Question 1

Which of the following is the first step in the goal-setting process?

Accepted Answer

The first step in the goal-setting process is to review the organization's mission. This helps to ensure that the goals align with the overall purpose and values of the organization.

Question 2

When the hierarchy of organizational goals is clearly defined, it forms an integrated network of goals called a __________ chain.

Accepted Answer

A means-ends chain is a network of goals where lower-level goals are the means for achieving higher-level goals. It establishes a relationship between the organizations' end or final goal and the means to achieve them. This structure forms a clear hierarchy of goals, linking the outcomes to the objectives and the activities needed to achieve them.

Question 3

Management by objectives (MBO) is a management system in which specific performance goals are _______________.

Accepted Answer

MBO involves both the employees and their managers in jointly setting specific performance goals, rather than simply delegating goals or having employees work independently without supervision. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that the goals are realistic, achievable, and aligned with broader organizational objectives.

Question 4

In order to manage effectively in an uncertain environment, managers must recognize that planning is __________.

Accepted Answer

Planning is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that should be continuously updated and adjusted to respond to changes in the environment. This is particularly important in uncertain environments, where conditions are constantly changing and managers need to be agile and flexible in their planning processes. Choices B, C, D, and E are incorrect because they do not reflect the importance of ongoing planning and adaptability in uncertain environments.

Question 5

A well-designed goal should be _________ but _____________.

Accepted Answer

A well-designed goal should be challenging enough to motivate the person or team working towards it, yet still attainable so that it is not completely out of reach.

Question 6

An organization is in the process of goal setting. It has finished reviewing the mission statement. What should it do next?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating available resources is the next step in the goal-setting process after reviewing the mission statement.

Question 7

As the responsibility for establishing goals and developing plans is pushed to lower organizational levels in dynamic environments, organizational hierarchies must become __________.

Accepted Answer

In dynamic environments, organizations need to be flexible and responsive. Flatter hierarchies allow for faster decision-making and more efficient communication between different levels of the organization. This enables lower-level employees to take on more responsibility, establish goals, and develop plans, which ultimately helps the organization adapt to changing conditions more quickly. Taller hierarchies, on the other hand, typically involve more layers of management and slower decision-making processes, which can be a hindrance in dynamic environments.

Question 8

The "commitment" concept means that plans should extend far enough to meet those commitments __________.

Accepted Answer

The commitment concept refers to the idea that plans should be developed with a clear understanding of the commitments that need to be made to stakeholders, such as customers, employees, and suppliers. These commitments should be integrated into the planning process, and the plans should extend far enough to meet those commitments. Therefore, the best choice is D, which states that plans should be developed with a clear understanding of the commitments that were made when the plans were developed. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the commitment concept.

Question 9

When organizational members are more actively involved in planning, they see that the plans are ____________.

Accepted Answer

When organizational members are involved in planning, they are more likely to see the plans as something used in directing and coordinating work. This involvement increases their understanding of the plans and may increase their commitment to their successful implementation.

Question 10

In a typical MBO program, __________________.

Accepted Answer

In a typical MBO program, progress is periodically reviewed to ensure that goals are being achieved and to make any necessary adjustments. The other options are not entirely accurate. While management may have a role in determining objectives, they should also be developed in collaboration with employees. Goals are not only reviewed at the time of completion, but also throughout the process to assess progress. Goals serve multiple purposes, not just as controls, such as providing direction and motivation. New goals may be set periodically, but not necessarily every few weeks.

Question 11

How can managers effectively plan when the external environment is continually changing?

Accepted Answer

Managers should be ready to adapt and change their plans as external conditions change. This means being flexible and open-minded in their planning. By staying attuned to changes in their external environment, they can adjust their plans accordingly and stay competitive. Setting general but rigid plans (B) may result in the failure to respond to changes in the environment, leading to missed opportunities or potential disruptions. Discontinuing formal planning (A) is not a viable option since planning is an essential part of management. Following set organizational plans (D) without considering changes in the external environment could be detrimental to the organization's success. Only setting short-term goals (E) may not be sufficient for meeting long-term objectives and responding to changes in the external environment.

