Power is a function of ________. |
D) dependence |
Which of the following statements is true regarding power? |
C) If A has the capacity to influence the behavior of B, then A is said to have power over B. |
Which of the following is a differentiating factor between power and leadership? |
D) goal compatibility |
Which of the following is a feature of power? |
D) lack of goal compatibility between leaders and followers |
Which of the following is true with regard to leadership? |
D) It focuses on downward influence on followers. |
Research on power is likely to provide information on the most effective ________. |
C) tactics for gaining compliance of employees |
The two general groupings into which power may be categorized are ________. |
D) formal and personal |
________ power is based on the fear of the negative results from failing to comply. |
B) Coercive |
In the last one week, May and Phyllis have been putting in extra hours at work so that the project assigned to them by their manager is completed well within time. Though the manager was due to assign two more people to this project, he had not done so. As a result, May and Phyllis, who were having to do double their routine workload, went and complained to the division manager. May was promptly suspended from work for complaining about her immediate supervisor. This represents the operation of ________ power. |
C) coercive |
________ power represents the compliance that is achieved based on the ability to distribute positive benefits that others view as valuable. |
C) Reward |
As a regional sales officer, one of Brandon’s job responsibilities is to process the yearly appraisal forms of his subordinates and provide them with increments, bonuses, or benefits based on their performance that year. This job responsibility directly reflects his ________. |
D) reward power |
Legitimate power is directly based on ________. |
C) structural position of the manager in the organization |
Which of the following statements is true regarding legitimate power? |
C) Legitimate power is broader than the power to coerce and reward. |
Which of the following types of power can be categorized as personal power? |
D) referent |
________ power is influence wielded as a result of proficiency, special skill, or knowledge. |
D) Expert |
At the PR firm where Gerald works, everyone considers him to be very good with his work and depends heavily on his knowledge to help the organization to solve its problems. Gerald is often seen teaching interns a simpler way to present an article, helping project managers with scheduling, and even the CEO often asks him for his opinion on important matter because of his experience and skill. Gerald’s specialized knowledge depicts his ________. |
A) expert power |
________ power is based on identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits. |
C) Referent |
Carl believes that he is lucky to be working under a manager like Mr. Parker—conscientious, flexible and easy to work with. It was Mr. Parker who helped Carl learn the demands of the job, gave him opportunities to learn from the mistakes he made, and always provided sound advice. Mr. Parker, who has been in the field for over eighteen years, never made Carl feel like a novice and this only increased Carl’s personal confidence in his work and his loyalty toward his manager. Carl, who is now doing very well on the job, aims to be a manager like Mr. Parker. From this scenario, which of the following conclusions can be drawn? |
C) Mr. Parker has a high degree of referent power. |
Which of the following is true with regard to bases of power? |
D) The personal sources of power are most effective for increasing employee performance and satisfaction. |
Will Paten is the manager of a team of twelve people in the marketing division of Palmer Inc. Will, who has been working in the company for eleven years, is held in high regard and liked by all his colleagues and subordinates. However, Aaron and Abby, two of his subordinates, are noted for frequently flouting his rules and directives. They continue behaving in this manner even after Will had categorically requested them to refrain from upsetting the momentum of the team. Which of the following, if true, would best explain Aaron and Abby’s continued noncompliance with Will’s requests? |
D) Will is uncomfortable exercising coercive measures to control employees. |
Joanna Mills has recently been promoted to the position of a project manager at Palmer Inc., a software development firm. As a project manager, she now has the authority to delegate work, provide supervision and feedback, and monitor employee performance. Ever since her promotion, she has been preparing herself to guide her subordinates in different project activities. However, she feels that the employees do not proactively approach her for help. Which of the following, if true, would best explain this situation? |
B) The sole criterion for Joanna’s promotion was her effectiveness in meeting individual targets. |
Which of the following types of power is most likely to be negatively related to employee satisfaction and commitment? |
D) coercive power |
Levin and Co. is a group of oil refineries that has been in the news recently. The company had to stop production for over two weeks because their key supplier refused to sell them crude oil at the old prices. Even after rounds of negotiations, the supplier refused to give in to the demands of Levin and Co., and finally, the company had to acquire the raw material from the same supplier because alternative suppliers, though abundant, could not provide the quantities the company demanded at such short notice. This shows the role of ________ in increasing the power one enjoys. |
B) dependence |
Dependence would be low when ________. |
E) the goods have substitutes |
Which of the following power tactics involves increasing the target’s support by involving him or her in decision making? |
