Question 1

Using a particular software program at an expert level, compilation of an accounting statement, and writing advertising copy are all examples of ________ skills.

Accepted Answer

These are all examples of technical skills, which involve specific expertise and knowledge in a particular field or software program.

Question 2

One of Isaiah's primary activities in his career as a supervisor at Williams Bird Food Inc. is working with his middle manager, Joseph, to introduce new growth opportunities in the business (such as expanding into exotic bird foods) and help the people who actually manufacture the food. Isaiah is most likely a(n)

Accepted Answer

Isaiah is most likely a frontline manager because he works directly with the people who manufacture the food, indicating a hands-on role in the production process.

Question 3

Jim's role as ________ entails his creating a presentation to give to his management team that will communicate the company's new business objectives, and more importantly, how Jim has interpreted them to apply to his business unit.

Accepted Answer

Jim's role as a disseminator involves transmitting information to others in the organization. In this case, he is creating a presentation to communicate the new business objectives to his management team, which is a clear example of the role of a disseminator. The other options - negotiator, figurehead, resource allocator, and monitor - do not accurately describe Jim's specific task.

Question 4

Titles such as foreperson, sales manager, shift manager, or supervisor typically belong to ________ managers.

Accepted Answer

Operational managers, also known as first-level managers, are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and direct supervision of workers, which aligns with roles like foreperson, sales manager, shift manager, or supervisor.

Question 5

In smaller entrepreneurial firms and even in more adaptive larger firms, managers

Accepted Answer

In smaller entrepreneurial firms and adaptive larger firms, managers usually have strategic, tactical, and operational responsibilities in order to ensure that the business is running smoothly and efficiently. Technical skills are important, but they are not the only skills needed for effective management in these types of organizations. Hierarchy may exist, but it may not be the main focus. Managers must also have knowledge and understanding of external factors such as market trends and customer needs. Internal operations are important, but managers must also be able to look at the bigger picture and make decisions that are in the best interest of the company as a whole.

Question 6

________ represent skills that are crucial to managers.

Accepted Answer

Technical, interpersonal and communication, and conceptual and decision skills are essential for managers to effectively lead their teams, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively within and outside their organizations.

Question 7

The need for interpersonal and communication skills

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal and communication skills are important at every level of management. Effective communication and interpersonal skills help managers to build strong relationships with their subordinates and other team members, resolve conflicts and misunderstandings, and create a positive work environment. As a manager climbs up the hierarchical ladder, the need for these skills becomes even more crucial, as they are responsible for leading and managing larger teams and making important decisions that affect the entire organization. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Question 8

Frontline managers often have titles such as

Accepted Answer

Frontline managers are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and often have titles such as supervisor or sales manager. Senior executives are higher up in the organizational hierarchy and are responsible for overall strategy and direction. Team leader is sometimes used interchangeably with frontline manager, but usually refers to a more specific role within a team. Tactical managers focus on executing specific plans and strategies, while strategic managers are responsible for developing those plans and strategies.

Question 9

The senior managers at Rightwell Studios Inc. recognized a lack of employee enthusiasm about the new website. There was a fair amount of infighting and accusations of who was responsible for the layout, given that the firm is considered to be highly competent in design and production. Millie, a manager, got the team together and engaged them in a lively discussion to determine how to change the website so that it reflected more of Rightwell's unique design ability. As the meeting wound down, each team member volunteered to take on a part of the project to fix the site. The ability to identify this problem and resolve it is an effective use of ________ skills.

Accepted Answer

The ability to recognize a problem and engage others in finding a solution requires conceptual and decision-making skills. These skills involve analyzing situations, identifying problems, developing and considering alternatives, making choices, and taking action. Millie used these skills to bring the team together, initiate a discussion, and ultimately come up with a plan to improve the website.

Question 10

Being a(n) ________ is one of the roles of a manager that involves searching for new business opportunities and initiating new projects to create change.

