Exam 5: Decision Making in Administration

Which of the following is NOT a constraint on the attainment of rationality if it is present in the decision-making process?

Of the following types of officials, which is most likely to base a pollution-control decision on substantive grounds?

An organizational goal related primarily to activities that impact an organization's survival and maintenance is called

Which of the following is not present in nearly all decision processes?

According to Downs, the type of bureaucrat who is least motivated by personal self-interest is the "statesman."

All of the following are reasons for enforcing ethics in public organizations except

An organizational goal related primarily to activities that impact the external environment is called

Incrementalism has been criticized on two grounds: first, that it fails to take into account fundamental needs and problems in decision-making systems; and second, that it encourages those who resist change in organizations.

The "garbage can" or "organized anarchy" model was formulated to assist decision makers in

Which of the following individuals criticized incrementalism for promoting the status quo?

In some instances, agencies seek to continue making progress in certain directions but do not expect to actually accomplish all of their goals.

Because there are multiple values competing in the public arena, there is no use in developing ethical standards for decision making.

The Obama administration's health care reform is a goal rather that an objective.

Efforts have been made by government employees and their associations to set ethical standards and enforce ethical behavior.

Conceptually, the costs and complications involved in an organization's reversing a policy direction are part of

Goal congruence among members of an organization is the exception, not the rule.

According to Anthony Downs, the term "mixed-motive bureaucrat" describes which of the following?

One of the most important factors in decision making is human judgment.

The modification of agency goals virtually always occurs at the initiative of those inside the agency, not those outside.

Limitations on information in decision making have the greatest impact on the assumptions and values of the rational decision-making approach.