Question 1

When an entire workforce threatens to go on strike to protest a work change, managers might try this method of reducing resistance to change.

Accepted Answer

Negotiation would be the best choice in this scenario because it allows managers to work with the workforce to come to an agreement or compromise on the proposed work change. It shows that the managers are willing to listen to the concerns of the workforce and find a solution that works for everyone. Additionally, negotiation can help to maintain a positive relationship between the workforce and management, which can be beneficial in the long-term. Choices A, B, and D may also be useful in reducing resistance to change, but in this specific scenario, negotiation is likely the most effective approach.

Question 2

An actor on stage getting 'up' for a performance is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Getting 'up' for a performance is an example of a positive aspect of stress, also known as eustress. This type of stress is characterized by feelings of excitement, motivation, and focus, and can enhance performance and productivity.

Question 3

One reason people resist change is that it substitutes ambiguity for uncertainty.

Accepted Answer

People resist change because it introduces uncertainty and ambiguity, not substitutes one for the other. Change often brings both uncertainty about the future and ambiguity in roles and expectations, which can lead to resistance.

Question 4

Stress in the workplace is an adverse reaction that people have in response to _________.

Accepted Answer

Stress in the workplace is typically caused by demands, constraints, or opportunities that exceed a person's ability to cope. It can manifest as physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms, and can lead to negative health outcomes if not addressed. Having too much or too little ambition or confidence is not necessarily a direct cause of workplace stress.

Question 5

Employees at a company protest a change that allows an automatic answering system to answer phone inquiries, claiming that the company is becoming 'depersonalised'.They are most likely resisting change due to _________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Employees at a company protest a change...

Question 6

Negotiation twists and distorts facts to reduce resistance to change.

Accepted Answer

Negotiation involves communication and compromise to reach an agreement, not twisting and distorting facts.

Question 7

Change threatens the investments already made in the status quo.

Accepted Answer

Change can disrupt the existing ways of doing things and investments made in the status quo may become irrelevant or inefficient in light of the new changes. Therefore, change can threaten the investments already made in the status quo.

Question 8

Facilitation and support is a helpful approach when resisters are fearful and anxiety ridden.

Accepted Answer

Facilitation and support can help to alleviate fear and anxiety in resisters, allowing them to be more open to new ideas and perspectives.

Question 9

What role do old habits play in changing organisational behaviour?
In a short essay, discuss why people resist change when they think it is incompatible with organisational goals.Include an example to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What role do old habits play in...

Question 10

One disadvantage of using participation to overcome barriers to change is that it is time-consuming.

Accepted Answer

Participation often involves multiple meetings, consultations, and discussions before a decision is reached, making it a time-consuming process.

Question 11

Discuss why people resist change due to the fear of losing possessions.Include an example to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why people resist change due to...

Question 12

Education is a good way to overcome resistance to change due to misinformation.

Accepted Answer

Education can help individuals gain accurate information and understand the benefits of change, leading to a positive attitude towards it.

Question 13

Define participation, when it should be used, its advantages and disadvantages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define participation, when it should be used,...

Question 14

Research shows that people return to past habits when new methods fail to produce instant, positive consequences.

Accepted Answer

This is a common phenomenon known as the "renewed determination effect," where people tend to revert back to old habits when new methods fail to produce immediate results or positive consequences. This is because the immediate rewards of the old habit are more appealing than the delayed rewards of the new method. However, with consistent effort and perseverance, new habits can eventually lead to positive outcomes.

Question 15

A technique that helps employees shape the change that includes them in the decision-making process is _________.

Accepted Answer

Participation is a technique that involves involving employees and stakeholders in the decision-making process. This helps to create a sense of ownership towards the change and reduces resistance to change. Bargaining involves negotiation and compromise, coercion involves the use of force or threats, while persuasion involves convincing and influencing others. Participation is the best choice as it leads to buy-in and commitment from employees towards the change efforts.

Question 16

A technique that helps employees deal with change that appeals to their sense of logic is _________.

Accepted Answer

Education and communication appeal to employees' sense of logic by providing them with information about the change, why it is happening, and what it means for them. This can help employees understand the change and feel more comfortable with it. Influence and persuasion, manipulation, coercion, or threats may not appeal to employees' sense of logic and may create negative reactions or resistance.

Question 17

When managers threaten to fire workers unless they agree to go along with new company policies, they are using which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Threatening to terminate someone's job if they do not comply with new policies is an act of coercion. It involves using fear or intimidation to make someone do something they might not want to do.

Question 18

When views of the past are over-complicated, they prevent people from seeing the need for change.

Accepted Answer

Simplifying views of the past can sometimes obscure the complexities and nuances that are necessary for understanding why change is needed. Recognizing the intricacies of past events can actually highlight the need for change by providing a more accurate picture of what has led to the current state.

Question 19

Define mental maps.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define mental maps....

Question 20

When a manager attempts to buy off a key leader who opposes change by offering her a promotion, he is using which of the following methods of reducing resistance to change?

Accepted Answer

Co-optation is a strategy used to reduce resistance to change by bringing key opponents into the change process itself. This can be achieved by offering incentives or promotions to key leaders who are initially opposed to the change. In this scenario, the manager is attempting to co-opt the key leader by offering her a promotion in exchange for support of the change.

Quiz 7: Managing Change and Innovation