Question 1

Which of the following is an advantage most closely associated with counseling?

Accepted Answer

Counseling is an effective tool for making employees feel valued and appreciated. It communicates to employees that their personal and professional well-being is important to the organization and fosters a positive workplace culture. Option B is incorrect because counseling is not about sharing confidential information. Option C is incorrect because counseling should be impartial and objective, and should not suggest that one employee is more efficient than another. Option D is incorrect because counseling should focus on identifying and addressing performance issues, not threatening employees with termination.

Question 2

In general,problem employees fall into two categories.One of the categories includes employees causing problems,and the other group contains employees:

Accepted Answer

The sentence states that one category is "employees causing problems," implying that the other category is not causing problems. Therefore, option A, "with problems," makes the most sense as the other category. Options B, C, and D do not necessarily relate to problem employees.

Question 3

The most common reason given for taking unscheduled time off is:

Accepted Answer

Personal illness is the most common reason for taking unscheduled time off. This can include physical illnesses or mental health concerns. Work overload or entitlement mentality may contribute to workplace stress, but they are not necessarily the primary reasons for taking time off. Psychological instability may also be a reason for time off, but it is less common than personal illness.

Question 4

A requirement that an employee not come to work for a set time period,and in which the employee is not paid for the time off is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

A suspension is a disciplinary action where an employee is required to stay away from the workplace for a set period of time without pay. It is often used as a consequence for violating company policy or for behavior issues. Termination and dismissal refer to the end of employment, while demotion is a change in job position and responsibilities.

Question 5

The difference between directive and nondirective counseling is that:

Accepted Answer

Directive counseling involves the supervisor giving specific advice and guidance to the employee on how to address their problem behavior. In contrast, nondirective counseling allows the employee to analyze and reflect on their behavior and come up with their own solutions while the counselor provides support and guidance. Therefore, option A is the best choice as it correctly describes the difference between the two types of counseling.

Question 6

Which of the following is true of counseling?

Accepted Answer

During the counseling session, focusing on behavior and performance of the employee instead of who they are is a more effective approach to addressing specific issues or problems. Counseling is not an appropriate tool for supervisors to try to eliminate perceived threats or to reprimand employees. Additionally, counseling is a tool to support employees, not interfere in their personal lives.

Question 7

In the process of administering discipline,the first step should ideally be to:

Accepted Answer

The best choice is to warn the employee. This allows for the employee to understand what behavior needs to be corrected and gives them an opportunity to improve their performance. Firing, suspending, or demoting an employee should only be done if warnings and corrective measures have been unsuccessful.

Question 8

Counseling is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Counseling involves the process of learning about an individual's personal problem and providing assistance to help resolve it. It is a form of guidance and support given to an individual to help them deal with personal or professional problems. The other options are not related to counseling.

Question 9

Cindy,the supervisor of the marketing team,is concerned about John's continuous poor performance and arranges to have a meeting with him.This session helps Cindy to identify that John was facing a problem of substance abuse.She than suggests that John take a disability leave to get treatment.Which of the following approaches to counseling has been adopted by Cindy?

Accepted Answer

Cindy has identified John's problem and is suggesting a particular course of action for him to address it, making it a directive counseling approach.

Question 10

Which of the following is the most appropriate time for a supervisor to counsel an employee?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate time for a supervisor to counsel an employee is when the employee needs help in resolving problems affecting his/her work. Counseling is meant to address performance issues and improve the employee's work, not to serve the supervisor's personal interests or to humiliate the employee. It is also not appropriate to counsel an employee as a response to a threat or in retaliation for potential disclosure of company secrets.

Question 11

When supervisors observe poor performance in an employee,they are most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Supervisors are likely to place blame on the employee for lacking ability or not putting in enough effort before blaming external factors such as lack of support or distractions. This is because the supervisor believes the employee is responsible for their own performance and should take ownership of their work. Blaming lack of training is also possible, but it is less common as most employees are expected to pick up new skills on the job.

