Question 1

When you possess something that others require but that you alone control,you make them dependent upon you and therefore you gain power over them.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Possessing something that others require but that you alone control creates a power dynamic where those who need it are dependent on you, giving you leverage and control over them. This is a common strategy in business, politics, and personal relationships.

Question 2

Research investigating empowerment at the workplace has shown that empowering those who do not want to be empowered or those who are not confident about their new responsibilities may actually lead to illness,thus decreasing productivity.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that forcing empowerment on individuals who are not ready or willing to take on new responsibilities can lead to stress and illness, thereby reducing workplace productivity.

Question 3

An organization can be politics-free if

Accepted Answer

E is correct because when performance outcomes are clear and objective, resources are not scarce, and everyone has the same goals and interests, it minimizes the grounds for political maneuvering. Clear and objective outcomes prevent ambiguity and disputes over performance assessments. Non-scarce resources reduce competition that can lead to political behavior. Shared goals and interests align everyone's efforts, reducing internal conflicts and politics.

Question 4

Resistance occurs when a person goes along with a request grudgingly,puts in minimal effort,and takes little initiative in carrying out the request.

Accepted Answer

Resistance refers to opposition or pushback against a request or directive, not the begrudging compliance or minimal effort described.

Question 5

A psychological contract

Accepted Answer

A psychological contract is an unwritten, informal agreement between an employer and an employee regarding the expectations and responsibilities between them. It is based on trust, mutual respect, and the understanding of each other's needs and wants. The psychological contract strengthens over time as the employer and employee continue to fulfill their obligations to each other. However, it is not a legally binding contract.

Question 6

Power is a function of dependency.

Accepted Answer

Power is the ability to influence others or control resources, and this ability is derived from the degree of dependency others have on the person or group in power. Therefore, power is indeed a function of dependency.

Question 7

Fear and intimidation are coercive bases of power.

Accepted Answer

Fear and intimidation are both methods used to force or manipulate individuals to comply with the wishes or demands of the person in power. These tactics are often associated with authoritarian or abusive leadership styles and are considered coercive because they rely on threats or the use of force to control others. As such, fear and intimidation are commonly recognized as bases of power in organizational behavior and are often contrasted with more positive or collaborative forms of power such as expertise, charisma, or referent power.

Question 8

Claiming the authority or right to make a request or showing that the request supports organizational goals or policies are examples of the legitimacy influence tactic.

Accepted Answer

The legitimacy influence tactic involves asserting authority or showing that the request is aligned with organizational goals or policies in order to persuade others to comply with the request. Thus, the statement is true.

Question 9

A person can have power over you only if he or she controls something you desire.

Accepted Answer

This statement is generally true. Power relationships often arise when one person has control over something the other person desires, such as resources, information, or social status. Without something that is desirable to the other person, it is difficult to establish power over them. However, there may be some instances when a person has power over another without controlling something they desire, such as through physical force or coercion.

Question 10

The more scarce a person's skill is,the less power that person has.

Accepted Answer

The more scarce a person's skill is, the more power that person may have as their skill becomes more valuable and in-demand.

Question 11

Matt has noticed that employees respond to legitimate power generally in three different ways.They show commitment,compliance,or resistance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Matt has noticed that employees respond to...

Question 12

Workplace civility can be defined with which of the following characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Workplace civility involves showing politeness and respect towards others. This includes using appropriate language, showing consideration for colleagues' time and workload, and displaying good manners in general. The other choices, such as violating norms or showing disregard for others, are antithetical to workplace civility. While constructive criticism and debate are allowed in a civil workplace, rude behavior would not be included in a definition of civility.

Question 13

Of all the bases of power available,the power to hurt others is possibly the most often used,most often condemned,and most difficult to control.

Accepted Answer

The statement correctly highlights that the power to hurt others is frequently used, yet also widespread in its condemnation. Additionally, controlling this kind of power is often difficult.

Question 14

Researchers have found that there are few differences in the tactics used to influence actions,regardless of whether people are interacting with someone above or below them in rank.

Accepted Answer

Research in social psychology and organizational behavior often shows that people use different tactics when trying to influence others based on the hierarchical relationship. Tactics can vary significantly depending on whether the target of influence is a superior (upward influence) or a subordinate (downward influence), reflecting differences in power dynamics and social norms.

Question 15

Power is increased by possession of something that is plentiful and easily available.

Accepted Answer

Power is not solely determined by possession of something that is plentiful and easily available. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as knowledge, skills, social connections, financial resources, and political influence.

Question 16

The ability to make people dependent upon you will serve to increase your power.

Accepted Answer

When people are dependent on you, you have a greater level of control over them, which can increase your power. This is why some leaders or organizations may use tactics such as creating a sense of dependency or fostering loyalty in order to maintain their power. However, it is important to note that this approach can also have negative consequences and may not be sustainable in the long term.

Question 17

There has been an increase in "uncivil and aggressive workplace behaviours" due to

Accepted Answer

Downsizing and pressure for increased productivity can create a stressful work environment, which may contribute to uncivil and aggressive behavior. Re-engineering, enhanced budgets, employee training, and empowerment may not directly impact workplace behavior as much as downsizing and productivity pressure.

Question 18

A major cause of incivility in the workplace is

Accepted Answer

Employees are viewed simply as economic input variables that increase total cost.

Question 19

Studies show that the effects of empowerment depend upon the job requirements and personality of the employee.From this generalization,we could predict that if Bob's personality is such that he blames himself when things go wrong,he is more likely to experience stress if given control and is empowered.

Accepted Answer

The statement is consistent with the idea that the effects of empowerment depend on personality traits. Specifically, if an employee tends to blame themselves when things go wrong, they may experience more stress when given control and empowered.

Question 20

Empowerment is defined as the freedom and the ability of employees to make decisions and commitments.

Accepted Answer

Empowerment involves giving employees the freedom and ability to make decisions and commitments, which is true.

Quiz 7: Power and Politics