Exam I -   RTM 620 Organizational Theory and Development
Objective questions (Multiple choice and True/False questions are each worth 3 points)

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.  Place the correct answer on the scantron. 

1) ________ is defined as “the multidisciplinary field that seeks knowledge of behavior in
organizational settings by systematically studying individual, group, and organizational
processes."
A) Organizational behavior
B) Industrial psychology
C) Organizational psychology
D) Behavioral science

2) Organizational behavior focuses on three interrelated levels of analysis:
A) emotions, intentions, and actions.
B) individuals, groups, and organizations.
C) planning, executing, and results.
D) thinking, feeling, and doing.

3) The first step in the decision-making process is to
A) generate alternatives.
B) define objectives.
C) make a predecision.
D) identify the problem.

4) Allowing employees to make the decisions required to do their jobs without seeking supervisory
approval is the idea behind
A) rational decision making.
B) empowered decision making.
C) top-down decision making.
D) programmed decision making.

5) In a(n) ________ organization, there are only a few levels of authority and responsibility.
A) hierarchical
B) tall
C) efficient
D) flat

6)  Efficiency is best described as
A) Quality products created by quality workers
B) The ratio of effective work output to the input required to produce the work
C) The overall speed at which the product or service is produced
D) The natural outcome of a mechanistic organization

7) In the traditional organizational structure, span of control refers to
A) the number of levels in the hierarchy of authority.
B) the number of people formally reporting to each individual manager.
C) the chain of command through with authority and responsibility flows.
D) the total number of people employed at each location.

8) What is the process of delegating power from higher to lower levels within an organization?
A) line functioning
B) decentralization
C) empowerment
D) decision-making authority

9) In a centralized organizational structure
A) a few powerful individuals hold most of the decision-making power.
B) the staff personnel are given more status and authority.
C) people are permitted to make decisions that affect their daily activities.
D) all of the organization’s employees are located in one central place.

10) Organizational structure can be shaped by organizational culture.
A) True                                                 B) False

11) The process by which organizations move from their present state to some desired future state is
called ________.
A) scanning the environment
B) restructuring
C) organizational change
D) transaction analysis

12) Mechanistic structures usually have a high level of formalization.
A) True                                 B) False

13) Kotter’s model of organizational change includes a guiding coalition
A)  True                                                B)  False

14) Organizational change models rely more on ‘planning what to do’ than ‘communication’
A)  True                                                B)  False

15) According to Mintzberg,  there are five structural components  in organizations.  Which of the following terms do not represent one of those components? 
A) Middle management
B) Human resources
C) Top management
D) Technical support staff
E) Administrative support staff

17) One disadvantage of decentralization is that:
A) it may be hard to coordinate activities.
B) top managers may neglect strategic decision making.
C) the decision-making process is inflexible.
D) it may be hard to motivate managers.

18) ________ is the extent to which an organization depends on rules and procedures.
A) Socialization
B) Horizontal differentiation
C) Vertical differentiation
D) Formalization

19) ________ structures promote flexibility, so people initiate change and can adapt quickly to
changing conditions.
A) Mechanistic
B) Organic
C) Formalized
D) Complex

20) Which of the following roles for team meetings is not included in the model presented in class?
A) Facilitator/Team Meeting Leader
B) Recorder
C) External Coach
D) Process Observer

21).  The green hat in the six thinking hats system represents
a) constructive, building ideas
b) concerns and critical thinking skills
c) new, highly creative ideas
d) the decision about which idea to use from a discussion

22).  Six thinking hats is based on
a) parallel thinking
b) the work of Dr. DeBono
c) western societies argumentative thinking styles
d) all of the above
e) both a & b but not c

Essays – Answer  1 & 2 and either 3A or 3B – Use this sheet for answers.  NAME_____________
1.) In Organizational Culture and Leadership, Ed Schein, explores organizations through the lens of culture.  Describe the three levels of structure in organizational culture and provide an example of each level within the organization.  (12 pts).

2.) Team function can be described in 4 key dimensions.  Identify those 4 dimensions and provide a helpful behavioral indicator a team member or coach could use to assess the effectiveness of the team in that dimension.  Finally suggest an intervention or strategy a team coach could use to assess or optimize one of those dimensions of team effectiveness.  (12 pts)

Choose ONE of the two short answer questions below (10 pts).
A)  You are in charge of organizing your next team meeting.  List and briefly describe five things you would want to remember as the identified team meeting leader in order to create an effective meeting.
OR
B) Shein discusses 6 deeper assumptions of macro-cultures (key questions all cultures need to answer). List four of the ‘assumptions’ and indicate briefly what you personally believe about those questions OR what an organization believes for which you work or worked.