Question 12

Nondirective counseling is best defined as an approach to counseling:

Accepted Answer

Nondirective counseling is a counseling approach in which the counselor (or supervisor) primarily listens to the employee or client, encourages them to explore the problem and come up with possible solutions on their own. The counselor does not give advice or suggest solutions, but rather helps the employee reach their own conclusions and plan their own course of action.

Question 13

In the context of alcohol and drug abuse by workers,which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that employees who use drugs are more likely to be tardy, absent, or involved in accidents at work. Substance abuse can impair a person's cognitive and physical abilities, making them less productive and more prone to mistakes. Furthermore, employees who use drugs may also create safety risks for themselves and their co-workers. Therefore, it is important for employers to have policies in place to discourage drug use and provide assistance to those who may be struggling with addiction. Choice A is incorrect because although some drugs may temporarily enhance performance, the long-term effects of substance abuse can have negative consequences on job performance. Choice C is incorrect as the ADA does recognize drug addiction as a disability, but employers may be able to take certain actions if drug use poses a direct threat to safety or job performance. Choice D is incorrect because employers are encouraged to offer assistance to employees struggling with substance abuse, rather than immediately terminating their employment.

Question 14

Substance abuse arising from an addiction is defined as a disability according to the:

Accepted Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines addiction to drugs or alcohol as a disability, and thus, individuals struggling with substance abuse are protected under the law. This means they cannot be discriminated against in employment, housing, or other areas covered under the ADA. The other acts listed in the options do not specifically address substance abuse as a disability.

Question 15

An approach to counseling where the supervisor asks questions to the employee about the specific problem,and then suggests ways to handle the problem,after he/she understands the problem is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Directive counseling involves the supervisor taking an active role in addressing the employee's specific problem by asking questions and providing suggestions for handling it. This approach contrasts with nondirective counseling, where the employee takes the lead in identifying the problem and finding solutions, and emotionally focused therapy and grief therapy, which are specialized approaches focused on specific emotional issues.

Question 16

Discipline is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Discipline refers to actions taken by a supervisor to prevent employees from breaking rules or expected behavioral standards. It involves taking corrective action to ensure employees comply with policies, procedures, and expectations.

Note: B and C are more in line with counseling or coaching, and D refers to insubordination, which is a form of misconduct that may require disciplinary action.

Question 17

Which of the following is most likely to reduce the occurrence of workplace violence?

Accepted Answer

Treating employees fairly and with respect creates a positive work environment and reduces the likelihood of employees feeling angry or frustrated enough to resort to violence. Segregating employees based on nationality or giving absolute authority to supervisors can create a tense or unfair work environment, whereas encouraging whistle-blowers can lead to retaliation and further conflict.

Question 18

Ashton's supervisor Carol notices that he is always late to work.She discusses the matter with Ashton and makes him realize how his behavior is affecting everyone in the department.Then Carol encourages him to analyze the problem and listens to what Ashton has to say.Ashton realizes that the reason behind his being late is that he is running too many errands in the morning.So he decides to run his personal errands during lunch and after work.Which type of counseling approach has been used?

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes nondirective counseling, where the counselor (Carol) helps the individual (Ashton) to understand and solve his own problem by listening and encouraging self-analysis, rather than giving direct advice or solutions.

Question 19

Insubordination is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Insubordination refers to the intentional disobedience or refusal to follow orders, requests or directions of a supervisor or manager.

Question 20

Suppose a salesperson in a hardware store has a 10-year-old son with behavior problems,and this was affecting his work.The supervisor gets to know about this and schedules counseling sessions with him.In one of these sessions,the supervisor says,"I've noticed that we haven't received any more customer complaints about your service and,in fact,one customer told me you went out of your way to help." From the given information,identify the stage in which the process of counseling has most likely reached.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose a salesperson in a hardware store...

Quiz 12: Problem Employees: Counseling and Discipline