Question 1

Describe the concept of force-field analysis by Kurt Lewin by giving an application of the technique.

Accepted Answer

Force-field analysis is a technique in which the forces that are driving change and the forces that are restraining change are analyzed. An example might be something like the following: A committee is formed composed of individuals who are for block scheduling and others who are against it. This committee could survey the teachers, parents, students, and staff about block scheduling, examine the research literature, and predict the effects of block scheduling on their school prior to forming recommendations based on the driving and restraining forces identified.

Question 2

Empirical-rational and power-coercive strategies for change have two assumptions that they share which separates them from normative-reeducative strategies. Identify one of these assumptions and give an example.

Accepted Answer

Either: a) good ideas are developed outside the organization, or b) the organization is the target of external forces for change. Examples should specifically relate to one of these concepts.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best example of school change using power-coercive strategies for change?
A) The State Department of Education identifies new programs that it requires all schools to adopt. 
B) Teachers at an elementary school work together to determine the best strategies to use with low achieving students.
C) After a reading strategy that was developed at a university was shown to be successful in other states, a school district decides to adopt it.
D) A principal develops a staff development plan to meet teacher needs.
E) Both c and d.

Accepted Answer

A is the best example of power-coercive strategies because it involves the State Department of Education using its authority to require schools to adopt new programs. The other options involve collaborative or persuasive strategies, rather than coercion.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes Kurt Lewin's three-step change process?
A) First, the organization must identify driving forces, the restraining forces, and then move towards change.
B) Use force-field analysis and then unfreeze the organization.
C) Do something to unfreeze an organization that is in equilibrium, which allows a move toward change, and then equilibrium must be reestablished.
D) Establish a committee that represents all grade levels, identify problem areas, and then develop solutions.
E) Both a and d

Accepted Answer

Kurt Lewin's three-step change process involves unfreezing the organization from its current state of equilibrium, moving it towards the desired change, and then refreezing the organization in the new state of equilibrium. This process is often represented as an analogy to changing the shape of a block of ice - it must first be melted (unfrozen), then molded into the desired shape (change), and then frozen again in the new shape (refreeze). Option C correctly identifies all three steps in the process. Option A incorrectly suggests that driving and restraining forces must be identified before moving towards change, while option D focuses on problem-solving rather than the change process. Option B may be related to Lewin's force-field analysis, but does not fully describe the three-step change process. Option E is partially correct, but incorrectly suggests that the organizing committee and problem-solving are important steps in Lewin's change process.

Question 5

Select one of the following:
A. As the principal of a school you choose the grade levels, propose a plan for school renewal using organizational development as a change strategy. For the past several years, the students achievement test scores have declined and the school overall has had very low test scores compared to similar schools in the district. In your response, identify several concepts that characterize OD and for each illustrate how these will be used to improve the school.
B. Suppose you are the CEO of a health care organization. You have collected some data about organizational climate and have found that there are severe morale issues, not only with the staff but with the patients as well. Propose a plan using organizational development as a change strategy. In your response, identify several concepts that characterize OD and for each illustrate how these will be used to improve your organization.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select one of the following:
A. As the...

Question 6

Which of the following is the best example of school change using an empirical-rational strategy for change?
A) The State Department of Education identifies new programs that it requires all schools to adopt.
B) A superintendent attends a conference and brings back a new science program that he installs in schools.
C) Teachers at an elementary school work together to determine the best strategies to use with low achieving students.
D) After a reading strategy that was developed at a university was shown to be successful in other states, a school district decides to adopt it.
E) A principal develops a staff development plan to meet teacher needs.

Accepted Answer

The empirical-rational strategy for change is based on the assumption that people are rational and will follow their rational self-interest once they have been provided with the relevant information. Choice D, where a school district adopts a reading strategy proven to be successful in other states, best exemplifies this approach, as the decision is based on empirical evidence of success.

Question 7

Select all of the following that are true results of Paul Mort's research.
A) Change in education proceeds very slowly and that schools are generally about 25 years behind research. 
B)Change occurs relatively quickly in schools compared to most governmental organizations.
C) Higher per pupil expenditures are not predictors that schools will innovate to achieve superior outputs.
D) States that spend more on education do not have higher achievement scores.
E) Both c and d.