C) consultation |
Which of the following power tactics uses warnings and threats and is typically the least effective of all the power tactics? |
C) pressure |
The power tactic of using flattery and creating goodwill before making a request is known as ________. |
A) ingratiation |
Rational persuasion is a power tactic that involves the use of ________. |
B) logical arguments and factual evidence |
Mike Ford is a senior accountant at Coleman and Co., which is a financial management company. Mike has wanted to be on the board of representatives of his company for a long time, but the company stipulates a minimum number of years an employee must work at the organization before he or she makes it to the board. Mike is unwilling to work two more years to reach that stipulated experience and so he found a way to transgress this rule. He met up with one of the existing board members who was having problems accounting for allocated funds that went missing and offered to settle that for him in his department provided he nominate Mike to the board. Which of the following power tactics is being used here? |
E) exchange |
When the contract with one of their major suppliers was about to expire, the management of Pierre and Collins began seeking tenders from potential vendors. One of the top management executives, Todd Hughes, wanted the contract to go to a vendor he personally knew. In order to do so, he held separate discussions with two key members of the organization wherein he downplayed the potentials of the competing tenders and convinced them to support this offer. At the meeting to finalize a supplier, Todd and his supporters strongly supported the tender of the supplier they had chosen amongst themselves and convinced their CEO to hire this supplier despite the higher price quoted by him. Which of the following power tactics is being used here? |
C) coalition |
Which of the following power tactics is more effective when the audience is highly interested in the outcomes of a decision process? |
B) consultation |
When the audience does not care about the outcomes, using a combination of ________ can help lessen negative reactions to the feeling that one is dictating outcomes. |
C) legitimacy and ingratiation |
________ is the only tactic effective across organizational levels. |
C) Rational persuasion |
Which of the following power tactics can be used most effectively for exerting lateral influence? |
C) coalition |
Which of the following power tactics would be considered a soft tactic? |
A) rational persuasion |
Which of the following power tactics would be considered a hard tactic? |
D) coalition |
Which of the following statements is true with regard to the effectiveness of tactics? |
B) The combination of a soft tactic with reasonable persuasion is more effective than a combination of two hard tactics. |
For a person to be recognized as having a high degree of political skill, he or she must have the ________. |
C) ability to influence others to enhance their own objectives |
Which of the following statements is true? |
B) A clear understanding of the actions that constitute sexual harassment does not exist. |
Which of the following is an overt form of sexual harassment? |
D) unwanted physical touching |
Which of the following is a subtle form of sexual harassment? |
C) making jokes with sexual overtones |
Connie Cole works as a junior market analyst at SPS Services. Her previous manager retired a couple of months back, and she now has a younger male manager who repeatedly insists that she accompany him for a coffee or dinner after work. Initially, Connie was unsuspecting and refused because she did not have the time for such engagements during weekdays. Later, when her manager’s requests became frequent, she grew uncomfortable and firmly told him that she was not interested in him and his attempts were not welcome. She realized that this step could backfire because, as her superior, he has complete control over her appraisals, bonuses, and promotions. Her manager even told her that if she does not agree, he will "find other ways." Connie’s experiences are best described as ________. |
D) sexual harassment |
Which of the following factors can lead to greater probability of sexual harassment at the workplace? |
B) large power differentials |
Which of the following is true with regard to sexual harassment at the workplace? |
D) The best approach to preventing accusations of sexual harassment is to refrain from any behavior that may be taken as harassing. |
Tina Simmons worked as a welder at a shipyard company where she was forced to encounter nude and partially nude pictures posted by her male co-workers in common areas. The men also referred to her using obscene nicknames and made offensive remarks concerning her body. When Tina complained, her supervisor took no corrective action despite having an active sexual harassment policy approved by the EEOC. Tina wished to file a discrimination suit but instead she chose to endure the harassment as she could not risk losing her job. Which of the following, if true, would have strengthened her resolve to file a discrimination suit? |
D) The company policy prescribed that Tina would face no backlash if she approached the EEOC. |
Political behaviors usually ________. |
A) lie outside of an individual’s specified job requirements |
Which of the following factors contributes to political behavior in the organization? |
D) presence of limited resources in the organization |
________ occurs when people within organizations use whatever influence they can to taint the facts to support their goals and interests. |
B) Politicking |
Employees exhibiting which of the following features are more likely to engage in political behavior? |
D) Machiavellian personality |
Which of the following is an individual factor that influences political behavior? |
