Question 1

The best decisions are always made under a certain amount of pressure.

Accepted Answer

While some individuals may perform well under pressure, suggesting that the best decisions are always made under pressure overlooks the fact that high stress levels can impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities for many people. Optimal decision-making often requires a balanced approach, including adequate time for consideration and analysis.

Question 2

Generally it is the potential consequences that govern the amount of effort going into the making of any particular decision.

Accepted Answer

The effort put into making a decision often correlates with the potential consequences of that decision, as more significant outcomes require more thorough consideration and analysis.

Question 3

Most of the important elements of decision making are present every decision-making situation even though they might not be openly noticeable.

Accepted Answer

In every decision-making situation, key elements such as identifying the problem, generating alternatives, evaluating alternatives, and making a choice are present, even if they are not explicitly recognized or addressed.

Question 4

When you encounter a unique situation not previously encountered and not covered by existing policies and procedures, you first need to write a new procedure.

Accepted Answer

In such situations, it's often more practical to first assess the situation, gather information, and possibly consult with supervisors or experts before deciding if writing a new procedure is necessary.

Question 5

In making a decision you need to gather enough information to give you assurance that you have eliminated all risk.

Accepted Answer

Gathering information helps in making informed decisions, but it is not possible to eliminate all risk, as uncertainty is an inherent part of decision-making.

Question 6

The more time that passes between a decision and its complete implementation, the more change in circumstances surrounding the decision is likely to occur.

Accepted Answer

As time progresses, various factors such as market conditions, regulatory changes, technological advancements, and stakeholder preferences can evolve, potentially impacting the relevance or effectiveness of the original decision.

Question 7

"Personalities" and "politics" do not constitute legitimate constraints on the decision-making process.

Accepted Answer

Personalities and politics can significantly influence the decision-making process, as they affect interpersonal dynamics, power structures, and the prioritization of certain goals or interests over others.

Question 8

The same factor-for example, money-can be both an absolute constraint and a practical constraint in decision situation.

Accepted Answer

A factor like money can be an absolute constraint if there is a hard limit on availability (e.g., a fixed budget) and a practical constraint when it influences choices within available resources without strictly limiting them (e.g., preferring more cost-effective options).

Question 9

It is necessary for every decision-maker to always be seeking a state of perfect information.

Accepted Answer

While having complete information can aid in making informed decisions, it is often impractical or impossible to achieve perfect information due to constraints such as time, resources, and the unpredictable nature of future events. Decision-makers frequently rely on heuristics, experience, and available data to make the best possible decisions under uncertainty.

Question 10

Decision-making pressure is often felt as a limitation of the time available in which to investigate properly and render a decision.

Accepted Answer

Decision-making pressure often arises from the constraint of limited time to thoroughly explore options and make an informed decision, leading individuals to feel rushed or pressured.

Question 11

In making today's decisions and looking ahead to the need to make decisions in the future, the manager should:
A) Endeavor to eventually cover all possible decision situations with a written policy.
B) Make every decision on the basis of facts and figures.
C) Recognize that it is not possible to anticipate all contingencies and pre-make all decisions.
D) Strive to eliminate uncertainty from every decision situation.

Accepted Answer

It is impractical to anticipate every possible scenario or to eliminate all uncertainty in decision-making. Effective management involves recognizing the inherent unpredictability of business environments and being adaptable.

Question 12

In delegating certain decision-making powers to some of the employees, the supervisor should:
A) Be sure to delegate authority consistent with responsibility.
B) Make it plain that those employees are ultimately responsible for all results.
C) Leave them alone to succeed or fail on their own.
D) Delegate only routine, inconsequential decisions.

Accepted Answer

Delegating authority consistent with responsibility ensures that employees have the necessary power to make decisions that align with their responsibilities, promoting efficiency and accountability.

Question 13

In making a highly subjective decision such as many personnel-related decisions:
A) It is essential to seek some objective data upon which to hinge a decision.
B) It is best to leave the situation alone to resolve itself.
C) Seek the opinions of other supervisors before deciding.
D) Make a choices based on a basic sense of what is right or wrong, or fair or unfair.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In making a highly subjective decision such...

Question 14

Before tackling any problem requiring a decision, it is necessary to first:
A) Gather all data pertinent to the situation.
B) Ensure that you are dealing with a problem and not just a symptom of the problem.
C) Determine how other supervisor's have dealt with the same situation.
D) Decide what results you with to attain.

Accepted Answer

Understanding whether you are dealing with the actual problem or just a symptom is crucial before making any decisions, as it ensures that the root cause is addressed rather than just the surface issues.

Question 15

Of the following, the phrase that best describes what determines the amount of input needed in a particular decision situation is:
A) The potential consequences of the decision.
B) The possibility of upsetting involved personalities.
C) The projected cost of implementing the decision.
D) Top management's relative interest in the particular problem or situation.

Accepted Answer

The potential consequences of the decision are the most significant factor in determining the amount of input needed, as the impact of the decision influences the level of detail and consideration required to make an informed choice.

Question 16

Before tackling any problem requiring a decision, it is necessary to consider whether you are dealing with the ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Before tackling any problem requiring a decision,...

Question 17

In a decision situation of considerable importance you will never truly have enough ____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a decision situation of considerable importance...

Question 18

Invariably the weakest and ordinarily the most neglected part of the decision-making process is ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Invariably the weakest and ordinarily the most...

Question 19

In decision-making, ____________ are those limiting conditions that rule out certain alternatives as possible or desirable choices..

Accepted Answer

The answer of In decision-making, ____________ are those limiting conditions...

Question 20

Whether the no-decision option is exercised by choice, through procrastination, or by _________, it is nevertheless still a decision.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Whether the no-decision option is exercised by...

Quiz 17: Decisions, Decisions