Question 1

Effective strategic leaders focus on financial performance and are not concerned with other measures of organizational success.

Accepted Answer

Effective strategic leaders understand that financial performance is important, but they also recognize the value of other measures of organizational success such as customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and social responsibility. They must balance these different goals and metrics to create a sustainable and successful organization in the long term.

Question 2

A mission statement may contain a statement of vision.

Accepted Answer

A mission statement often includes a statement of the organization's vision, which outlines its long-term goals and aspirations.

Question 3

The traditional view of the leader as an authoritarian figure making all important decisions is still appropriate for strategy.

Accepted Answer

The traditional view of the leader as an authoritarian figure making all important decisions is no longer appropriate for strategy. In today's complex and rapidly changing business environment, a more collaborative and inclusive approach is necessary to develop effective and adaptive strategies. Leaders need to involve a diverse range of stakeholders in the strategy development process, encourage open communication and feedback, and empower team members to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall strategy.

Question 4

The leader as teacher role focuses on the leader as an authoritarian expert whose job is to teach people the 'correct' view of reality.

Accepted Answer

The leader as teacher role emphasizes the leader's role in helping others to learn and develop new skills and capabilities, rather than simply imparting a fixed view of reality. This approach involves more collaboration and dialogue between the leader and their followers, and is more focused on empowering others to take ownership of their own learning and growth.

Question 5

Broad environmental forces influence strategic direction.

Accepted Answer

Broad environmental forces such as political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors have a significant impact on an organization's strategic direction. These external factors affect the industry and market conditions in which an organization operates, and organizations need to understand these factors to develop and implement effective strategies.

Question 6

Good communication skills are not essential for strategic leaders as they can rely on others to implement organizational strategies.

Accepted Answer

Good communication skills are essential for strategic leaders as it is through effective communication that they can articulate their vision and goals, inspire their team, and build trust with stakeholders. Without good communication skills, leaders may struggle to get their message across, leading to confusion, misalignment, and reduced efficiency. While leaders can delegate tasks and rely on others to implement strategies, they cannot delegate the responsibility of effective communication.

Question 7

A hard working,analytical individual who requires large amounts of concrete and precise data and a predictable environment in order to make a decision is probably poorly suited to being a strategic leader.

Accepted Answer

Strategic leaders require flexibility and the ability to make decisions in uncertain environments. They must also be able to think strategically and consider multiple perspectives and potential outcomes, rather than relying solely on data and a predictable environment.

Question 8

Guiding an organization through the combination of dynamic challenges from the general environment,aggressive competitors,demanding customers,and other stakeholders is a process that is scientific and requires very little,if any,"art."

Accepted Answer

Guiding an organization through complex and ever-changing challenges requires a combination of both science and art. While there are scientific principles and strategies that can be applied, the ability to navigate these challenges effectively also involves creativity, intuition, and interpersonal skills that are often more art than science.

Question 9

A core responsibility of strategic leadership is establishing a culture that matches one's personal leadership style,as Steve Jobs has done at Apple.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Strategic leaders not only establish a vision and direction for their organization but also shape the company's culture and values, which should align with their personal leadership style. Steve Jobs is known for his intense focus on design and innovation, and Apple's corporate culture reflects those values.

Question 10

The traditional view of leaders in organizations is that they set direction,make the important decisions,and rally the followers.

Accepted Answer

This has been the traditional view of leaders in organizations. However, modern leadership theories emphasize the importance of collaboration, empowerment, and shared decision-making among team members.

Question 11

Board members can play important strategic roles in organizations such as providing advice to managers with regard to strategies and strategic direction.

Accepted Answer

Board members are responsible for providing guidance and oversight to managers, which includes offering strategic advice and direction. This is an important aspect of their role in ensuring that the organization operates effectively and achieves its goals.

Question 12

The leadership traits associated with the notion of a learning organization: designer,teacher and steward,have no role within strategy.

Accepted Answer

The leadership traits of designer, teacher, and steward are important in developing and implementing strategies for a learning organization. Designers are needed to create innovative strategies, teachers are needed to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning, and stewards are needed to ensure the organization's values and goals are met. Therefore, these traits have a significant role in a learning organization's strategy.

Question 13

"Caretaker" boards participate actively in organizational decisions.

Accepted Answer

Caretaker boards typically have limited involvement in active decision-making and primarily focus on maintaining the status quo until a more permanent board is established.

Question 14

Organizational vision and mission statements require deep,critical,and reflective thinking to form them.

Accepted Answer

Organizational vision and mission statements are fundamental statements that define the organization's purpose, goals, and values. Forming these statements requires deep, critical, and reflective thinking to ensure that they accurately represent the organization's aspirations and align with its core values.

Question 15

The senior management of a firm depends on managers at lower levels who are close to "the action" for the information necessary to exercise effective,company-wide leadership.

Accepted Answer

Senior management requires information from managers at lower levels who have more direct access to daily operations in order to make informed decisions and guide the company in a unified direction.

Question 16

The role of the leader as 'designer' is not an appropriate leadership role in strategy.

Accepted Answer

The leader as 'designer' is an appropriate leadership role in strategy. Design thinking and strategic design can play a significant role in formulating successful strategies. As a designer, the leader can facilitate the development of creative and innovative strategies that are focused on meeting the needs of their organization and stakeholders.

Question 17

The leader as steward role requires no significant rethinking of the traditional leadership role.

Accepted Answer

The leader as steward role involves a significant rethinking of the traditional leadership role. Instead of focusing solely on maximizing profits and shareholder value, the leader as steward prioritizes the long-term well-being of the organization, its stakeholders, and the planet. This requires a shift in mindset and actions towards sustainable practices and ethical decision-making.

Question 18

Organizational mission statements typically do not include statements about profitability and earning above-average returns.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Organizational mission statements typically do not include...

Question 19

Firms that don't have a written mission statement may still have a strategic direction.

Accepted Answer

A firm may have an implicit or unwritten mission statement that guides its strategic direction. However, having a written mission statement can provide clarity and help align the organization towards common goals.

Question 20

A firm's mission tends to be enduring while its vision can change in light of changing environmental conditions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A firm's mission tends to be enduring...

Quiz 11: Strategic Leadership