D) perceived job alternatives |
If an individual ________, then he or she is less likely to engage in illegitimate political behavior. |
A) has invested a lot in the organization in terms of time and efforts |
Which of the following is an organizational factor that increases illegitimate political behavior? |
E) zero-sum reward practice |
Which of the following organizational factors encourages political behavior? |
C) allowing significant time to pass between the time of an action and its appraisal |
Timothy Jenkins had been working for six years at Hartford Mills, a company that takes a strong stand against unionization. Though Timothy’s designation was that of a production supervisor, as the company grew, he also took on additional duties like keeping a check on employee safety, ensuring that legal measures are followed, and implementing programs for labor welfare that the company planned. Many believed that Timothy was doing a great job for the company, and so it came as a surprise when Timothy was rumored to face severe disciplinary action, as he was encouraging the workers to join a union. However, he was let off with a mere warning. Which of the following, if true, would explain this paradox? |
D) Timothy claimed that he was only looking to ensure greater employee welfare, which was one of the duties the company had assigned to him. |
Timothy Jenkins had been working for six years at Hartford Mills, a company that takes a strong stand against unionization. Though Timothy’s designation was that of a production supervisor, as the company grew, he also took on additional duties like keeping a check on employee safety, ensuring that legal measures are followed, and implementing programs for labor welfare that the company planned. Many believed that Timothy was doing a great job for the company, and so it came as a surprise when Timothy was rumored to face severe disciplinary action, as he was encouraging the workers to join a union. However, he was let off with a mere warning. Timothy argued that he was only doing his job—a job in which he had responsibility for improving the welfare of employees. Which of the following, if true, would help Hartford Mills avoid such situations in the future? |
E) specifying the permissible and prohibited aspects of an employee’s formal role in the organization |
To avoid politicking during performance evaluations, an organization should ________. |
D) use objective criteria |
Under the zero-sum approach, rewards are distributed such that ________. |
E) rewards increase for a group at the expense of loss for another group |
Reactive and protective behaviors designed to avoid action, blame, or change are termed ________. |
B) defensive behaviors |
Will Cears works at Mesner Corp. as a middle-level manager. Will recognizes that his firm is plagued by organizational politics. Since he is not good at playing games, he frequently engages in defensive behaviors in order to protect himself and his interests. Will is frustrated because he believes that he has little control over his environment and his environment is uncomfortable to him. He has had some success at establishing a sense of control for himself by appearing to be cooperative and supportive to his colleagues. However, he continues to hold his reservations against politicking and does not engage in it. This is an example of ________ in order to avoid action, blame, or change. |
E) stalling |
Buck passing is seen when an employee ________. |
E) transfers responsibility for the execution of a task or decision to someone else |
Which of the following defensive behaviors involves rigorously documenting activity to project an image of competence and thoroughness? |
A) buffing |
Placing the blame for a negative outcome on external factors that are not entirely blameworthy is known as ________. |
A) scapegoating |
Daphne is one of the three project managers at Virgo Inc., an art and design studio. Raymond and Gabriel, the other two project managers, are unhappy working with Daphne as she always selects projects that suit her area of expertise and avoids projects which require more ambiguous work, have tight deadlines, and represent a low probability of success. Raymond and Gabriel feel that they deserve greater credit than Daphne for being open and accepting different work demands and situations, as opposed to Daphne, who always takes a conservative and risk-averse approach. Daphne is using the defensive behavior of ________ here. |
E) playing safe |
Which of the following defensive behaviors involves developing explanations that lessen one’s responsibility for a negative outcome and apologizing to demonstrate remorse? |
C) justifying |
Which of the following is a defensive behavior that is used to avoid change? |
E) preventing |
Which of the following differentiates between high self-monitors and low self-monitors? |
C) High self-monitors tend to mold their appearances and behavior to fit each situation, while low self-monitors tend to present images of themselves that are consistent with their personalities. |
Which of the following is an assertive impression management technique? |
D) flattery |
Which of the following is a self-focused impression management technique? |
B) enhancement |
Which of the following impression management techniques involves an individual admitting responsibility for an undesirable event and simultaneously seeking to get a pardon for the action? |
C) apologies |
Which of the following impression management techniques uses ingratiation? |
D) conformity |
