Question 1

The downgrade of U.S.federal debt created wild swings in the stock market.The uncertainty led to consumer caution and less spending.This is an example of the ____ dimension.

Accepted Answer

The downgrade of U.S. federal debt and its impacts on the stock market, consumer caution, and spending all relate to the economic dimension.

Question 2

When HTC offered the first cell phone with a button dedicated to Facebook,it was responding to changes in the ____ environmental dimension.

Accepted Answer

The introduction of a phone with a dedicated Facebook button is a response to changes in the technological environment, specifically the increasing importance of social media platforms like Facebook.

Question 3

McAfee announced the detection of electronic spying by a foreign nation on the International Olympic Committee before the Beijing Olympics.This is part of the ____ environment of the IOC.

Accepted Answer

The detection of electronic spying by a foreign nation on the International Olympic Committee before the Beijing Olympics is related to the technological environment, as it involves digital technology and cyber security.

Question 4

The ____ dimension refers to the methods available for converting resources into products and services.

Accepted Answer

The technological dimension refers to the methods, techniques, and knowledge available for converting resources into products and services. This includes the use of machinery, tools, software, and other equipment to improve efficiency, speed, and accuracy in production or service delivery.

Question 5

An organization's general environment

Accepted Answer

All of the choices are correct. The general environment refers to the broader dimensions, forces and overall context of an organization's external environment. The general environment is not limited to specific organizations and includes a wide range of factors such as economic, technological, sociocultural, political/legal and international/global dimensions.

Question 6

Which of the following events would NOT have a significant impact on an organization's general environment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following events would NOT...

Question 7

The interest rates are an important aspect of which environment?

Accepted Answer

Interest rates are closely tied to the economic environment, as they affect borrowing and lending transactions, which are key drivers of economic activity. Changes in interest rates can impact investment decisions, consumer spending, and inflation, among other economic indicators.

Question 8

A(n)____ would come under the heading of the economic element of the general environment.

Accepted Answer

An increase in unemployment is directly related to the economic environment, as it impacts job availability, consumer spending power, and overall economic growth. The other options may have indirect or secondary effects on the economy, but they are not direct economic factors.

Question 9

Which of the following statements does NOT describe a characteristic of an organization's external environment?

Accepted Answer

The boundary between the organization and its environment is not quite specific and clearly defined. The line between inside and outside the organization can be fuzzy, and the organization can have varying degrees of control over different aspects of its external environment.

Question 10

An erratic economy increases uncertainty.

Accepted Answer

An erratic economy is not stable and can be subject to sudden changes and uncertainty, which can make it difficult for individuals and businesses to plan for the future.

Question 11

In 2011,unemployment was the highest it had been in more than a decade.This is part of the ____ dimension of organizations.

Accepted Answer

The unemployment rate being the highest it had been in more than a decade is a clear indication of the economic dimension of organizations.

Question 12

The internal process approach focuses on the degree to which an organization reaches its goals.

Accepted Answer

The internal process approach focuses on the efficiency and smooth functioning of internal processes, not directly on goal achievement.

Question 13

The general environment of organizations have all EXCEPT which dimension?

Accepted Answer

The general environment of organizations includes the economic, technological, sociocultural, and political-legal dimensions. There is no dimension called "domestic."

Question 14

The goal approach focuses on the groups that have a stake in the organization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The goal approach focuses on the groups...

Question 15

General Motors sold an auto parts company because profitability was low.The primary environmental dimension considered was

Accepted Answer

The decision to sell the auto parts company was based on the low profitability, which is an economic factor. Other environmental dimensions such as technological or sociocultural are not directly related to profitability. Political-legal and domestic factors could be relevant, but they are not mentioned in the given information. Therefore, the best choice is A) economic.

Question 16

When Kate Middleton started wearing pantyhose,sales in the UK increased 85%.That is an example of which environment?

Accepted Answer

The increase in pantyhose sales is influenced by sociocultural factors, specifically the trend set by Kate Middleton in wearing them.

Question 17

When a locally owned construction firm fears new competition from a national chain such as Toll Brothers moving in,it is experiencing a change in its

Accepted Answer

The entry of a new national chain competitor affects the construction firm's external environment, as it is a change happening outside the organization's boundaries.

Question 18

____ is a key part of the manager's job.

Accepted Answer

Maintaining an effective alignment between the organization and the environment is a key part of the manager's job because it ensures the organization is able to adapt and thrive in its surroundings. This includes being aware of trends and changes in the industry, understanding the needs and expectations of customers and stakeholders, and making strategic decisions that keep the organization competitive. Understanding the organizational hierarchy, being authoritarian or manipulative, and being cognizant of the environment in which supervisors operate are also important aspects of management, but they are not as critical as maintaining organizational alignment with the environment.

Question 19

When entrepreneur Gene Reilly's dog couldn't drink water,he developed a canine sports drink,which he marketed and called Rebound.Which of the following is part of the general environment for Reilly's company?

Accepted Answer

The sociocultural environment, part of the general environment, influences how a society views certain actions and products. The belief that it's acceptable to anthropomorphize dogs (give them human characteristics) directly impacts the acceptance and success of a product like a canine sports drink. This belief shapes consumer behavior and market demand, making it a significant external factor for Reilly's company.

Question 20

Twenty years ago most business failures were attributed to poor inventory management.Today point-of-sales terminals are used at the checkout counters of most retail stores.These terminals allow retailers to know what is selling,to see what needs to be reordered,and to better satisfy customers while not over investing in inventory.Point-of-sales terminals have greatly influenced how retailers interact with the ____ dimension of the general environment.

Accepted Answer

Point-of-sales terminals are a technological advancement that has greatly influenced how retailers interact with their environment.

Quiz 3: The Environment and Culture of Organizations