Accepted Answer

C  D  Paul Mort's research found that change in education is slow, with schools lagging behind research by about 25 years. He also found that higher per pupil expenditures do not necessarily lead to innovation or superior outputs, and that states spending more on education do not always have higher achievement scores.

Question 8

According to most theorists, which change strategy has the best chance of success?
A) Empirical-rational.
B) Power-Coercive.
C) Normative-Reeducative.
D) Knowledge Production and Utilization KPU.
E) Research, Development, Diffusion, and Adoption RDDA.

Accepted Answer

According to most theorists, the Normative-Reeducative strategy has the best chance of success because it involves changing the dominant values, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals and organizations through socialization and education. It focuses on building a shared vision and commitment to change among stakeholders, which is more likely to result in lasting and sustainable change.

Question 9

Which of the following did Seymour Sarason suggest was needed to reverse the decline in the predicted failure of educational reform?
A) Funding at higher levels. 
B) A change in power relationships.
C) Change from the bottom up.
D) Staff development focused on educational goals.
E) Both b and c.

Accepted Answer

Seymour Sarason suggested that a change in power relationships (option B) and change from the bottom up (option C) were needed to reverse the decline in the predicted failure of educational reform. He believed that change needed to be led by teachers and administrators at the school level, rather than imposed from the top down. In order for this to happen, power dynamics needed to shift and teachers and administrators needed to be given more agency in decision-making processes. Therefore, both options B and C are correct. Options A and D may be helpful, but Sarason did not explicitly suggest that they were necessary to reverse the decline in the predicted failure of educational reform.

Question 10

Select all of the following that an organization must perform in order to survive and be healthy.
A) Adapt to its environment.
B) Innovate to solve problems.
C) Achieve its goals.
D) Generate valid alternative solutions.
E) Maintain itself internally.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select all of the following that an...

Question 11

Which of the following is the best example of a systems approach to organizational development?
A) The school focuses its efforts on staff development opportunities for all teachers and staff. 
B) The school uses cross departmental teams that include administrative representatives to identify problem areas and to suggest solutions.
C) The principal works with the central office to insure that the school is focused on the district goals.
D) The superintendent visits all schools to talk with the principals about school plans for school renewal.
E) Both a and c.

Accepted Answer

Option B involves using cross-functional teams consisting of administrative representatives to identify problem areas and offer solutions, demonstrating a systems approach to organizational development. Option A focuses solely on staff development opportunities, while Option C focuses on ensuring district goals are being met. Option D shows a top-down approach with the superintendent visiting schools to discuss plans for renewal. However, Option B involves a collaborative effort utilizing input from multiple departments to address organizational issues, making it the best example of a systems approach to organizational development.

Question 12

Select all of the educational aims that Seymour Sarason indicated would constitute major changes in the school's inner core of assumptions:
A) To reduce the gulf between educational achievement of different social classes.
B) To increase staff development that teachers need most.
C) To improve school leaders focus on data-based decision making.
D) To acquaint student with career options.
E) To get students to enjoy coming to school, rather than seeing school as confining and boring.

Accepted Answer

Seymour Sarason argued for changes that would address fundamental attitudes and values within the educational system. Reducing the educational achievement gap between social classes (A), acquainting students with career options (D), and making school an enjoyable experience (E) directly relate to changing the core assumptions about what schools are for and how they should operate. These aims focus on student engagement, equity, and preparing students for their future, reflecting a shift towards a more holistic and inclusive approach to education.

Quiz 8: Organizational Change

Describe the concept of force-field analysis by Kurt Lewin by giving an application of the technique.

Empirical-rational and power-coercive strategies for change have two assumptions that they share which separates them from normative-reeducative strategies. Identify one of these assumptions and give an example.

Which of the following is the best example of school change using power-coercive strategies for change?

Which of the following best describes Kurt Lewin's three-step change process?

Which of the following is the best example of school change using an empirical-rational strategy for change?

Select all of the following that are true results of Paul Mort's research.

According to most theorists, which change strategy has the best chance of success?

Which of the following did Seymour Sarason suggest was needed to reverse the decline in the predicted failure of educational reform?

Select all of the following that an organization must perform in order to survive and be healthy.

Which of the following is the best example of a systems approach to organizational development?

Select all of the educational aims that Seymour Sarason indicated would constitute major changes in the school's inner core of assumptions: