Question 1

Individuals within organizations may become resistant to change if they believe that it conflicts with their own self-interests. This resistance is usually based on _________.

Accepted Answer

Individuals may resist organizational change if they perceive it as conflicting with their vested interests, such as job security, power, or personal benefits. This resistance stems from concerns about how the change will negatively impact their current advantageous position within the organization.

Question 2

Rachel Rahn is very resistant toward any change. Her manager knows that getting employees to discuss their problems openly is crucial to overcoming resistance to change. What is Rahn's manager trying to resolve?

Accepted Answer

Rahn's manager is addressing the issue of employees' possible misunderstanding by encouraging open discussions about their problems, which is a strategy to overcome resistance to change by ensuring that all employees are on the same page and understand the reasons behind the changes.

Question 3

Steven Hensel's subordinates are resisting his "Quality is 1" campaign because they think it is just another management fad. In order to succeed with the program, Hensel will need to eliminate __________.

Accepted Answer

Cynicism among employees towards new initiatives can often stem from past experiences where similar programs were introduced with much fanfare but little lasting impact. By addressing and reducing this cynicism, Hensel can create a more receptive environment for the "Quality is 1" campaign, encouraging his team to give it a genuine chance.

Question 4

Jeff Messman's plan to implement organizational change was met with rumblings from his employees who felt that he was trying to get promoted to executive vice president. Messman's changes may not succeed because of his employees' __________.

Accepted Answer

Messman's plan may not succeed due to his employees' cynicism, as they suspect his motives are self-serving (aiming for a promotion) rather than for the benefit of the organization or its employees.

Question 5

In the __________ step, managers monitor the results of the change process.

Accepted Answer

In the final step of a change process, managers monitor the results to assess the effectiveness of the changes implemented, ensuring that the desired outcomes are achieved and making adjustments if necessary.

Question 6

The final stage of planned organizational change is __________.

Accepted Answer

The final stage of planned organizational change is monitoring change, which involves evaluating the outcomes and ensuring that the changes are effectively implemented and sustained.

Question 7

Rebecca Holland has initiated and implemented many changes in her workplace. Some have been successful, and others have not. Holland must understand that the ability to sustain and make change work depends primarily on ___________.

Accepted Answer

The ability to sustain and make change work primarily depends on how well the organization monitors reactions and improvements after the change effort. This involves assessing the impact of the changes, gathering feedback, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the changes achieve their intended outcomes and are integrated into the organization's operations.

Question 8

Stephanie Hundley has been very involved with incorporating planned organizational change. In fact, she has already assessed the environment, determined the performance gap, diagnosed organizational problems, identified sources of resistance, reduced those sources of resistance, and developed a method to monitor organizational change. Hundley must next __________.

Accepted Answer

After preparing for organizational change by assessing the environment, identifying problems, and developing a plan, the next step is to implement the change. This involves putting the planned changes into action.

Question 9

There are four methods of organizational change that include all of the following except __________.

Accepted Answer

Environmental change is not typically classified as a method of organizational change. Instead, it is often a factor that prompts organizations to adapt or implement changes. The methods of organizational change generally involve deliberate internal adjustments such as job redesign, organization development, and technological change to improve efficiency, effectiveness, or adaptability.

Question 10

__________ comprises complex networks of computer, telecommunications systems, and remote-controlled devices.

Accepted Answer

Information technology comprises complex networks of computer, telecommunications systems, and remote-controlled devices, enabling the creation, storage, and exchange of data.

Question 11

Dyno Electrics can link its manufacturing and inventory functions so that as soon as the system runs low on a part, a central computer automatically executes an electronic purchase order signaling the supplier to ship new parts. Dyno is effectively utilizing __________.

Accepted Answer

Dyno Electrics is utilizing information technology to automate its inventory management and procurement processes, ensuring that parts are replenished as soon as they run low by automatically sending electronic purchase orders to suppliers.

Question 12

At Wal-Mart, the electronic cash register monitors the goods sold, their prices, and the amounts remaining on hand. If the inventory of an item is low, the system sends the message to the appropriate distribution center and a reorder is placed. What approach to implementing change did Wal-Mart use when it introduced this system?

Accepted Answer

Wal-Mart implemented a technological change by introducing an electronic cash register system that monitors inventory and automatically places reorders, enhancing efficiency and inventory management.

Question 13

Sarah Ravenelle has noticed that her plant needs improvement when it comes to workflows and production methods. The change that Ravenelle should initiate is a __________.

Accepted Answer

Technological change is the correct answer because it directly relates to improving workflows and production methods, which often involve updating or implementing new technology or processes.

Question 14

Regardless of the type of redesign selected, the intent is usually to clarify what gives the organization its __________.

Accepted Answer

The intent of most organizational redesigns is to clarify what gives the organization its leadership position with customers, focusing on enhancing customer relationships and satisfaction to maintain or improve its competitive edge.

Question 15

Managers are being bombarded by ideas on how to redesign their organizations to improve customer satisfaction. These recommendations include __________.

Accepted Answer

Reformation of organizations involves making significant changes to improve processes, structures, and systems, which can lead to improved customer satisfaction.

Question 16

As Wells Fargo's customers became more comfortable using ATMs, the bank found that it needed 30 percent fewer branches. The remaining branches were changed by the ______________ method.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As Wells Fargo's customers became more comfortable...

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true concerning the organization redesign method?

Accepted Answer

All the statements provided are true regarding the organization redesign method. Changing the organization's processes, clarifying leadership positions with customers, and capitalizing on differentiating capabilities are all fundamental aspects of organizational design and redesign efforts.

Question 18

__________ typically means reconfiguring the distribution of authority, responsibility, and control in an organization.

Accepted Answer

Restructuring typically involves changing the organizational structure, including the distribution of authority, responsibility, and control, to improve efficiency or adapt to new circumstances.

Question 19

In 1994, Sears, Roebuck, & Company sold off interests in insurance, real estate, and finance to focus on its core competency of merchandising. Sears was thereby __________.

Accepted Answer

Sears was restructuring because it was changing its business model to focus on its core competency of merchandising by selling off interests in other areas.

Question 20

__________ has to do with changing the processes by which work is carried out.

Accepted Answer

Reengineering involves the fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in critical measures of performance such as cost, quality, service, and speed.

Quiz 12: Guiding Organizational Change and Innovation