Question 1

According to Lewin, the state of inertia is when the forces for change and the resistances to change are in perfect opposition to each other.

Accepted Answer

According to Lewin's change model, the state of inertia is when the forces for change and the resistances to change are in perfect balance and opposition to each other, resulting in no change occurring.

Question 2

Globe Metallurgical Inc. increases its flexibility and decreases its costs primarily by using CIM.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

An organization's strategy can be an obstacle to change.

Accepted Answer

An organization's strategy is developed with a long-term view and provides direction for the organization. As it is developed to achieve a specific set of goals, it can hinder change initiatives that do not align with the established strategy. Any change that disrupts the established plan might be met with resistance, and therefore, an organization's strategy can become an obstacle to change.

Question 4

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a competitive force for change.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)...

Question 5

Evolutionary change has a much narrower focus than revolutionary change.

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary change involves gradual changes and modifications within a system or organism, while revolutionary change involves abrupt and extensive transformations. Therefore, evolutionary change focuses on specific aspects of the system or organism and aims to improve them gradually, while revolutionary change aims to fundamentally transform the entire system or organism.

Question 6

In the coal mining industry, production was dramatically improved by replacing the old "hand got method" with a new system called the "long wall method."

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the coal mining industry, production was...

Question 7

Anheuser-Busch's inefficiencies didn't really show until a takeover attempt by InBev.

Accepted Answer

The inefficiencies of Anheuser-Busch were not apparent until InBev attempted to take over the company and conduct a thorough analysis of its operations.

Question 8

Organizational strategy is a force for change.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Organizational strategy is a force for change....

Question 9

Nike and Reebok changed their outsourcing practices due to public outcry regarding the use of sweatshops and child labor.

Accepted Answer

Both Nike and Reebok faced public backlash in the 1990s and early 2000s for their use of sweatshops and child labor in their overseas factories. As a result, both companies made changes to their outsourcing practices and implemented stricter labor standards and monitoring systems to ensure ethical manufacturing practices.

Question 10

Change in organizations is generally targeted at the functional level.

Accepted Answer

Change in organizations can happen at various levels such as strategic, structural, cultural, and technological. While functional level changes do happen, they are not the only target for organizational change.

Question 11

Anheuser-Busch has been very proactive in changing its practices to meet the needs of the environment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anheuser-Busch has been very proactive in changing...

Question 12

Organic structures tend to resist change more than mechanistic structures.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Organic structures tend to resist change more...

Question 13

One criticism of Lewin's Force-Field model is that since it was developed over 50 years ago, it cannot be used to explain the complex changes that today's organizations face.

Accepted Answer

Lewin's Force-Field model is still relevant as it provides a simple framework for understanding change by identifying driving and restraining forces, applicable to both past and present organizational changes.

Question 14

According to Lewin, in order for change to occur, managers must find a way to increase the forces for change or reduce the resistances to change.

Accepted Answer

Lewin's change management model stated that change can occur if managers find a way to increase the forces driving change or decrease the forces resisting change. This idea is still widely accepted in the field of organizational change management.

Question 15

E-engineering refers to companies' attempts to use all kinds of information systems to improve their performance.

Accepted Answer

This statement correctly defines e-engineering as the use of information systems to enhance business operations.

Question 16

Restructuring focuses on business processes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Restructuring focuses on business processes....

Question 17

Flexible work teams can increase efficiency only when they use reengineering.

Accepted Answer

Flexible work teams can increase efficiency even without using reengineering. They can enhance productivity by allowing for better collaboration, communication, and decision-making among team members. Additionally, flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, can improve work-life balance and boost employee satisfaction and motivation, leading to greater productivity.

Question 18

Mechanistic structures are likely to decrease organizational inertia.

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic structures are typically characterized by centralized decision-making, rigidity, and a focus on standardization and control. These features can contribute to organizational inertia as they may make it more difficult for the organization to adapt to new or changing circumstances. Therefore, mechanistic structures are unlikely to decrease organizational inertia. In contrast, organic structures with decentralized decision-making and more flexible processes are typically better equipped to manage change and reduce inertia.

Question 19

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a global force for change.

Accepted Answer

NAFTA is a trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that has had significant economic impacts, including increasing trade and investment between the three countries and affecting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It has also faced criticism for its effects on job losses, environmental standards, and worker protections.

Question 20

Total quality management (TQM) is a radical innovation.

Accepted Answer

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a continuous, incremental process of improvement rather than a radical innovation. It focuses on long-term success through customer satisfaction and involves all members of an organization.

Quiz 10: Managing Innovation and Change