Question 1

It is always easier to say you are going to do something (strategy formulation) than to actually do it (strategy implementation).

Accepted Answer

Strategy formulation involves coming up with plans and ideas, which can often be done quickly and easily in a brainstorming session or meeting. However, implementing those plans can be much more difficult and time-consuming, requiring coordination, resources, and a sustained effort over time.

Question 2

A bottom-up flow of communication is essential for developing top-down support.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

Four types of resources that can be used to achieve desired objectives are financial, physical, human, and technological.

Accepted Answer

Financial resources refer to money or funding available to invest in achieving objectives, physical resources refer to tangible assets such as equipment or facilities, human resources refer to the workforce or personnel involved in achieving objectives, and technological resources refer to tools or systems used to support achieving objectives.

Question 4

Not allocating resources according to the priorities indicated by approved objectives is detrimental to the strategic-management process.

Accepted Answer

The allocation of resources should align with the objectives determined in the strategic-management process. Failure to do so can result in hindering the achievement of these objectives and negatively impacting the overall success of the organization.

Question 5

Undesirable conduct such as distorting the records can be a result of overemphasis on achieving objectives.

Accepted Answer

When there is too much emphasis on achieving objectives, employees may feel pressured to meet their targets at any cost, leading to unethical behavior such as distorting the records.

Question 6

Policies refer to specific guidelines, methods, procedures, rules, forms, and administrative practices established to support and encourage work toward stated goals.

Accepted Answer

Policies are established to guide decision-making and to ensure consistency and fairness in achieving organizational goals. They provide a framework within which employees can operate, and help to ensure that the organization complies with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Question 7

In the context of conflict management and resolution, ignoring the problem in the hopes that the conflict will resolve itself is classified as a defusion technique.

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the problem is not a diffusion technique, it's a avoidance technique which exacerbates the conflict in the long run.

Question 8

Avoidance, defusion, and confrontation are the classifications for the various types of conflict that can arise in organizations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Avoidance, defusion, and confrontation are the classifications...

Question 9

Medium-sized firms tend to be divisionally structured, whereas large firms tend to use an SBU (strategic business unit) or matrix structure.

Accepted Answer

This statement is generally true. Medium-sized firms usually have a divisional structure that separates the different product lines or geographical areas, whereas large firms tend to use an SBU or matrix structure that allows for more integration and coordination across different products or regions. However, there may be exceptions to this general trend depending on the specific organization and industry.

Question 10

Exchanging members of conflicting parties so each can gain an appreciation of the other's point of view exemplifies a confrontation approach.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Exchanging members of conflicting parties so each...

Question 11

Horizontal consistency is more important than vertical consistency in developing annual objectives.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Horizontal consistency is more important than vertical...

Question 12

Tasks and activities are grouped together by business function in a divisional organizational structure.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Tasks and activities are grouped together by...

Question 13

A functional structure can be effective at eliminating short-term and narrow thinking.

Accepted Answer

A functional structure can actually promote short-term and narrow thinking as individuals tend to focus only on their specific functions and may not consider the overall goals and objectives of the organization.

Question 14

Unlike strategy formulation, strategy implementation varies considerably among different types and sizes of organizations.

Accepted Answer

Strategy implementation is influenced by various factors such as organizational structure, culture, leadership style, available resources, and external environment. Hence, it varies among different types and sizes of organizations.

Question 15

Well-run organizations are able to completely avoid conflict.

Accepted Answer

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction and is bound to occur in any organization. However, well-run organizations are able to effectively manage and resolve conflicts when they do arise.

Question 16

With a divisional structure, it is possible that competition between divisions may become so intense that it leads to improved sharing of ideas and resources for the common good of the firm.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With a divisional structure, it is possible...

Question 17

Holding a meeting at which conflicting parties present their views and work through their differences is part of the defusion technique of managing conflict.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Holding a meeting at which conflicting parties...

Question 18

Annual objectives are key components in the strategic-management process because they dictate how resources will be allocated.

Accepted Answer

Annual objectives provide specific targets for the organization to achieve and help to align resources towards those targets. Therefore, they are integral to the allocation of resources in the strategic-management process.

Question 19

Most large companies have abandoned the functional structure in favor of decentralization.

Accepted Answer

Decentralization has become a common trend among large companies as they move away from rigid functional structures to more flexible and agile organizational models. This allows for greater collaboration and innovation within teams and departments. However, it should be noted that some companies may still use a functional structure depending on their industry and specific needs.

Question 20

Strategies clarify what can and cannot be done in pursuit of an organization's objectives.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Strategies clarify what can and cannot be...

Quiz 7: Implementing Strategies: Management and Operations Issues