Sample/practice exam 2020, questions and answers PDF

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Organizational Behavior, 14e (Robbins/Judge) Chapter 8 Motivation: From Concept to Applications 1) Which of the following is not one of the core job dimensions in the job characteristics model (JCM)? A) task significance B) feedback C) autonomy D) status E) skill variety Answer: D Explanation: The job characteristics model ( JCM) describes jobs in terms of five core job dimensions: skill variety, the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities; task identity, the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work; task significance, the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people; autonomy, the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling; and feedback, the degree to which carrying out work activities generates direct and clear information about performance. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 242-243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 1 2) Which of the following defines skill variety? A) the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work B) the degree to which work activities generates direct and clear information about performance C) the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling and procedure D) the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people E) the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities Answer: E Explanation: The job characteristics model ( JCM) describes jobs in terms of five core job dimensions: skill variety, the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities; task identity, the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work; task significance, the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people; autonomy, the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling; and feedback, the degree to which carrying out work activities generates direct and clear information about performance. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 242-243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 1

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3) Which of the following defines task identity? A) the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work B) the degree to which work activities generates direct and clear information about performance C) the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling and procedure D) the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people E) the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities Answer: A Explanation: The job characteristics model ( JCM) describes jobs in terms of five core job dimensions: skill variety, the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities; task identity, the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work; task significance, the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people; autonomy, the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling; and feedback, the degree to which carrying out work activities generates direct and clear information about performance. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 242-243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 1 4) Which of the following defines autonomy? A) the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work B) the degree to which work activities generates direct and clear information about performance C) the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling and procedure D) the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people E) the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities Answer: C Explanation: The job characteristics model ( JCM) describes jobs in terms of five core job dimensions: skill variety, the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities; task identity, the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work; task significance, the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people; autonomy, the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling; and feedback, the degree to which carrying out work activities generates direct and clear information about performance. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 242-243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 1

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5) Nikhil is a design manager for a production company. He independently assigns teams, chooses projects, researches trends, and is able to work from home two to three days a week. He provides a status report to the design director once a month. Based on this description, it's safe to say that Nikhil's job is high in which job characteristic? A) task identity B) feedback C) autonomy D) task significance E) skill variety Answer: C Explanation: Although Nikhil's job has many job characteristics, the description provided best describes autonomy and Nikhil's freedom and control over his job procedures and assignments. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 242-243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Application LO: 1 6) Dashay is an emergency medical technician. Yesterday she was called to an emergency in a home where a man suffered a heart attack. She was able to resuscitate the man, and while her partners were transporting him to the ambulance she spent 10 minutes calming the 12 year old daughter, who was at home alone with the father. Although exhausted at the end of the day, Dashay felt very good about the father's prognosis and celebrated with a dinner out. Based on this description, it's safe to say that Dashay's job is high in which job characteristic? A) task identity B) feedback C) autonomy D) task significance E) skill variety Answer: D Explanation: Although Dashay's job has many job characteristics, the description provided best describes Dashay's sense of task significance. Task significance refers to the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives of other people. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 242-243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Application LO: 1

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7) In the job characteristics model (JCM), what three core job dimensions combine to create meaningful work? A) autonomy, task identity, and feedback B) skill variety, autonomy, and task significance C) skill variety, autonomy, and feedback D) feedback, task identity, and task significance E) skill variety, task identity, and task significance Answer: E Explanation: The first three dimensions in JCM, skill variety, task identity, and task significance, combine to create meaningful work that the incumbent will view as important, valuable, and worthwhile. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 1 8) According to the job characteristics model, which of the following results in the maximum internal rewards for an individual? A) when they are given tangible rewards B) when they learn that they personally have performed well on a task that they care about C) when they initiate a program that enables them to work with a variety of like-minded colleagues D) when their training is realized and their expectations are met E) when they are singled out for praise for successfully completing an arduous task Answer: B Explanation: JCM proposes that individuals obtain internal rewards when they learn (knowledge of results) that they personally (experienced responsibility) have performed well on a task they care about (experienced meaningfulness), making feedback extremely important to internal rewards. Diff: 3 Page Ref: 243 Topic: Motivating by Job Design: The Job Characteristics Model Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Characteristics Model Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 1

