Question 1

Hillary enjoys working with others to solve problems and make decisions,but is also able to assume individual responsibility.She prefers working for a company that takes a holistic view of its employees.These preferences suggest that Hillary might enjoy working at a company that uses a Theory Z approach to management.

Accepted Answer

Theory Z approach to management emphasizes employee involvement, teamwork, and a family-like atmosphere. It also emphasizes mutual trust and respect between management and employees, which aligns with Hillary's preference for a company that takes a holistic view of its employees and values working together to solve problems.

Question 2

The management by objectives model devised by Peter Drucker works best in a dynamic,rapidly changing business environment,where management makes short-term plans.

Accepted Answer

The management by objectives model is more suitable for stable and predictable business environments, where long-term planning is more relevant. It involves setting specific, achievable goals that align with the overall strategy of the organization and monitoring progress towards those goals. It may not be effective in a rapidly changing business environment, where goals may need to be adjusted frequently to adapt to new market conditions or opportunities.

Question 3

Alan tries to make life easy on his employees by telling them exactly what to do and how to do it.He believes that most of his subordinates are lazy,and will goof off if he doesn't keep an eye on them,so he spends much of his time monitoring their work.When he finds an employee who is not performing up to his expectations,Alan uses threats and punishment to increase the worker's motivation.Alan is a Theory X-type manager.

Accepted Answer

Alan's belief that his subordinates are lazy and need to be closely monitored and motivated through threats and punishment aligns with the principles of Theory X management.

Question 4

According to Victor Vroom's expectancy theory,expectations of employees can affect their motivation.

Accepted Answer

Victor Vroom's expectancy theory suggests that an employee's motivation is determined by their belief that their effort will lead to high performance, and high performance will lead to rewards or outcomes that they value. This concept is known as the Expectancy Theory of Motivation, and it states that individuals will be motivated to perform when they perceive that their efforts will result in the outcomes they desire. Therefore, employees' expectations can significantly impact their motivation levels.

Question 5

Expectancy theory says that employees will be motivated if: 1)They can actually achieve the task;2)they will be rewarded for their achievement;3)the reward will be worthy of their effort.

Accepted Answer

This is a correct statement of the components of expectancy theory.

Question 6

After a 3-year probationary period,career positions at Fairview Community College are fairly secure,even though the opportunity for promotion runs at a snail's pace pretty slow).These jobs would probably appeal to people who currently work for Type A companies - similar to the way many companies operate in Silicon Valley.

Accepted Answer

Type A companies are typically fast-paced and competitive, unlike the slow promotion pace at Fairview Community College, making it unlikely to appeal to those employees.

Question 7

Marita is a very talented and ambitious person who likes to work independently and wants to move up in her company as quickly as possible.Marita may become frustrated if she worked in a firm that took a Theory Z approach to management.

Accepted Answer

Theory Z is known for its emphasis on teamwork and a slower pace of advancement. This approach may not align with Marita's individualistic goals and could lead to frustration.

Question 8

In the view of William Ouchi,managers of U.S.firms would have a smooth transition when implementing the management styles employed by Type J managers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the view of William Ouchi,managers of...

Question 9

According to Victor Vroom,the effort employees exert on a specific task depends on their expectations of the outcome.

Accepted Answer

This is known as Vroom's expectancy theory, which suggests that employees' effort, performance, and outcomes are all linked and influenced by their expectations of the outcomes.

Question 10

According to expectancy theory,one of the things employees want to know before they commit to making a maximum effort on a task is whether the reward for accomplishing the task is worth the effort.

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory proposes that employees consider three factors before committing to maximum effort: the expectation that their effort will lead to high performance, the belief that high performance will lead to desired outcomes (such as rewards or recognition), and the value they place on those outcomes. Therefore, understanding the reward for accomplishing the task is an important factor in employees' motivation to put in maximum effort.

Question 11

Peter Drucker made an important distinction when he stated that managers do not motivate employees,but employees motivate themselves.

Accepted Answer

Peter Drucker's statement emphasizes the role of employees in their own motivation, rather than solely relying on managers to motivate them.

Question 12

Vroom's expectancy theory contends that prior to committing maximum effort to a task,employees want to know if they can accomplish the task and if it will equally reward everyone at work,even if others were not involved in the accomplishment of the task.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Vroom's expectancy theory contends that prior to...

Question 13

The goal of William Ouchi was to develop a modified business culture that blends the best of Type J with the best of Type
A.

Accepted Answer

William Ouchi's goal was to develop a modified business culture that blends the best of Type J (Japanese-style management) with the best of Type A (American-style management).

Question 14

It may be difficult to utilize the MBO management by objectives)model when employees have not agreed upon the goals set by top management.

Accepted Answer

The success of the MBO model depends on the agreement between top management and employees regarding the objectives set. If employees do not agree or understand the goals, it may be difficult to implement the MBO model effectively.

Question 15

The best way for U.S.firms to become more competitive is to adopt the Type J approach to management.

Accepted Answer

The statement is subjective and lacks context. There is no clear-cut approach for all U.S. firms to become more competitive. Different management approaches may work for different firms depending on their industry, goals, and resources.

Question 16

Recent economic events and demographic trends in Japan have clearly demonstrated the superiority of a Type J approach to management.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Recent economic events and demographic trends in...

Question 17

The central idea behind MBO management by objectives)is that employees motivate themselves through the process toward goal achievement.

Accepted Answer

MBO relies on the idea that employees are more motivated and committed to achieving goals that they have participated in setting themselves. It is based on the assumption that employees will be more productive when they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and have a sense of ownership over their work.

Question 18

Jenny is a creative and intelligent person who likes to work independently on challenging projects.Jenny would be most effective when working for a Theory X-type manager.

Accepted Answer

Theory X-type managers tend to micromanage and assume that employees are inherently lazy and need close supervision. This type of leadership style would likely stifle Jenny's creativity and desire for independence. A Theory Y-type manager who trusts and empowers their employees would be a better fit for Jenny.

Question 19

Management by objectives MBO)is a goal setting theory model that sets goals by getting all employees active in the goal formulation process,committing employees to meeting the goals,and then monitoring performance.

Accepted Answer

This is an accurate description of management by objectives (MBO) theory.

Question 20

Jerry has a great deal of faith in the abilities of his subordinates.He believes that most employees want to be productive,and will work hard if given the proper incentives.He also believes that most firms do not take full advantage of the intelligence and creativity of their employees.For these reasons Jerry favors a managerial style that allows employees to be flexible and creative in how they do their jobs,and empowers them to make and implement decisions.Jerry is a Theory Y-type manager.

Accepted Answer

The description of Jerry's management style aligns with the principles of Theory Y, which assumes that employees are motivated, want to do a good job, and can be trusted to make decisions.

Quiz 10: Motivating Employees