Question 1

An external change agent is usually a _______________ who has training and experience in the behavioral sciences.

Accepted Answer

An external change agent is typically someone who is hired from outside the organization and has expertise in the behavioral sciences, such as a university professor or a private consultant. Junior/senior managers and union officials are usually internal change agents rather than external change agents.

Question 2

The success of any change program rests heavily on the quality and workability of the relationship between the change agent and the _______ within the organization.

Accepted Answer

The key decision makers within the organization are typically the ones who have the power and authority to implement or block any proposed changes. Therefore, building a strong and positive relationship with these individuals is crucial for the success of the change program. The other options (union employees, financial specialist, board of trustees) may also play a role in the change process, but they are not usually the primary decision makers who will determine the success or failure of the program.

Question 3

Human capital approaches are a category of change methods designed to help individuals learn and grow professionally and perhaps personally.

Accepted Answer

Human capital approaches focus on the development and investment in individuals' skills, knowledge, and abilities through training, education, mentoring, and other development opportunities. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 4

People who are involved in a change effort need to have _______________ that enables them to know what is to happen and why they are to do what they are to do.

Accepted Answer

Advance information is key in helping people understand the purpose and expected outcomes of a change effort. This information helps provide clarity and direction and can help motivate individuals to support the change. Coaching and exclusive information can also be helpful, but advance information is crucial for setting expectations and providing context.

Question 5

A shift in work processes or movement of people is likely to threaten:

Accepted Answer

Any kind of change in work processes or movement of people can threaten friendships, patterns of social on-the-job interactions and routines. Therefore, all of the choices are correct.

Question 6

The task of the change agent is to challenge the goals of _______________.

Accepted Answer

The status quo represents the current state of affairs or the existing order of things. Change agents seek to disrupt this status quo by implementing new ideas, practices, and strategies that challenge conventional wisdom and improve organizational performance. By challenging the goals of the status quo, change agents can inspire innovation, transformation, and growth in their organizations.

Question 7

Today's managers and faced with ________ change.We must also recognize that the rate of change has been ______.

Accepted Answer

Today's managers are continually faced with change, which means that change is happening constantly. Additionally, the rate of change is accelerating or increasing in speed. This is due to various factors such as technological advancements, globalization, and evolving market dynamics. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 8

Which of the following is not one of the steps in Kurt Lewin's approach to learning?

Accepted Answer

Kurt Lewin's approach to learning includes the steps of Unfreeze, Movement to new learning, and Refreeze. Introducing change is not explicitly stated as a step in his approach, but it is a necessary part of the Movement to new learning step.

Question 9

The ultimate goal of _______________ is to have the learned behavior become a habit.

Accepted Answer

Refreezing is the stage in the behavioral change model where the learned behavior becomes a habit. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this model is to achieve habituation through refreezing. Unfreezing is the stage in which an individual becomes aware of the need for change, learning is the stage where new behavior is acquired, and moving is not a stage in this model.

Question 10

Using the terms of the general model for organizational change,it is during the _______ stage that employees are encouraged to acquire new behaviors and attitudes that support the new direction of the organization.

Accepted Answer

The "moving" stage in the general model for organizational change is when employees are encouraged to acquire new behaviors and attitudes that support the new direction of the organization. This stage involves the actual transition from the old way of doing things to the new way, including learning and adopting new practices that align with the organization's goals.

Question 11

Implementing a change that doesn't consider the constraints imposed by the prevailing conditions within the organization may amplify the problem that triggered the process.

Accepted Answer

Implementing a change without considering the constraints within the organization may not be feasible and could cause more problems, leading to failure. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the constraints of an organization before implementing any change.

Question 12

A _________ is a person who acts as the initiator of change activities.

Accepted Answer

The term "change agent" refers to the individual who initiates and facilitates change within an organization or community. Change leaders may also be involved in the change process, but they often hold a more formal leadership position within the organization. Cheerleaders are individuals who offer enthusiastic support but are not involved in initiating change, and mediators are individuals who help resolve conflicts but are not necessarily involved in change activities.

Question 13

Which of the following would be considered the most vigorous resistance to change?

Accepted Answer

Sabotage involves actively working against the change, which is more vigorous than simply teaching others how to resist, not paying attention, or complaining.

Question 14

In a recent article,Jack Welch,former CEO of General Electric,estimated that no more than ___ percent of employees fit the category of internal change agent.

Accepted Answer

According to the article, Jack Welch estimated that no more than 10 percent of employees fit the category of internal change agent.

Question 15

In Lewin's third step,reinforcement and locking in new behaviors and attitudes is accomplished through _______.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement and locking in new behaviors and attitudes can be accomplished through a combination of rewards and recognition for positive behavior, as well as training and orientation programs to ensure that the new behavior becomes ingrained in the organization's culture. Therefore, all of the above options are necessary for effective reinforcement and locking in of new behaviors and attitudes.

Question 16

Members of new teams often pay more attention to the tasks of the team than to the relationships among the team members.

Accepted Answer

This is often referred to as the forming stage of team development, where team members are focused on clarifying goals and defining roles and responsibilities for the team. Building relationships among team members typically becomes a greater focus in the norming stage of team development.

Question 17

A coach is a knowledgeable individual who is committed to providing support to other,usually junior,organizational members.

Accepted Answer

A mentor is a knowledgeable individual who is committed to providing support to other, usually junior, organizational members.

Question 18

External change agents are temporary employees of the organization; they are typically engaged for _______________.

Accepted Answer

External change agents are usually engaged for the duration of the change process to provide support, guidance and expertise in managing the change. They are not limited by time constraints such as one year or several months, as the change process may take longer than expected. Planning meetings only is not a complete role for external change agents as they are actively involved in implementing the change as well.

Question 19

Management attention and commitment to a change effort is typically only needed in its early stages as employees will generally be responsible for the implementation and success of the later steps in the process.

Accepted Answer

Management must remain committed to the effort throughout all its steps, from diagnosis through implementation and evaluation.

Question 20

Refreezing a learned behavior takes reinforcement and _______________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refreezing a learned behavior takes reinforcement and...

Quiz 17: Managing Organizational Change