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9) What is another term for cross-training? A) work enrichment B) job sharing C) work enlargement D) job enhancement E) job rotation Answer: E Explanation: Job rotation, or the periodic shifting of an employee from one task to another with similar skill requirements at the same organizational level, is also called cross-training. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 245 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Rotation Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 2 10) A trucking company routinely makes all of its office staff work for a week in the warehouse area: loading trucks, cleaning trucks, and doing other work which they are capable of. This program is an example of which of the following? A) job rotation B) job enlargement C) job enrichment D) job sharing E) flex time Answer: A Explanation: This is an example of job rotation, or the periodic shifting of an employee from one task to another with similar skill requirements at the same organizational level . Diff: 2 Page Ref: 245 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Rotation Quest. Category: Application LO: 2

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11) What is the main strength of job rotation? A) It eliminates management involvement. B) It increases motivation. C) It increases productivity. D) It decreases training costs E) It decreases supervisor work load. Answer: B Explanation: The strengths of job rotation are that it reduces boredom, increases motivation, and helps employees better understand how their work contributes to the organization. The weaknesses are that training costs increase, and productivity is reduced, and it's more demanding on supervisors. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 246 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Rotation Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 2 12) Aberdone Company has redesigned the jobs of the workers in accounts receivables. Instead of simply billing customers, they are now responsible for what used to be management tasks, such as for following up on non-payment, determining when bills will be sent to a collection agency, and what accounts receivables can be written off as non-collectable. What term would best be used to describe how the company is enriching the job dimensions? A) task combination B) vertical job expansion C) formation of natural work units D) establishing client relationships E) opening feedback channels Answer: B Explanation: Expanding jobs vertically gives employees responsibilities and control formerly reserved for management. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 246 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Enrichment Quest. Category: Application LO: 2

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13) How do most employees react to job enrichment? A) decreased production B) increased absenteeism C) increased job satisfaction D) decreased job satisfaction E) increased turnover Answer: C Explanation: The evidence on job enrichment shows it reduces absenteeism and turnover costs and increases satisfaction. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 247 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Enrichment Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 2 14) Job enrichment increases the degree to which the worker controls the ________. A) planning, execution, and evaluation of his or her work B) planning, execution, and evaluation of company plans C) horizontal integration of his or her tasks D) feedback that a worker receives from his or her supervisor and peers E) evaluation of his or her peers Answer: A Explanation: Job enrichment is the vertical expansion of jobs, which increases the degree to which the worker controls the planning, execution, and evaluation of the work. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 246-247 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Enrichment Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 2

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15) Which one of the following is not one of the guidelines for enriching jobs based on the job characteristics model? A) form telecommuting units B) establish client relationships C) open feedback channels D) combine tasks E) expand jobs vertically Answer: A Explanation: The guidelines based on the job characteristics model are: combining tasks, forming natural work units, establishing client relationships, expanding jobs vertically, and opening feedback channels. Forming telecommuniting units is not a part of the job enrichment guidelines. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 246-247 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Enrichment Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 2 16) A firm introduces job enrichment in order to motivate its employees. Evidence would suggest that which of the following is the most likely result of this change? A) reduced absenteeism and turnover costs B) lower fixed costs C) a drop in quality D) a decrease in productivity E) an increase in productivity Answer: A Explanation: The evidence on job enrichment shows it reduces absenteeism and turnover costs and increases satisfaction. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 247 Topic: How Can Jobs Be Redesigned? Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Enrichment Quest. Category: Application LO: 2

