Question 1

Burnout takes place in response to

Accepted Answer

Burnout occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to stressors, such as work-related pressure, demands, and responsibilities, without adequate relief or rest. It is a slow process that accumulates over time, leading to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Type-A personality, handling a crisis, job insecurity or job loss can certainly contribute to stress, but they are not the only causes of burnout.

Question 2

After a downsizing, office manager Jackie has to perform her job plus that of her former supervisor. Jackie is likely to experience stress from role

Accepted Answer

When an individual is required to perform the duties of a position that has been eliminated due to downsizing, it is likely that they will experience an overload of responsibilities. This can result in increased stress, as the individual may feel overwhelmed by the additional workload and may struggle to manage their time effectively.

Question 3

Breaking a task down into manageable chunks is aimed at overcoming procrastination due to

Accepted Answer

Breaking a task down into manageable chunks is aimed at overcoming procrastination caused by the dislike of an overwhelming task. When a task seems too big or complex, it can lead to anxiety and avoidance. Breaking it down into smaller, more achievable steps makes it less daunting and easier to start.

Question 4

A distinguishing characteristic of Type A personalities is that they are

Accepted Answer

Type A personalities tend to be characterized by impatience, a sense of urgency, and a tendency towards perfectionism and high achievement. They may also be competitive and aggressive in their pursuit of goals. These traits make them often seem demanding and even confrontational towards others.

Question 5

Which step is NOT a part of Attitudes and Values that increase personal productivity?

Accepted Answer

Addressing procrastination only when you know you can handle it is not a part of the Attitudes and Values that increase personal productivity. Procrastination should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming a habit and hindering productivity.

Question 6

At the heart of every time-management system is

Accepted Answer

The answer of At the heart of every time-management system...

Question 7

A problem with accumulating a number of minor annoyances from a stress perspective is that

Accepted Answer

Accumulating a number of minor annoyances can lead to a buildup of stress, where small amounts of stress add together to create large stress. This can lead to the development of stress-related health problems and make coping with significant stress more difficult. However, it is unlikely that only 10 minor annoyances would result in cardiac disease (A) or that a handful of minor annoyances would immediately lead to burnout (B). While accumulated stress can make it harder to cope with significant stress (C), this is not the main issue with accumulating minor annoyances.

Question 8

The fight-or-flight response is the body's

Accepted Answer

The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction to a perceived threat or danger, in which the body prepares itself to fight or flee. It involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of various hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which help to mobilize energy and increase physical strength and stamina. This response is designed to help us cope with stress and protect ourselves in potentially dangerous situations.

Question 9

The "WIFO" principle stands for

Accepted Answer

The WIFO principle stands for "worst in, first out." This means that when inventory is being sold or used, the oldest or least desirable items are used or sold first, while the newer or more desirable items are saved for later. This system helps to ensure that inventory does not become outdated or spoiled and can increase efficiency by reducing waste.

Question 10

People with negative affectivity are likely to

Accepted Answer

People with negative affectivity are prone to experiencing frequent emotional stress due to their tendency to focus on negative emotions and experiences.

Question 11

Whether or not a given activity is a timewaster depends on the

Accepted Answer

Whether an activity is a timewaster depends on its purpose - if it aligns with the goals and priorities of the individual or organization, then it is not a timewaster. For example, taking a break from work to check social media might be considered a timewaster if the purpose of the break was to increase productivity, but it might not be a timewaster if the purpose was to relax and recharge in order to increase wellbeing.

Question 12

Which of these NOT a key component to combating procrastination?

Accepted Answer

The other three choices (A, B, and C) are all key components to combating procrastination, such as breaking a task into smaller pieces, realizing the cost of procrastination, and creating external accountability. However, D is not a key component because it suggests cutting back on rewards, which may not necessarily solve the root issue of procrastination.

Question 13

A major purpose of work streamlining is to

Accepted Answer

Work streamlining aims to reduce redundancy and eliminate waste in processes, resulting in time and cost savings. This can be achieved by identifying and refining inefficient procedures, minimizing delays and idle time, and eliminating unnecessary activities, leading to higher productivity and more efficient use of resources.

Question 14

Studies involving 9,000 workers found that employees who were late

Accepted Answer

The passage mentions that employees who were late tended to have poor absenteeism records, indicating that they may not be the most reliable or dedicated workers. A and B are not supported by the given information, and D contradicts the mentioned trend.

Question 15

An analysis of procrastination suggests the condition is a

Accepted Answer

The statement mentions "procrastination suggests the condition is a profound, debilitating problem," which suggests that procrastination is a severe issue that can significantly impact individuals.

Question 16

Working smarter, not harder means the person

Accepted Answer

Finding imaginative solutions to problems is the essence of working smarter, not harder. It involves using creativity to come up with novel approaches to tasks, which can save time and effort in the long run. Attending seminars, planning and avoiding perfectionism are also helpful strategies, but they do not necessarily embody the core concept of working smarter.

Question 17

Your susceptibility to job stress decreases when you have

Accepted Answer

High perceived control refers to the belief that one has control over their work environment and can make decisions that affect it. This sense of control has been found to be a protective factor against job stress. Low perceived control (option A) would increase job stress. Type A personality (option C) is a personality type associated with high levels of stress, so it would not decrease susceptibility to job stress. Low tolerance for frustration (option D) would also increase job stress as it would lead to more frustration and stress when things do not go as planned.

Question 18

Concentrating on only one important task at a time will

Accepted Answer

Focusing on one task at a time allows for better concentration and reduces the likelihood of errors. Multi-tasking can lead to increased stress levels and reduced productivity.

Question 19

A key feature of a virtual office is that it

Accepted Answer

A virtual office is a workspace that does not have a fixed physical location. It allows employees to work remotely while maintaining communication and collaboration through technology. While a virtual office can be set up in the home, it can also be located anywhere in the world, as long as there is access to the necessary technology and communication tools. While wireless technology and satellite links may be used in a virtual office, they are not defining characteristics of a virtual office.

Question 20

Role ambiguity occurs when you are

Accepted Answer

Role ambiguity refers to a situation where an employee is unclear about their role, responsibilities, or expectations at work. This can lead to confusion, stress, and a lack of productivity. This is often caused by poor communication from management, unclear job descriptions, or a lack of training. Given conflicting directions or being asked to carry out unethical tasks would be examples of role conflict, which is different from role ambiguity.

Quiz 15: Personal Productivity and Stress Management