Chapter 8 Multiple Choice

The main purpose of downwards communication within an organization include:
1. report, seek approval, clarify and influence
2. persuade, integrate and influence
3. establish parameters, identify options and influence
4. organize, clarify and influence
Whose job, in the communication process, is to decode the symbols and interpret the meaning of the message?
1. sender
2. receiver
3. channel
4. filter
Communication serves four general functions within an organization. Which one of the following is NOT one of them?
1. personal expression
2. information processing
3. visibility
4. co-ordination
The Performance demands support panel (page 289) outlines the approach to creative thinking, developed by Edward De Bono, and is called the ‘six thinking hats’. One of the hats requires the wearer to concentrate on issues associated with the feasibility of solutions, and the benefits to be gained from them. Which of the following colours is it?
1. yellow
2. blue
3. red
4. green
In the rational model, the decision maker strives to:
1. satisfice
2. optimize
3. select the alternative agreeable to the majority
4. apply a heuristic
An important element of the bounded rationality model is:
1. certainty
2. satisficing
3. unlimited information search
4. optimizing
The Managing Change support panel (p269) describes a ‘Procrastinator’s Creed’. Which of the following is NOT in that list?
1. if at first I don’t succeed, there is always next year.
2. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable, regardless of the amount of time given.
3. I will become a member of the ancient Order of Two-Headed Turtles (the Procrastinator’s Society), if they ever get it organized.
4. I shall always decide to decide to change my mind.
One of the decision making models, discussed in the text, is based on the idea that there are bundles of solutions, decision makers, problems and resources which come together in an unstructured way. Which of the following is it?
1. the rational model
2. the conflict model
3. the pragmatic model
4. the garbage can model
Preventing groupthink within organizations includes all but one of the following. Which is the odd one out?
1. use of duplicate groups
2. seeking outsider viewpoints
3. assign a devil’s advocate
4. encourage expressions of doubt
5. clear lead from senior managers
6. c. and e. above
7. none of the above
8. a. b. and c. above
The nominal group technique includes which of the following aspects of decision making?
1. privately rank all options
2. modelled on brainstorming
3. the group never meets and only communicates via email
4. allows individuals to quietly develop ideas before group discussion
5. the highest ranked option is the one chosen
6. c. and e. above
7. all of the above
8. a. b. d. and e. above