Accepted Answer

The role described in the question is that of an entrepreneur, who looks for new opportunities and drives change within the organization. The other options, such as leader, figurehead, resource allocator, and monitor, do not necessarily involve the same level of initiative and creativity in seeking out new business opportunities.

Question 11

Managers will utilize ________ skills with increasing frequency as they rise within an organization.

Accepted Answer

Conceptual and decision-making skills become increasingly important as managers rise within an organization, as they are tasked with making strategic decisions and overseeing the larger objectives of the organization. While technical and professional skills are important at all levels, they become less crucial for managers at higher levels who rely more on their ability to make informed decisions and think strategically. Informational skills are important at all levels, but do not necessarily increase in frequency as managers move up in an organization. Negotiation skills are important for managers, but their frequency of use may depend on the specific role and responsibilities of the manager.

Question 12

Operational managers play a crucial role in an organization because they

Accepted Answer

The answer of Operational managers play a crucial role in...

Question 13

In a major announcement at an annual medical conference, Dr. Benjamin Johnson, Research Director of Acme Pharmaceuticals, informs the medical community of a breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes. As ________ for his organization, he answers questions posed to him by his medical research colleagues and members of the press.

Accepted Answer

A spokesperson is someone who speaks on behalf of an organization, and in this scenario, Dr. Benjamin Johnson is announcing a breakthrough for Acme Pharmaceuticals and answering questions from the medical community and the press.

Question 14

The president of NuBuild Corp., acting as the corporation's ________, attended the inauguration of a customer's new office complex.

Accepted Answer

The term "figurehead" refers to a person who represents an organization in a ceremonial or symbolic capacity, which fits the context of attending an inauguration.

Question 15

When a customer service manager works to defuse a situation with an irate customer, he or she is assuming a ________ role.

Accepted Answer

A disturbance handler role involves addressing conflict or issues that arise within an organization or with external parties, such as an irate customer. The other options (liaison, negotiator, resource allocator, leader) do not specifically address defusing a situation with an irate customer.

Question 16

Alan is the lead attorney representing StoneWork, Inc. and he is in back-and-forth discussions with parties, inside as well as outside the firm, to finalize a contract with J. R. Jones Realty. Alan knows that, in his role as ________, he is making important business decisions for StoneWork.

Accepted Answer

As the lead attorney in back-and-forth discussions to finalize a contract with J. R. Jones Realty, Alan is in the role of a negotiator, responsible for making important business decisions for StoneWork.

Question 17

Maintaining a network of outside contacts and alliances that provide information and favors represents a ________ managerial role.

Accepted Answer

The liaison role involves creating and maintaining connections with individuals and groups outside of the organization, which can provide useful information and assistance. Therefore, maintaining a network of outside contacts and alliances represents the liaison role. This role involves building networks and friendships within the organization and with external partners, such as vendors, customers, competitors, and government agencies. This can help the organization to stay abreast of market trends, assess customer needs and preferences, and build goodwill with stakeholders.

Question 18

A(n) ________ skill is the ability to perform a specialized task that involves a certain method or process.

Accepted Answer

Technical skills refer to the ability to perform a specialized task that involves a certain method or process, such as proficiency in using a computer software, operating machinery, or performing a surgical procedure.

Question 19

Forrest, a project manager, determines the number of employees to be assigned for a certain project. The managerial role being implemented by Forrest is

Accepted Answer

The role being implemented by Forrest is that of a resource allocator, as he is determining the number of employees to be assigned for a certain project.

Question 20

Listening to employee suggestions, gaining support for organizational objectives, and fostering an atmosphere of teamwork are all considered ________ skills.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for listening to employee suggestions and fostering teamwork. They are also important for gaining support for organizational objectives. Technical skills are related to specific tasks, while diagnostic skills involve problem-solving abilities. Professional skills refer to a person's work ethic and attitude. Conceptual skills are related to the ability to think abstractly and see the big picture.

Quiz 1: Managing in a Global World