Question 12

Studies of actual MBO programs confirm that MBO _____________ employee performance and organizational productivity.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the implementation of MBO leads to increased employee performance and organizational productivity. MBO provides clarity on goals and expectations, facilitates communication, enhances motivation and commitment, and promotes employee development and involvement. Therefore, MBO is related to and increases employee performance and organizational productivity.

Question 13

In an uncertain environment, managers need to develop plans that are ________.

Accepted Answer

In an uncertain environment, managers need to have plans that are specific to the situation but also flexible enough to adapt to any changes that may occur. A plan that is too general may not address the unique challenges of the situation, while a plan that is too rigid may not be able to adapt to changes. A specific but flexible plan allows managers to be prepared for what they can anticipate while also being able to adjust their approach as needed.

Question 14

A _______________ is a broad statement of an organization's purpose that provides an overall guide to what organizational members think is important.

Accepted Answer

A mission statement is a broad statement of an organization's purpose that guides the actions of its members. Plans, proposals, projects, and goals are all more specific and focused than a mission statement.

Question 15

Which of the following is identified in our textbook as a contingency factor that affects organizational planning?

Accepted Answer

The degree of environmental uncertainty is identified in our textbook as a contingency factor that affects organizational planning. This refers to how unpredictable and complex the external environment is, which in turn affects the organization's ability to make accurate predictions and plan accordingly.

Question 16

Which of the following is identified in our textbook as a contingency factor that affects organizational planning?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is identified in...

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT an element of successful MBO programs?

Accepted Answer

A flexible time period is not an element of successful MBO programs. The time period for achieving goals should be specific and measurable. The other elements of successful MBO programs are goal specificity, participative decision making, performance feedback, and top management commitment.

Question 18

Which of the following goals is most appropriate for an MBO program?

Accepted Answer

The goal of decreasing waste by 6 percent over the next six months is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), making it an appropriate goal for an MBO (management by objectives) program. The other goals may also be important to the organization, but they are not as specific or time-bound, making them less suitable for an MBO program.

Question 19

Rachel makes $80,000 a year as an accountant. Based on her income, she is trying to figure out how she can build an investment portfolio worth $1 million by the time she retires. Rachel is at which step of the goal-setting process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rachel makes $80,000 a year as an...

Question 20

MBO programs use goals to __________ employees rather than to _____________ them.

Accepted Answer

MBO (Management by Objectives) programs use goals to motivate employees rather than to control them. The main emphasis of this approach is on setting achievable goals jointly with employees and ensuring that they understand what is expected of them. This method provides clear directives for employees to follow, which can increase clarity and motivation toward achieving their objectives. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice.

Quiz 8: Foundations of Planning

Which of the following is the first step in the goal-setting process?

When the hierarchy of organizational goals is clearly defined, it forms an integrated network of goals called a __________ chain.

Management by objectives (MBO) is a management system in which specific performance goals are _______________.

In order to manage effectively in an uncertain environment, managers must recognize that planning is __________.

A well-designed goal should be _ but _____.

An organization is in the process of goal setting. It has finished reviewing the mission statement. What should it do next?

As the responsibility for establishing goals and developing plans is pushed to lower organizational levels in dynamic environments, organizational hierarchies must become __________.

The "commitment" concept means that plans should extend far enough to meet those commitments __________.

When organizational members are more actively involved in planning, they see that the plans are ____________.

In a typical MBO program, __________________.

How can managers effectively plan when the external environment is continually changing?

Studies of actual MBO programs confirm that MBO _____________ employee performance and organizational productivity.

In an uncertain environment, managers need to develop plans that are ________.

A _______________ is a broad statement of an organization's purpose that provides an overall guide to what organizational members think is important.

Which of the following is identified in our textbook as a contingency factor that affects organizational planning?

Which of the following is identified in our textbook as a contingency factor that affects organizational planning?

Which of the following is NOT an element of successful MBO programs?

Which of the following goals is most appropriate for an MBO program?

Rachel makes $80,000 a year as an accountant. Based on her income, she is trying to figure out how she can build an investment portfolio worth $1 million by the time she retires. Rachel is at which step of the goal-setting process?

MBO programs use goals to employees rather than to ___ them.