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17) Liz is single with no children. She is a night person, and can not function until after her morning coffee, a slow waking up and getting ready, and watching or listening to the morning news. She detests the morning traffic rush, and is in a horrible mood if she has to deal with it. When looking for a 40 hour a week job, which of the following schedules would be most appealing for Liz? A) enter at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday B) enter and leave any time between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday C) enter at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Fridays off D) enter at 6:00 a.m. and leave at 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday E) enter at 9:00 a.m. and leave at 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Answer: B Explanation: Liz would prefer the job that allows her to enter at leisure any time between 6:00 a.m. and to leave before 7:00 p.m. Liz would probably enter at 10:00 and leave at 7:00. She would be awake, relaxed, ready to work, and will have missed the majority of traffic during both commutes. She has no family obligations to which to hurry home. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 247-248 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: flex time Quest. Category: Application LO: 3 18) Sue wants to go back to work after having taken a few years off while the kids were young. Her husband earns a good living, and they both want Sue to be available for the children's events and at home after school. School gets out at 2:20. When looking for a job, which of the following schedules would be most appealing for Sue? A) enter at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday B) enter and leave any time between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday C) enter at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Fridays off D) enter at 6:00 a.m. and leave at 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday E) enter at 9:00 a.m. and leave at 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Answer: E Explanation: Because Sue's income is secondary to her family responsibilities, the part-time job that allows her to get the kids ready for school in the morning and be home when they arrive in the afternoon would be most appealing for her. She would be most interested in the job that allows her to enter at 9:00 a.m. and leave at 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 247-248 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: flex time Quest. Category: Application LO: 3

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19) Beyond redesigning the nature of the work itself and involving employees in decisions, another approach to making the work environment more motivating is to alter work arrangements. Which of the following is designed to give an employee greater control of their schedule? A) flex time B) job sharing C) job rotation D) telecommuting E) job enrichment Answer: A Explanation: With flex time, employees can schedule their work hours to align with personal demands, reducing tardiness and absences, and they can work when they are most productive. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 249 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: flex time Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 3 20) An arrangement that allows two or more individuals to split a traditional 40-hour-a-week job is called ________. A) flex time B) job sharing C) job rotation D) telecommuting E) job enrichment Answer: B Explanation: Job sharing allows two or more individuals to split a traditional 40-hour-a-week job. One might perform the job from 8:00 A.M. to noon and the other from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., or the two could work full, but alternate, days. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 249 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Sharing Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 3

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21) Which of the following is the principal drawback from job sharing? A) drawing on multiple talents for one job B) increased benefits costs for two employees C) difficulty in finding compatible partners D) too much job flexibility is hard to manage E) difficulty in coordinating schedules Answer: C Explanation: The major drawback from management's perspective is finding compatible pairs of employees who can successfully coordinate the intricacies of one job. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 250 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Sharing Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional LO: 3 22) Janice and Shunil are both senior software analysts. They have worked together on projects for six years and get along great. Janice is pregnant and anticipating the arrival of her first child. Shunil would like to experiment with opening his own business as a home media installation consultant. They both need some income. Which of the following alternative job structures would be best for Janice and Shunil? A) flex time B) telecommuting C) job rotation D) job sharing E) job enrichment Answer: D Explanation: Because Janice and Shunil are looking for fewer required work hours, the best option for them would be to participate in job sharing, which allows two or more individuals to split a traditional 40-hour-a-week job. The other structure options are still 40 hour a week commitments. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 249 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: Job Sharing Quest. Category: Application LO: 3

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23) Which of the following has not been shown to be a benefit of flex time? A) reduced absenteeism B) improved productivity C) increased meaningfulness D) increased satisfaction E) improved promptness Answer: C Explanation: Flex time benefits include reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, reduced overtime expenses, reduced hostility toward management, reduced traffic congestion around work sites, elimination of tardiness, and increased autonomy and responsibility for employees, any of which may increase employee job satisfaction. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 249 Topic: Alternative Work Arrangements Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills Objective: flex time Quest. Category:...