Recently, Curtis Gibson had an interview for the position of a senior manager at a transit service. At the interview, the interviewer made a passing remark about how policies can make or break the best economy in the world. Immediately, Curtis launched into a discussion of how true the interviewer was, substantiating his claim with stories from real economies around the world. Similarly, when the interviewer suggested that Curtis work the earlier shift because, if selected, he would have to commute a significant bit to reach work, Curtis vehemently agreed, saying, "You couldn’t be more right." Which of the following impression management techniques is Curtis using? |
E) conformity |
Winston Mayer is a sales manager for a large company producing beverages and ready-to-eat meals. Winston is often seen working late and on weekends although the company stipulates a five-day workweek. Winston justifies his working extra by claiming that "in sales, one cannot afford to waste a minute" and he is often condescending when subordinates take their allotted time off. He frequently speaks to his manager about the deals he finalizes when he is working beyond the normal working hours to prove his point. From the information provided, we can say that Winston is using ________ as an impression management technique here. |
B) exemplification |
In the last month, Stacey, an intelligent and astute employee, has finished only half the work she was scheduled to complete. In addition, she has been taking frequent leaves, citing her ill health as the reason, but her manager suspects she has been playing truant. When the manager confronted her about her pending work, Stacey gave excuses: the work was time-consuming, she was unwell, and it was not a high-priority project in the first place. In this scenario, Stacey is using a(n) ________ impression management technique. |
D) defensive |
Which of the following can be used to understand how power and politics in an organization can help you achieve your career goals? |
C) political mapping |
Victor Ortiz was a successful and popular manager at the marketing division of a consumer goods company. Many attributed the company’s immense success in the last two years to Victor’s highly creative marketing plans, which cost the company very little but increased the visibility of its products. He also effectively tied up with new retail chains so the demand for their products grows as the new retail chains grow. Recently, a subordinate alleged that Victor had sexually harassed her, and stories of similar allegations made against him in the past resurfaced. The situation was laid to rest when Victor made an appearance with the victim by his side claiming that the allegations were baseless as he was romantically involved with her. Though this announcement did not convince people, the allegations against Victor were withdrawn. From the information provided in this scenario, this outcome can be explained by the fact that ________. |
B) Victor has enough power to get away with his misdeeds |
T/F: Unlike power, leadership requires some degree of goal compatibility. |
True |
T/F: The coercive power base depends on fear of the negative results from failing to comply. |
True |
T/F: Expert power is based on identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits. |
False |
T/F: People from collectivistic countries tend to see power in personalized terms and as a legitimate means of advancing their personal ends, while those in individualistic countries see power in social terms and as a legitimate means of helping others. |
False |
T/F: According to the general dependence postulate, the greater B’s dependence on A, the more power B has over A. |
False |
T/F: Dale Fisher is the manager of one branch of a retail chain. He often speaks with his customer service attendants about the value they bring to the company and encourages them to continue doing so. He knows that this approach of enhancing the worth of these executives and shaping their aspirations to do well is a more effective approach than using warnings and ultimatums. Dale is using the power tactic of an inspirational appeal here. |
True |
T/F: Power tactics that emphasize formal power are personal and inspirational appeals, rational persuasion, and consultation. |
False |
T/F: People with high political skills are able to exert their influence without others detecting it. |
True |
T/F: Unwanted physical touching is an overt form of sexual harassment. |
True |
T/F: Sexual harassment is more likely to occur when there are small power differentials. |
False |
T/F: The political behavior required of employees is specified in the job requirements. |
False |
T/F: Whistle-blowing is not considered to be a political behavior. |
False |
T/F: Limited resources is one of the major reasons for the development of organizational politics. |
True |
T/F: The low self-monitor is more sensitive to social cues, exhibits higher levels of social conformity, and is more likely to be skilled in political behavior than the high self-monitor. |
False |
T/F: The Machiavellian personality is characterized by the will to manipulate and the desire for power. |
True |
T/F: Using a single outcome measure is recommended when designing a performance evaluation system. |
False |
T/F: Under the zero-sum approach, any gain one person or group achieves has to come at the expense of another person or group. |
True |
T/F: When the production manager at CalTrack was asked to provide reasons for the delay in the last batch of stock to be produced for the month, he clearly stated that this was the result of one of his front-level managers taking two days off and that the fault was not his. The manager is using buffing as a defensive behavior here. |
False |
T/F: Self-promotion works well as an impression management technique for interviews as well as performance evaluations. |
False |
T/F: In countries that are more politically unstable, employees seem to demonstrate greater tolerance of intense political processes in the workplace |
True |
Ch.13 Power and Politics
Share This
Unfinished tasks keep piling up?
Let us complete them for you. Quickly and professionally.
Check Price