Question 1

Identify some of the external and internal forces of change.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify some of the external and internal...

Question 2

The "white-water rapids" metaphor of change is consistent with Lewin's concept of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing.

Accepted Answer

The "white-water rapids" metaphor suggests constant and unpredictable change, whereas Lewin's model of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing implies a more structured and linear process of change.

Question 3

Lewin's three-step process is consistent with the ________ theory of organizational change.

Accepted Answer

Lewin's three-step process aligns with the "calm waters" theory, which views change as a predictable and manageable process, similar to navigating calm waters.

Question 4

Discuss the four external factors that prompt change in an organization, giving an example of each factor. Explain how the factor affects the organization

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the four external factors that prompt...

Question 5

New Ideas, Inc., focuses on new ideas, uses technology that changes frequently, and has strong competition in the market. This situation describes what metaphor of change?

Accepted Answer

The white-water rapids metaphor is the most appropriate in this situation as it emphasizes the fast-paced and turbulent nature of the industry New Ideas, Inc. operates in, where technology changes frequently and there is strong competition.

Question 6

The two metaphors commonly used to describe the two views of the change process are ________.

Accepted Answer

The two commonly used metaphors for the two views of the change process are "calm waters" and "white-water rapids." The calm waters metaphor represents the view that change is a gradual and steady process, while the white-water rapids metaphor represents the view that change is a turbulent and unpredictable process.

Question 7

The unfreezing step of the change process can be thought of as ________.

Accepted Answer

The unfreezing step involves preparing for the needed change, which includes identifying what needs to change and why it needs to change. This step involves creating a sense of urgency and a willingness to change among employees and stakeholders, and may involve breaking down existing beliefs and attitudes that could hinder the change process. Changing to a new state and changing the organizational structure are components of the change and refreezing steps, respectively, while sustaining a change over time is a goal of the entire change process.

Question 8

Bob is the noon manager at a fast-food hamburger restaurant. As soon as he saw the bus pull into the parking lot, he ordered the cooks to put down as many patties as the grill would hold and shifted his people around so every cash register was open. Bob's response was ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Bob is the noon manager at a...

Question 9

According to Kurt Lewin, which of the following is a stage in the change process?

Accepted Answer

According to Kurt Lewin, the change process involves three stages: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. Unfreezing refers to the process of preparing for change, which may include breaking down existing beliefs and habits.

Question 10

Fuel prices keep spiraling upward so recreational vehicle manufacturers are being pressured to produce lighter units that can be pulled by smaller trucks. This situation is representative of ________.

Accepted Answer

Fuel prices increasing is a driving force because it is pushing manufacturers to make changes in their product offerings (lighter RVs), in order to adapt to the changing market conditions.

Question 11

Employees who prefer stability are less likely to try new technology.

Accepted Answer

Employees who value stability are often resistant to change, including the adoption of new technology that may disrupt their familiar routines or processes.

Question 12

According to Kurt Lewin, increasing the driving forces is a means of ________.

Accepted Answer

Increasing the driving forces is a means of unfreezing, according to Kurt Lewin. Driving forces are forces that push an individual or group towards change, while restraining forces are forces that resist change. Unfreezing is the process of overcoming the restraining forces and creating a state of readiness for change.

Question 13

In the "white-water rapids" metaphor of change, change is seen as an occasional disruption in the normal flow of events.

Accepted Answer

In the "white-water rapids" metaphor of change, change is seen as a constant and unpredictable occurrence that requires constant adaptation and navigation. It is not seen as an occasional disruption, but rather as a fundamental aspect of the environment.

Question 14

"If it's not one thing, it's another. We just get used to doing things one way and suddenly that's not good enough anymore. It's a new machine here, a new manager there, changing customer demands-it never ends!" This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

This statement describes the feeling of constantly having to adapt to changing circumstances, much like navigating through white-water rapids. The other options do not fit as well, as the water over the dam metaphor suggests something that cannot be changed, the calm waters metaphor implies an easy and steady environment, and the falling water metaphor implies something sudden and uncontrollable.

Question 15

Discuss the four internal factors that cause change in an organization, giving an example of each factor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the four internal factors that cause...

Question 16

Cost-cutting measures tend to exacerbate the conditions that led to the need for cutting costs.

Accepted Answer

Cost-cutting measures often involve reducing resources, manpower, or quality of products/services, which can lead to decreased productivity, increased workload, and reduced customer satisfaction. These factors may exacerbate the underlying problems that caused the need for cost-cutting measures in the first place.

Question 17

In the ________ metaphor, change is normal and expected and managing it is a continual process.

Accepted Answer

The white-water rapids metaphor is often used to illustrate that change is constant and unpredictable, and that managing it requires agility and adaptation. This metaphor implies that there will always be challenges and obstacles in the way, requiring constant effort and vigilance.

Question 18

Business had been humming along just fine until the Great Recession hit. Benton Industries adjusted by laying off employees until the recession ended then hired them back. Then it was back to business as usual. This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

The calm waters metaphor suggests that organizations can anticipate and react to changes in the environment without significant turbulence. In this scenario, Benton Industries was able to navigate the recession with minimal disruption, laying off employees and then rehiring them once the economy recovered.

Question 19

When the Pinto cars made by Ford were increasingly involved in fatal rear-crash accidents, Ford officials made a decision to discontinue that model. Their decision was a(n) ________ change.

Accepted Answer

A reactive change is a type of change that occurs after problems or opportunities have arisen and the need for change is evident. Ford's decision to discontinue the Pinto cars was reactive because they were responding to the fatal accidents that had already occurred with the car model.

Question 20

According to Lewin, which of the following is the objective of refreezing?

Accepted Answer

The objective of refreezing, according to Lewin, is to stabilize the new situation. Refreezing is the final stage in the change process where the new behavior, attitude, or approach that was implemented is reinforced and consolidated to prevent reverting to the old ways. Refreezing involves establishing new norms, values, and rules that help people incorporate the changes into their daily routines, making them habitual and sustainable.

Quiz 6: Managing Change