Question 1

When there is a limited amount of information available and a decision must be made rather quickly, a supervisor is required to use intuition.

Accepted Answer

Intuition is often relied upon when there is a limited amount of information available and a quick decision must be made. Supervisors are expected to have a level of experience and expertise that allows them to trust their gut instincts in such situations.

Question 2

Quantitative methods of decision making allow the user to perform "what-if" scenarios and simulations.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods of decision making, such as mathematical modeling and computer simulations, allow the user to explore different scenarios and analyze the potential outcomes of different decisions. This helps the user make more informed and data-driven decisions.

Question 3

If follow-up and appraisal of consequences reveals significant variance between the desired and actual outcomes, it is advisable to start over by re-evaluating the problem as though it is new.

Accepted Answer

If there is significant variance, it may indicate that the problem was not fully understood or properly addressed initially, and starting fresh can lead to better solutions.

Question 4

A fire has just broken out in Keiko's department. This would probably be a very good time for Keiko to solicit advice from others before making a decision about what to do.

Accepted Answer

In emergency situations like a fire, it's crucial to act quickly and follow established safety protocols rather than soliciting advice, which could delay response and endanger lives.

Question 5

Which of the following is the first step of the systematic decision-making process?
A) Define the problem
B) Gather facts and information
C) Establish decision criteria
D) Brainstorm

Accepted Answer

The first step of the systematic decision-making process is to define the problem. This involves identifying and clearly articulating the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. Without a clear understanding of the problem, it is difficult to gather relevant information, establish decision criteria, or brainstorm possible solutions.

Question 6

It is comforting to know that if you follow the proper steps in the decision-making process, a good decision is guaranteed.

Accepted Answer

While following a proper decision-making process can increase the likelihood of making a good decision, there is no guarantee that the decision will be good. External factors and unforeseen circumstances can still affect the outcome.

Question 7

With the Abdicator decision style, decisions are made based on the easiest method readily available, and often result in errors.

Accepted Answer

The Abdicator decision style is based on taking the easiest approach to decision making, which can lead to mistakes and errors in judgement.

Question 8

Anytime performance does not meet expectations, the supervisor should identify and analyze the problem, then:
A) Establish decision criteria.
B) Start brainstorming.
C) Pick the first alternative that comes to mind.
D) Evaluate all possible alternatives.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anytime performance does not meet expectations, the...

Question 9

Most problems in the workplace require immediate answers.

Accepted Answer

Many problems in the workplace benefit from careful analysis and consideration before responding, allowing for more effective and thoughtful solutions. Immediate answers are not always required or beneficial.

Question 10

If a problem needs a quick solution, the supervisor should take a participative approach to making the decision.

Accepted Answer

A participative approach involves seeking input and opinions from team members before making a decision. This process can take longer and may not be the best approach when time is of the essence. In a situation where a quick solution is needed, it may be more appropriate for a supervisor to take a directive approach and make the decision themselves.

Question 11

Supervisors and managers should always strive to utilize the Convenience Seeker decision-making style.

Accepted Answer

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to decision-making, and supervisors and managers should adapt their style based on the situation and the individual involved. While the Convenience Seeker style can be useful in some cases where efficiency and quick decisions are necessary, it may not always lead to the best outcomes. It is important for leaders to be flexible and consider different decision-making styles depending on the context.

Question 12

Decision making is influenced by many forces, making it difficult to formulate a simple "to do checklist" that applies to every situation in the same way.

Accepted Answer

Decision making is a complex process that is impacted by various factors such as personal biases, emotions, external pressures, and available information. Therefore, it is not possible to create a standard checklist that can be applied in every situation. Effective decision making involves identifying and analyzing the relevant information, considering the potential outcomes, and weighing the pros and cons of each option before making a final choice.

Question 13

This approach has the problem solver not only identify the various factors that have brought about the problem but also consider the potential interrelatedness of the causes of the problem:
A) The nominal group technique.
B) The problem statement.
C) The fishbone technique
D) Brainstorming.

Accepted Answer

The fishbone technique, also known as the Ishikawa diagram or cause-and-effect diagram, helps to identify the various factors that have contributed to the problem and their potential interrelatedness. By mapping out the various causes and their relationships, the problem solver can get a clearer understanding of the root causes of the problem and develop more effective solutions. The nominal group technique and brainstorming are useful for generating ideas or solutions, while the problem statement is a key step in defining the problem and its scope.

Question 14

While experimentation may be valid from a motivational standpoint, it can be a slow and relatively expensive method of reaching a decision.

Accepted Answer

Experimentation involves conducting trials or tests to gather data and draw conclusions. This process can take time and require resources, which can make it a slow and costly method compared to other decision-making approaches like data analysis or expert opinions.

Question 15

When making decisions, the supervisor should consider knowledge gained from experience with the understanding that the current situation is not identical to past situations.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The supervisor should use their past experiences to inform their decision-making process but also recognize that every situation is unique and requires new solutions.

Question 16

A situation might arise in which the undesirable consequences of all alternatives appear to be so overwhelmingly unfavorable that the supervisor feels the best solution is to take no action.

Accepted Answer

This is a valid scenario, known as a "dilemma" or "double bind". In such cases, the supervisor may decide that any action could do more harm than good and choose to do nothing.

Question 17

Which of the following statements is True?
A) Decision making only really occurs in the planning function.
B) Decision making cannot be considered an integral part of any managerial function.
C) Decision making is especially important in organizing and controlling.
D) Decision making is not only an integral part of all managerial functions, it is the very core of planning.

Accepted Answer

Decision making is not limited to the planning function only; it is an integral part of all managerial functions, including organizing, leading, and controlling. However, decision making is at the very core of the planning function as planning involves selecting goals and determining how to achieve them through decision making. Therefore, D is the correct statement. Option A is incorrect as decision-making is an essential part of all the managerial functions. Option B is incorrect as decision making is integral to all managerial functions. Option C is partially correct as decision making is equally important in all managerial functions, but it is not especially important in organizing and controlling only.

Question 18

Supervisors should train their employees in decision-making techniques because:
A) If a problem arises, the supervisor will not have to take full responsibility for it.
B) Someone must be capable of running things on days the supervisor is absent from work.
C) Many daily decisions in a department are made by the employees who do the work.
D) None of the above; decision making is the sole responsibility of the supervisor.

Accepted Answer

Many daily decisions in a department are made by the employees who do the work. By training employees in decision-making techniques, they will be better equipped to make informed decisions and the supervisor can have more trust in their decision-making abilities. Additionally, this can help with delegation and ensure that tasks still get completed when the supervisor is not present. While A may be a potential benefit, it should not be the sole reason for training employees in decision-making techniques. Option D is incorrect as decision making is not solely the responsibility of the supervisor.

Question 19

Which of the following statements concerning decision making is INCORRECT?
A) Decision making is the process of choosing a course of action from among alternatives.
B) The decision-making process should basically be the same throughout the managerial hierarchy.
C) Decision making only occurs at the higher levels of management.
D) Decision making should involve a logical and systematic process.

Accepted Answer

Decision making occurs at all levels of management, not just the higher levels.

Question 20

When the supervisor selects the alternative that minimally meets the decision criteria, the supervisor has made an optimizing decision.

Accepted Answer

When the supervisor selects the alternative that only meets the decision criteria but doesn't necessarily exceed them, it is a satisficing decision and not an optimizing decision.

Quiz 5: Solving Problems: Decision Making and the Supervisor