Question 1

Once tasks are delegated and authority provided,what should a manager do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Once tasks are delegated and authority provided,what...

Question 2

The federal government has asked how your company plans to reduce pollution in your metropolitan area.You decide to organize a team (members from different departments)to handle the government's request.To increase a sense of empowerment,what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the team to make the decision and implement the solution will increase their sense of empowerment as they will feel that their ideas are being valued and that they have the ability to make a positive impact on reducing pollution in their metropolitan area. This approach fosters collaboration and ownership among team members, leading to a more effective and sustainable solution.

Question 3

When employees have been empowered without clear directions or resources,what have some of the results been?

Accepted Answer

When employees are empowered without clear directions or resources, it can lead to confusion and uncertainty, ultimately resulting in increased stress and anxiety. This can eventually lead to decreased job satisfaction and even depression in some cases.

Question 4

In providing resources so that others may accomplish their work,if individuals believe they have the resources they need to be successful and they have the freedom to pursue what they want to accomplished,you have fostered a sense of of which dimension of empowerment?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy is the belief that one can successfully achieve a desired outcome, and self-determination is the sense that one has control over their own destiny. By providing resources and the freedom to pursue their goals, individuals are encouraged to believe in their own abilities and take control of their own lives, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and self-determination.

Question 5

"Why is the boss never around to give his approval when I have some ideas on how to approach the problem?" you think.Which initiative does your boss practice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Why is the boss never around to...

Question 6

If delegation is competently administered,the results can produce the following for employees: a sense of competence,

Accepted Answer

Delegation that is competently administered can provide employees with a sense of choice, meaning, personal consequence, and trust. This is because when delegation is done well, employees are given the autonomy and authority to make decisions and feel empowered to act. This creates a sense of choice and personal consequence as they take ownership of their work. Additionally, when employees feel that their work is meaningful and have trust in their supervisor or manager, they will be more motivated and committed to their work.

Question 7

Your boss prefers that you act on your own initiative and report to her when the final results have been accomplished.Which initiative does your boss practice?

Accepted Answer

The boss prefers that the employee acts on their own initiative and reports back when the final results have been accomplished. This aligns with option C, where the employee takes action before reporting. Waiting to be told or asking what to do goes against the boss's preference for independent initiative, while recommending before taking action may be too slow for some situations.

Question 8

If you provide employees a budget that allows them the discretion to spend money on activities they consider important for completing the job successfully,you have utilized which guideline for developing empowerment?

Accepted Answer

Providing resources is the guideline for developing empowerment that involves giving employees the necessary tools, materials, and budget to complete their assigned tasks successfully. By allowing employees to spend money on activities they deem important for achieving their goals, they are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This increases their sense of autonomy and responsibility, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity.

Question 9

You recently discovered that your brother-in-law paid $1,000 more in computer purchases than you budgeted.In your conversation with him,he explains the additional cost is because he ordered the screen saver with the flying toasters;he likes them better.You remark to your brother-in-law,"I don't hold you totally responsible because obviously you made the best decision you could given your limited intellect." As you slump into your chair,what should you decide concerning your relationship with your brother-in-law?

Accepted Answer

The remark made by the person is condescending and insulting to the brother-in-law. To maintain a good relationship, they should exhibit more caring and personal concern for him and refrain from making such remarks in the future.

Question 10

If your employees believe you are fair,dependable,caring,and honest,what empowerment dimension will increase?

Accepted Answer

When employees believe their leader is fair, dependable, caring, and honest, it increases the level of trust they have in their leader. Trust is a crucial element in empowerment as employees need to feel comfortable relying on their leader's decisions and guidance in order to be motivated and effective in their work.

Question 11

In delegation,managers must be clear about (1)deadlines, (2)how the task should be completed,and (3)the level of initiative expected.Which statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In delegation,managers must be clear about (1)deadlines,...

Question 12

Many managers and employees are reluctant to accept empowerment,but they are even more reluctant to offer empowerment.If a rationale offered by management is "I'm willing to empower my people,but they just won't accept the responsibility," what is the inhibitor?

Accepted Answer

The inhibitor is "Attitudes about subordinates," as this statement reflects a belief or judgment about the capabilities or willingness of subordinates to take on responsibility, indicating a prejudgment or bias about their abilities or attitudes.

Question 13

Many managers and employees are reluctant to accept empowerment,but they are even more reluctant to offer empowerment.If a rationale offered by management is "I'm willing to empower people,but they require clear directions and a set of guidelines;otherwise,the lack of instruction leads to confusion," what is the inhibitor?

Accepted Answer

The inhibitor in this scenario is the need for control. The manager is willing to empower people, but only if there are clear directions and guidelines. This suggests a desire to maintain control over the actions of subordinates. The manager may have a fear of losing control or making mistakes if they do not provide detailed instructions.

Question 14

The guideline that fosters activities to encourage the formation of friendships and keeps the workplace environment fun and interesting is related to which dimension(s)of empowerment?

Accepted Answer

The guideline mentioned fosters activities to encourage the formation of friendships which can enhance the sense of meaningfulness in the workplace environment. This relates to the dimension of empowerment called Meaningfulness, which pertains to feeling that one's work has a purpose and is significant.

Question 15

You understand the importance of two-way communication during the delegation process.What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Two-way communication during the delegation process means that the manager remains available for consultation and idea exchange. It is important to have open communication to ensure that the delegate understands the task and scope, asks any necessary questions, and provides feedback or suggestions for improvement. Providing information on a need-to-know basis is also crucial, but only one part of effective communication in the delegation process. Answer A and D are not accurate as they suggest micromanaging and emotional involvement, respectively, which can hinder effective delegation.

Question 16

Your boss has droned on for hours about the importance of empowering employees.As you drift off,she asks you to offer your insights on the consistency of delegation.Which is an appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Option A accurately defines what consistency of delegation means - delegating tasks continuously, not just when overworked, and delegating both pleasant and unpleasant tasks. Option B introduces the concept of need-to-know basis, which is not related to consistency. Option C limits the delegation to only pleasant tasks, which is not consistent. Option D is too general and does not explain what consistency of delegation means.

Question 17

Your boss states,"Delegation usually refers to the assignment of a task,it is work focused.Empowerment,on the other hand,focuses on individuals' feelings." How should you respond?

Accepted Answer

Delegation involves assigning tasks and responsibilities, focusing on work, while empowerment is about giving individuals the authority and confidence to make decisions, focusing on their feelings and development.

Question 18

In providing adequate support for delegating tasks,you have decided to furnish subordinates with information on where they may acquire needed resources.Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

Accepted Answer

Providing subordinates with information on where to acquire needed resources is a good idea because it enables them to perform their delegated tasks effectively and efficiently. It saves time and reduces the chances of errors or mistakes that could occur due to a lack of resources. This approach also fosters a sense of independence and ownership among subordinates, which is beneficial for their growth and development.

Question 19

What can't the manager delegate?

Accepted Answer

The manager cannot delegate ultimate accountability. This is because as a manager, they are ultimately responsible for the success or failure of their team and the overall business. While they can delegate tasks and responsibilities to their team members, the manager must maintain ultimate accountability for the outcomes.

Question 20

Your project is going well.As you daydream about your potential bonus,your secretary buzzes you to remind you of your weekly meeting with your boss over the project's status.Which initiative does your boss most likely practice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your project is going well.As you daydream...

Quiz 8: Empowering and Delegating