Question 1

Organizational development involves the application of behavioral science techniques to improve an organization's effectiveness and success.

Accepted Answer

Organizational development (OD) is a field of study and practice focused on improving the effectiveness of organizations through the use of behavioral science techniques such as organizational design, change management, team building, and leadership development. OD is based on the belief that organizations are complex systems that require attention to both technical and social factors in order to achieve success.

Question 2

An idea incubator is an in-house program that provides a safe harbor where ideas from employees throughout the organization can be developed without interference from company bureaucracy or politics.

Accepted Answer

An idea incubator is designed to foster creativity by providing a controlled environment free from typical workplace obstacles. It allows employees to collaborate and develop innovative ideas that could benefit the company without fear of negative consequences or repercussions.

Question 3

People change starts with training everyone in the organization.

Accepted Answer

People change involves more than just training; it requires a comprehensive approach including leadership support, clear communication, cultural shifts, and ongoing support mechanisms to sustain change.

Question 4

Training is one of the most frequently used approaches to changing people's mind-sets.

Accepted Answer

Training is a common method of changing people's attitudes, behaviors, and mindsets towards certain topics or issues. Through training, individuals can acquire new knowledge, skills, and perspectives that can lead to a shift in their mindset.

Question 5

Survey feedback is intended to enhance the cohesiveness and success of organizational groups and teams.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Survey feedback is intended to enhance the...

Question 6

Three types of issues that are often addressed through organizational development are mergers/acquisitions, organizational decline/revitalization, and conflict management.

Accepted Answer

These three types of issues are commonly addressed through organizational development interventions and strategies.

Question 7

The idea in the large-group intervention is to get a sample of people who may have an interest in the organization, gather perspectives from those parts of the system, and allow the sample to create a collective future.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The idea in the large-group intervention is...

Question 8

The unfreezing stage makes people throughout the organization aware of problems and the need for change.

Accepted Answer

During the unfreezing stage, people throughout the organization become aware of problems and the need for change through communication and education about the impending change.

Question 9

Acceptance of mistakes, freedom to discuss ideas, and assignment of nonspecialists to problems are characteristics of creative organizations or departments.

Accepted Answer

Acceptance of mistakes allows individuals to take risks and try new things, which can lead to innovative ideas. Freedom to discuss ideas encourages collaboration and brainstorming, while assignment of nonspecialists to problems promotes perspective-shifting and diverse thinking. All of these are traits of creative organizations and departments.

Question 10

An ambidextrous approach means incorporating structures and processes that are appropriate for both the creative impulse and the systematic implementation of innovations.

Accepted Answer

An ambidextrous approach involves balancing both the creative and systematic aspects of innovation, and incorporating structures and processes that support both.

Question 11

Organizational change refers to the adoption of a new idea or behavior by an organization.

Accepted Answer

Organizational change refers to the process of adopting new ideas or behaviors in an organization, which may include changes in structure, strategies, processes, culture, or leadership. This can happen in response to internal or external factors, such as market shifts, technological advancements, or evolving customer needs. Successful organizational change requires careful planning, communication, and implementation to minimize resistance and maximize acceptance among employees and stakeholders.

Question 12

Lack of trust is perhaps the biggest obstacle to organizational change.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lack of trust is perhaps the biggest...

Question 13

Confrontation, authoritarianism, and disciplined exploration are characteristics of the creative individual.

Accepted Answer

Confrontation and authoritarianism can often hinder creativity by limiting openness to new ideas and perspectives. Discipline is important, but overly rigid exploration can also limit creativity. The characteristics often associated with creativity include open-mindedness, curiosity, and willingness to take risks.

Question 14

Two possible tactics for overcoming resistance to change are coercion and negotiation.

Accepted Answer

Coercion and negotiation are two widely used tactics for overcoming resistance to change. While coercion involves the use of force or threats to make people comply with the change, negotiation involves an open and honest communication between the change agents and the resistant individuals to come up with a mutually agreeable solution.

Question 15

The disparity between actual and desired performance levels is the need for change.

Accepted Answer

When there is a gap between actual performance and desired performance, it indicates that change is necessary to bridge the gap and achieve the desired level of performance. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 16

The horizontal linkage model is increasingly important in high-pressure business environments that require rapidly developing and commercializing products and services.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true, as the horizontal linkage model facilitates communication and collaboration across functional departments, allowing for a more coordinated and efficient product development and commercialization process.

Question 17

Restraining forces can be thought of as problems or opportunities that provide motivation for change within the organization.

Accepted Answer

Restraining forces are factors that hinder or resist change within an organization, not motivate it. They are obstacles that need to be overcome for successful change.

Question 18

A person who sees the need for and actively supports productive change within their organization is called an idea champion.

Accepted Answer

An idea champion is a person who sees the need for and actively supports productive change within their organization, making option A true.

Question 19

A change agent is an organizational development specialist who performs a systematic diagnosis of the organization and identifies work-related problems.

Accepted Answer

This is correct. A change agent is responsible for diagnosing organizational problems and implementing solutions that lead to positive change.

Question 20

The communication and education approach for overcoming resistance to change should be used when the change is technical and the users need accurate information and analysis to understand change.

Accepted Answer

The communication and education approach is particularly effective when the change being implemented is technical and users require accurate information and analysis to comprehend the change.

Quiz 8: Managing Change and Innovation