, policies, schedules, and reward systems to regulate behavior and processes within an organization. This approach is typical in larger, more established organizations where standardization and consistency are key.

Question 8

The bureaucratic controls are aimed primarily at controlling:

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic controls are designed to standardize and regulate behaviors within an organization to ensure consistency and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Question 9

Which of the following answers is NOT correct? Clan controls use ______ to regulate employee behaviour.

Accepted Answer

Clan controls rely on shared values, beliefs, corporate culture, and traditions to regulate employee behavior, not formal rules. Rules are more characteristic of bureaucratic control systems.

Question 10

When clan controls are used, there is a greater emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Clan controls rely on norms, values, shared goals, and socialization to guide employee behavior and decisions, emphasizing the role of groups in achieving organizational objectives.

Question 11

The source control that is associated with bureaucratic control is mainly:

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic control is a type of external control that is imposed on an organization from outside. It is typically characterized by a hierarchical structure, formal rules and procedures, and a focus on compliance.

Question 12

Of the three basic managerial approaches to controls, generally speaking, the approach that is more conducive to innovation is:

Accepted Answer

Clan control relies on shared values, beliefs, corporate culture, and trust to regulate employee behavior and facilitate innovation. Unlike bureaucratic control, which emphasizes strict rules and formal processes, clan control fosters an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.

Question 13

The best managerial approach to control major innovative efforts is a combination of heavy reliance on _____________ control with the use of some carefully considered ______________ controls.

Accepted Answer

The best approach to managing major innovative efforts involves a combination of clan control, which relies on shared values, beliefs, and a common corporate culture to guide employee behavior, and bureaucratic control, which includes formal rules, policies, and procedures. This combination allows for flexibility and creativity while ensuring that the innovation aligns with organizational goals and standards.

Question 14

Using clan control but with a mix of phased plans and bureaucratic controls at different times is called the:

Accepted Answer

The incrementalist approach involves using a combination of different control methods, such as clan control, phased plans, and bureaucratic controls, adapting them as needed over time.

Question 15

In using the incrementalist approach to controlling innovative activities in organisations, managers, in the later stages of the innovation process, will more than likely institute:

Accepted Answer

In the incrementalist approach, as projects progress and more information becomes available, managers tend to implement more concrete controls to ensure the project's alignment with organizational goals and feasibility. This can include terminating parts of the project that are not viable or do not meet strategic objectives.

Question 16

'Behavioural displacement', one of the potential dysfunctional aspects of control systems, is defined as a condition in which individuals attempt to improve the appearance of their performance by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of 'Behavioural displacement', one of the potential dysfunctional...

Question 17

One possible dysfunctional reaction to control systems is marked by managers trying to improve their standing on performance measures by manipulating resource usage and/or data rather than by achieving bona fide performance improvements. This type of dysfunctional reaction is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Game playing involves managers manipulating data or resources to appear as though they are meeting or exceeding performance targets, without actually improving the underlying performance. This can include actions like deferring necessary expenses to make budget targets appear more favorable.

Question 18

Managers, in setting up their controls, need to be wary of controlling to the extent that individual job autonomy is limited to such a point that it seriously inhibits effective job performance. This situation is known as:

Accepted Answer

Overcontrolling refers to a situation where managers implement excessive controls, limiting individual autonomy to the extent that it negatively impacts job performance. This can demotivate employees and stifle creativity and initiative.

Question 19

Control systems that grant autonomy to an employee to such an extent that the organisation loses its ability to direct the individual's efforts toward achieving organisational goals are known as systems of:

Accepted Answer

Undercontrolling refers to a situation where control systems are so lax that the organization cannot effectively direct employees' efforts towards its goals.

Question 20

With respect to the cost of a particular control system, and the benefits that system provides to the organisation, it is suggested that:

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis is a fundamental principle in evaluating control systems, ensuring that the benefits derived from a system outweigh its costs. This approach helps in making informed decisions about implementing, maintaining, or upgrading control systems.

Quiz 15: Controlling the Organisation