Question 1

What determines the most appropriate managerial strategy?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate managerial strategy depends on contextual variables such as the organization's culture, external environment, and the specific goals and objectives of the organization. Structural variables and factors of production may also play a role, but they are not the primary determinants of the most appropriate managerial strategy. Organizational processes are more related to the execution of the strategy, rather than the choice of the strategy itself.

Question 2

Which of the following key cultural values would be detrimental to a high-involvement organization?

Accepted Answer

Doing things the way they have always been done can inhibit creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement, which are essential aspects of a high-involvement organization. The other three cultural values (honesty, trustworthiness, and open communication) are important for fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture, which is foundational to a high-involvement organization.

Question 3

Which reward strategy is appropriate for companies using a human relations approach to management?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

What is the best way to determine which managerial strategy a firm is actually using?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Which of the following concepts refers to the informal structure of the organization and can help to guide employee behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Culture refers to the informal structure of the organization and includes values, beliefs, and shared assumptions that guide employee behaviour. Culture can be shaped by factors such as leadership, history, and traditions.

Question 6

Which of the following sets of strategies reflects different assumptions about employees and how they should be managed?

Accepted Answer

The classical, human relations, and high-involvement strategies all have different assumptions about how employees should be managed. Classical assumes that employees are motivated solely by monetary incentives and need close supervision, while human relations assumes that employees are motivated by social factors and need a supportive work environment. High-involvement assumes that employees are capable and want to contribute to the success of the organization and should be given autonomy and opportunities for growth. The other options listed (B, C, D) do not relate to assumptions about how employees should be managed.

Question 7

Which of the following conditions has not made it increasingly difficult for Canadian firms to make the classical managerial strategy work for them?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

What determines the contextual variables?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Which of the following leadership styles is appropriate for companies pursuing a classical managerial strategy?

Accepted Answer

Companies pursuing a classical managerial strategy tend to focus on achieving predetermined goals and increasing efficiency. Therefore, a leader who is controlling and task-oriented would be appropriate for such a company as they would be able to provide clear direction and ensure that tasks are completed effectively and efficiently. A leader who is employee-oriented or gives free rein to employees may not be as effective in achieving these goals. A leader who is facilitating and both task- and employee-oriented may be more appropriate for companies pursuing a more collaborative or innovative strategy.

Question 10

You are in the process of designing a new reward system for your firm.What is the most important single determinant of what will or will not be a successful reward system for your firm?

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Which of the following characteristics typifies a classical organization?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

As a highly skilled,well-educated younger professional looking for employment you are generally more suited to what type of organization?

Accepted Answer

As a highly skilled and educated younger professional, you would likely prefer a high-involvement organization that values employee input and encourages participation in decision-making processes. This type of organization values creativity and innovation, which may be important to you as a younger professional looking to make a meaningful impact in your field. Classical organizations tend to be more rigid and bureaucratic, whereas human relations organizations focus more on creating a positive work environment but may not offer as many opportunities for advancement. Hybrid organizations may offer some benefits of both, but high-involvement organizations are likely to be the best fit for a younger professional.

Question 13

Why is it so important to understand the managerial strategy used by a firm?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Which of the following production processes refers to long-linked technology?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

This term is used to describe the specific products or services offered by a given organization:

Accepted Answer

The term "Domain" refers to the specific products or services offered by an organization, defining its area of expertise or focus in the market.

Question 16

A defender strategy,a stable environment,a long-linked technology,a relatively low-skilled work force,and a large organization would be a good combination of variables for which managerial strategy?

Accepted Answer

A defender strategy is characterized by a stable environment, a focus on cost and efficiency, and a preference for stability over flexibility. This strategy is best suited for organizations that have a large size, long-linked technology, and a relatively low-skilled workforce. These conditions are best suited for a classical managerial strategy, which emphasizes a top-down, command and control approach to management.

Question 17

Which of the following actions is not a current trend in compensation practices?

Accepted Answer

Expanded use of hourly pay is not a current trend in compensation practices. The current trends include more noncash employee recognition programs, increased use of contingent workers, and flexible benefit plans. Hourly pay has been a traditional method of compensation and has not seen any significant changes in recent years.

Question 18

Which of the following dimensions is not a contextual variable?

Accepted Answer

Control system is not a contextual variable. The other options (technology, work force, and organization size) are all contextual variables that can affect organizational behavior.

Question 19

You are the new owner of a microcircuit design company which operates in a very unstable and complex environment.Which of the following managerial strategies should you adopt to increase company performance?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

According to Perrow's approach to classifying technology,an electrical utility or a plant that manufactures washing machines are examples of what type of technology?

Accepted Answer

Both an electrical utility and a plant that manufactures washing machines can be classified as routine technology, which involves standardized processes and well-established procedures that are easily replicated.

Quiz 2: A Strategic Framework for Compensation