Question 1

Your supervisor remarks,"If you do not complete the project by 5:00 p.m.on Friday,you will not be able to go on vacation next week." This is an example of the retribution influence strategy.

Accepted Answer

The statement implies a threat or punishment for not completing the project on time, which is a characteristic of the retribution influence strategy.

Question 2

Influence strategies used by managers to obtain compliance fall into three categories: retaliation,reciprocity,and reason.

Accepted Answer

The three categories of influence strategies used by managers to obtain compliance are actually coercion, rational persuasion, and inspirational appeals. Retaliation and reciprocity are forms of coercion, while reason falls under rational persuasion.

Question 3

Recently your boss remarked to you,"I don't know where you are coming from." Other people have expressed frustration with you over your lack of team play.You should conclude that you may be losing your expert power.

Accepted Answer

Expert power is derived from possessing knowledge or expertise in a particular area, not from interpersonal relationships or teamwork abilities. The comments described suggest issues with communication or collaboration, not necessarily a loss of expertise.

Question 4

If you ask your employees to work overtime in exchange for an extended weekend,you are utilizing the retribution influence strategy.

Accepted Answer

The statement describes an exchange influence strategy, not a retribution influence strategy.

Question 5

A potential disadvantage associated with the use of the reason influence strategy is that considerable time is required to build trust.

Accepted Answer

The reason influence strategy involves providing logical and rational arguments to persuade someone to your point of view. However, for the strategy to be effective, the person needs to trust you and believe that your arguments are reliable. Building this level of trust can take time, which can be seen as a disadvantage of this strategy.

Question 6

In order to neutralize reciprocity strategies,one should first examine the content of any favor-giving activity.

Accepted Answer

It is important to understand the nature of the favor being given in order to effectively counteract any expected reciprocity. Different favors or actions may require different approaches to neutralize the desire to reciprocate.

Question 7

The text advocates a shift in the definition of power from "having authority over others" to "being able to get things done."

Accepted Answer

The text argues for a new definition of power that is based on effectiveness rather than authority, shifting from an old paradigm of control to a new one of collaboration and cooperation.

Question 8

Empowerment uses sufficient amounts of personal power to achieve high levels of effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

Empowerment involves using personal power to gain control over one's own circumstances, make decisions, and achieve goals. By relying on one's own strengths and abilities, individuals can become more effective in various areas of their lives.

Question 9

If you want to decrease the power in someone's position,you should design their job so that it is routine and has fewer tasks assigned to it.

Accepted Answer

Routine and fewer tasks assigned to a job can decrease the power in someone's position as it limits their decision-making abilities and scope of responsibility.

Question 10

Going to lunch with other departments can increase your centrality power.

Accepted Answer

Going to lunch with other departments can increase your network centrality, as it allows you to connect and interact with individuals outside of your immediate work group, creating new relationships and opportunities for collaboration.

Question 11

To gain more power in your organization,you should focus on building strong relationships with other people,but you shouldn't waste your time observing who other people maintain close networks with.

Accepted Answer

Observing who other people maintain close networks with can provide valuable insights into power dynamics and potential allies or threats. It is important to pay attention to relationships within the organization in order to effectively navigate and increase your own power.

Question 12

Building networks that are rich in structural holes comes easy for most people because we have a natural tendency to seek connections that give us unique information.

Accepted Answer

Most people naturally gravitate towards building networks with others who have similar backgrounds or interests, rather than seeking out connections that provide unique or non-redundant information, which would create structural holes.

Question 13

Interpersonal attraction,as a source of personal power,involves charisma,agreeable behaviors,and physical characteristics.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal attraction refers to the degree to which people are attracted to one another. Charisma, agreeable behaviors, and physical characteristics are all factors that can contribute to an individual's level of interpersonal attraction, which can in turn lead to increased personal power.

Question 14

Power can be viewed as a sign of personal efficacy,the ability to mobilize resources to accomplish productive work.

Accepted Answer

Power refers to the capacity to influence others and accomplish tasks, which is related to personal efficacy and the ability to access and utilize resources effectively.

Question 15

The most appropriate strategy to neutralize a retribution strategy used by your boss would be to focus your boss's attention on your independence.

Accepted Answer

A retribution strategy by a boss typically involves punitive actions or threats for perceived wrongs. Focusing on demonstrating your independence might escalate the situation or be perceived as defiance. A more effective approach would be to address the issue directly, seek to understand the concerns, and work towards a resolution that aligns with organizational goals and values.

Question 16

Because reason strategies involve trusting the good intent of other people,it is not appropriate to neutralize these attempts by appealing to a higher authority in the organization.

Accepted Answer

Reason strategies involve logical arguments or evidence to support a position, not necessarily trusting the good intent of others. Appealing to a higher authority can be a valid approach to address or neutralize these attempts if the situation warrants it, especially in organizational contexts where hierarchical decision-making is common.

Question 17

Getting rid of routine activities,expanding task variety,and initiating new ideas may allow one to gain position power in an organization because flexibility has been increased.

Accepted Answer

When one eliminates routine activities, takes on a wider range of tasks, and generates new ideas, it shows a willingness to adapt and be flexible. This can increase their value to the organization and potentially lead to them gaining more position power.

Question 18

The ability to transform power into influence hinges on securing the consent of others in ways that engender support and commitment instead of resistance and resentment.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Power alone may not be enough to achieve one's goals if others do not consent to it. Influence requires gaining the support and commitment of others through methods that do not breed resentment or resistance.

Question 19

Gerry has developed a new purchasing policy that not only focuses on expediting purchase orders but will also save the company money.To pitch this new policy to his boss,Gerry should use the influence strategy of reciprocity.

Accepted Answer

Reciprocity involves doing something for someone with the expectation that they will do something in return. Gerry's situation is better suited for the rational persuasion strategy, where he would use logical arguments and factual evidence to demonstrate how his new purchasing policy will benefit the company.

Question 20

Using power for personal reasons means that a manager will definitely achieve his or her career aspirations.

Accepted Answer

Using power for personal reasons may bring short-term gains, but in the long run it can damage the manager's reputation and career prospects. A successful and respected manager is one who uses power responsibly and ethically, for the benefit of the organization and its stakeholders.

Quiz 5: Gaining Power and Influence