Deck 9: Decision Making

Question 1

Selecting which of the five leadership styles in Vroom and Yetton's model is done by answering seven questions that lead to the best decision making style.Which of the following are questions in this model? Select all that apply.

A)Is this decision one that the leader's superiors should make?
B)Does the leader have sufficient information to make a good decision?
C)Is the problem important?
D)Is there a quality requirement such that one solution is likely to be more rational than another?
E)If the leaders makes the decision alone,how certain is it that others will accept it?

Answer 1

B,D,E

Question 2

Describe or define a rational decision making process by listing the steps involved,and define what makes a decision that is satisficing.

Answer 2

An answer that approximates either Simon or Drucker's models is correct. Herbert Simon's model: This is composed of three types of activity; intelligence activity in which the environment is searched for circumstances that need a decision; design activity in which courses of action are defined; and choice activity in which an option is selected. Peter Drucker's model: Define the problem,analyze the problem,develop alternative solutions,decide on the best alternative,and convert the decision into effective actions. Satisficing is making a decision that will be a satisfactory solution to the decision,not necessarily an optimal solution.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios would lead to a group consensus decision-making style according to Vroom and Yetton's taxonomy? Select all that apply.

A)Acceptance of a decision by subordinates is not critical; subordinates do not share the organizational goals.
B)Acceptance by subordinates is critical; subordinates do not share the same goals.
C)The problem is structured; the leader is reasonably certain the followers would accept her decision.
D)The problem is structured; conflict is likely among followers for preferred solutions.
E)Acceptance by subordinates is critical; the leader is not certain if they would accept her decision.

Answer 3

B,E

Question 4

Briefly describe the two views about administrator thinking regarding linear and nonlinear concepts.How does brain research fit into these views?

Question 5

Which of the following would be considered good decision making practices? Select all that apply.

A)Choose people to be involved in decisions if they are knowledgeable about the problem.
B)Use a parliamentarian method for making a decision if the staff is concerned about the solution to a problem.
C)If a problem is in the staff's Zone of Indifference involve them in a collaborative decision.
D)A principal involves several individuals in defining alternative solutions to a problem and seeks input from a group on consequences,but makes the decision himself.
E)A principal uses collaborative decision making to make decisions in the school for most problems encountered in her school.

Question 6

Using the ideas of Edwin Bridges and Chester Barnard to determine when to involve others in decisions,identify which of the following would be good practices.Select all that apply.

A)Involve teachers who have a personal stake in the problem,even it they are not experts or have much information about the problem.
B)Involve the math teachers in scheduling the program for the physical education department.
C)If teachers are ambivalent about a problem and its solution,select a small group of volunteers to work out a solution with the principal.
D)If a problem is in the teachers' Zone of Sensitivity,they won't be interested in working on a solution,so the principal should make the decision.
E)Involve the English teachers in developing next year's schedule,as several of them have worked on scheduling with principals in the past.

Question 7

Choose all of the following that are examples of the application of Daniel Griffith's theory of administration.

A)A principal makes the important decisions,and delegates all others.
B)A principal sets up a process of making decisions in the organization.
C)A principal delegates most decisions to others.
D)A principal delegates all decisions to others.
E)A principal consults with the superintendent on the type of decisions to be delegated.