Question 1

Research finds that major changes in companies are usually initiated by:

Accepted Answer

The research suggests that major changes in companies are usually initiated by an external successor brought in to replace a CEO who was forced out. This is because an external successor may have a fresh perspective and bring new ideas to the company, whereas internal successors may be more likely to continue with the status quo. Additionally, a CEO who is forced out may have been perceived as ineffective or unable to bring about necessary changes, thus requiring a new leader to bring about the desired changes.

Question 2

Which is not a core performance determinant for an organization in the flexible leadership theory?

Accepted Answer

Leader experience and intelligence are not listed as core performance determinants in the flexible leadership theory. The other options, efficiency and process reliability, human resources and relations, and innovation and adaptation, are all integral components of this theory.

Question 3

When an organization has declining performance,a CEO who has been in office for many years is least likely to:

Accepted Answer

A CEO who has been in office for many years is least likely to make major changes in the organization's strategy due to potential resistance to change, attachment to the existing strategy, or a belief in the current strategic direction.

Question 4

According to flexible leadership theory,strategic leadership is most difficult when:

Accepted Answer

Strategic leadership is most difficult when all performance determinants are very important because it requires balancing and integrating multiple priorities and demands, which can be complex and challenging.

Question 5

In what situation are executive teams least likely to be useful?

Accepted Answer

When there is intense competition among executives to become the next CEO, the executive team is less likely to be useful as they may prioritize their personal growth and success over the overall success of the organization. This can lead to conflicts and lack of collaboration within the team, which can ultimately hinder their effectiveness.

Question 6

What is the best summary of findings in research on leadership succession?

Accepted Answer

Research on leadership succession has shown that chief executives have a moderate impact on organizational performance when measured over a period of several years. While they are not the sole determinant of whether the organization prospers or declines, their leadership style and decision-making can have an influence on the trajectory of the company. However, economic and market conditions also play a significant role in shaping organizational outcomes. Therefore, it is important to consider both internal and external factors when evaluating leadership succession.

Question 7

How is a strong organizational culture related to the financial performance of an organization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is a strong organizational culture related...

Question 8

Which guideline about management programs and systems is most consistent with flexible leadership theory?

Accepted Answer

Flexible leadership theory emphasizes adapting leadership style to best fit the situation and the needs of the team. Therefore, it is consistent with the idea that management programs and systems should be supported by the direct behavior of individual managers. This allows for flexibility in how the program or system is implemented based on the specific needs and challenges of the team.

Question 9

Which of the following theories most strongly emphasizes the importance of emergent processes for the adaptation of organizations to their environment?

Accepted Answer

Complexity leadership theory posits that organizations are complex adaptive systems where emergent processes play a crucial role in responding to and adapting to changes in the environment. It emphasizes that leadership is a collective and distributed process that cannot be attributed to one individual or structure. Relational leadership theory focuses on the importance of relationships and social networks in leadership, but does not emphasize emergent processes as strongly as complexity leadership theory. Informal leadership theory and distributed leadership theory are similar to complexity leadership theory in highlighting the importance of shared leadership and collective decision-making, but do not specifically emphasize emergent processes in the same way.

Question 10

When the competition is intense and the environment is changing rapidly,it is especially important to:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a high level of external monitoring is crucial in an intensely competitive and rapidly changing environment. This allows the organization to stay aware of market trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and emerging competitors, which in turn allows for a more agile and proactive response to changes in the industry. Detailed plans and operating procedures may become quickly outdated in such an environment, while increasing the power of the chief executive or strengthening the organization culture may not address the need for external monitoring and adaptation.

Question 11

Which condition is not likely to limit a chief executive's discretion to make major changes in the strategy of an organization?

Accepted Answer

When an organization has ample financial reserves, it means there is enough money to cover the potential risk of major changes in strategy. This gives the CEO more discretion to make those changes without fear of financial consequences. On the other hand, if an organization has a few major clients who account for most sales, a strong corporate culture or a strong board of directors, the CEO's discretion may be limited by these conditions, as they may require more caution, collaboration or adherence to established practices.

Question 12

Which of the following actions by the CEO is not likely to improve the effectiveness of an executive team?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating most meetings and using email to communicate separately with individuals is not likely to improve the effectiveness of an executive team as frequent interactions and face-to-face communication are important for building trust and relationships among team members. This could result in miscommunication, lack of alignment, and reduced collaboration among team members.

Question 13

According to the flexible leadership theory,the CEO of an organization should:

Accepted Answer

The flexible leadership theory emphasizes the importance of coordinating leadership processes across levels and subunits, rather than focusing solely on short-term objectives or providing heroic, charismatic leadership. The theory also emphasizes the importance of utilizing management programs and systems, rather than relying solely on direct behaviors. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 14

Which condition is least important for the success of a new strategy?

Accepted Answer

A strategy being similar to a previously successful one is less important because past success does not guarantee future success, especially if external conditions have changed.

Question 15

Which of the following was not given as a guideline for external monitoring?

Accepted Answer

The other three choices are all valid guidelines for external monitoring, while relying solely on intuition can lead to biases and inaccuracies in analysis.

Question 16

According to Schein,organization culture is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Schein defines organizational culture as consisting of the shared basic values and beliefs held by members of the organization, which influence their attitudes and behaviors. Option B is too narrow a definition, as an organization's culture is not limited to its primary mission alone. Option C may be a part of the culture, but not the defining factor. Option D is a result of the culture, not a description of it.

Quiz 11: Strategic Leadership by Top Executives