Question 1

Compare and contrast the Quality Circle and High Involvement applications of employee involvement.

Accepted Answer

Quality Circle and High Involvement are two different approaches to employee involvement in the workplace.

Quality Circle is a small group of employees who meet regularly to identify, analyze and solve work-related problems. The focus is on improving quality, productivity, and employee satisfaction. The members of the Quality Circle are usually volunteers and they receive training in problem-solving techniques. The main goal of Quality Circle is to empower employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to continuous improvement.

On the other hand, High Involvement is a broader approach that involves employees in decision-making, problem-solving, and goal-setting at all levels of the organization. It emphasizes creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication. High Involvement practices include employee participation in strategic planning, cross-functional teams, and open-door policies. The main goal of High Involvement is to create a sense of ownership and commitment among employees, leading to higher levels of engagement and performance.

In comparing the two approaches, both Quality Circle and High Involvement aim to harness the knowledge and skills of employees to improve organizational performance. However, Quality Circle is more focused on problem-solving within a specific work area, while High Involvement is a more holistic approach that involves employees in decision-making and goal-setting at all levels of the organization. Additionally, Quality Circle typically involves a smaller group of employees, while High Involvement applies to the entire organization.

In contrast, Quality Circle is more structured and focused on specific problem-solving techniques, while High Involvement is more about creating a culture of collaboration and empowerment. While both approaches can lead to improved quality, productivity, and employee satisfaction, High Involvement has the potential to create a more sustainable and inclusive organizational culture.

Question 2

Employee involvement activity is prospering in many countries other than the United States.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 3

Quality circle applications usually involve group problem solving training but no group facilitators.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 4

Statistical process control techniques are usually an integral part of training in total quality management.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Discuss parallel structures and the type of organization that would benefit most from this approach.

Accepted Answer

Parallel structures refer to the use of

Question 6

What is the TQM approach to EI and how does it differ from other approaches? Discuss Deming's influence on this approach.

Accepted Answer

The Total Quality Management (TQM) appro

Question 7

A distinguishing feature of the total quality management approach is

Accepted Answer

A)  attention to rewards 
B)  development of problem solving skills 
C)  the improvement of processes 
D)  training 
A)  attention to rewards 
B)  development of problem solving skills 
C)  the improvement of processes 
D)  training

Question 8

Some ways that EI may improve productivity are

Accepted Answer

A)  by improving communication among employees 
B)  by improving employee motivation 
C)  by improving employee capabilities 
D)  all of the above 
E)  B and C 
A)  by improving communication among employees 
B)  by improving employee motivation 
C)  by improving employee capabilities 
D)  all of the above 
E)  B and C

Question 9

The effectiveness of a union-management cooperative project is fairly easy to assess.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

High involvement plants can impact all four elements of EI to a large extent.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

Tying rewards to accomplishments is the final stage of TQM implementation.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Which of the following is not a design feature of a participative, high involvement plant?

Accepted Answer

A)  flat organization structure 
B)  open information system 
C)  centralized personnel selection 
D)  heavy training commitment 
A)  flat organization structure 
B)  open information system 
C)  centralized personnel selection 
D)  heavy training commitment

Question 13

Employee involvement generally refers to the amount of power, rewards, information, and knowledge and skills associated with employee's work.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Innovative reward systems are not relevant to employee involvement applications.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

The key factors driving interest in Employee Involvement were competitive demands for lower costs, higher performance, and greater flexibility in organizations.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Parallel structures are most similar to what other EI approach?

Accepted Answer

A)  re-engineering 
B)  union-management cooperative projects 
C)  downsizing 
D)  work design 
E)  none of the above 
A)  re-engineering 
B)  union-management cooperative projects 
C)  downsizing 
D)  work design 
E)  none of the above

Question 17

Which of the following is true of high involvement plants?

Accepted Answer

A)  rewards are tied closely to promotion 
B)  employees have considerable influence over decisions 
C)  limited information is shared and easily obtained by employees 
D)  all of the above 
A)  rewards are tied closely to promotion 
B)  employees have considerable influence over decisions 
C)  limited information is shared and easily obtained by employees 
D)  all of the above

Question 18

Describe the four elements associated with employee involvement interventions.

Accepted Answer

The four elements associated with employ

Question 19

A working definition of EI encompasses which of the following criteria?

Accepted Answer

A)  power 
B)  rewards 
C)  information 
D)  skills and knowledge 
E)  all of the above 
A)  power 
B)  rewards 
C)  information 
D)  skills and knowledge 
E)  all of the above

Question 20

Cooperative union-management projects

Accepted Answer

A)  do a good job of sharing power with employees 
B)  can increase employee skills and knowledge through training 
C)  are most closely associated with the traditional QWL movement 
D)  B and C 
E)  A and B 
A)  do a good job of sharing power with employees 
B)  can increase employee skills and knowledge through training 
C)  are most closely associated with the traditional QWL movement 
D)  B and C 
E)  A and B

Exam 15: Employee Involvement

Compare and contrast the Quality Circle and High Involvement applications of employee involvement.

Employee involvement activity is prospering in many countries other than the United States.

Quality circle applications usually involve group problem solving training but no group facilitators.

Statistical process control techniques are usually an integral part of training in total quality management.

Discuss parallel structures and the type of organization that would benefit most from this approach.

What is the TQM approach to EI and how does it differ from other approaches? Discuss Deming's influence on this approach.

A distinguishing feature of the total quality management approach is

Some ways that EI may improve productivity are

The effectiveness of a union-management cooperative project is fairly easy to assess.

High involvement plants can impact all four elements of EI to a large extent.

Tying rewards to accomplishments is the final stage of TQM implementation.

Which of the following is not a design feature of a participative, high involvement plant?

Employee involvement generally refers to the amount of power, rewards, information, and knowledge and skills associated with employee's work.

Innovative reward systems are not relevant to employee involvement applications.

The key factors driving interest in Employee Involvement were competitive demands for lower costs, higher performance, and greater flexibility in organizations.

Parallel structures are most similar to what other EI approach?

Which of the following is true of high involvement plants?

Describe the four elements associated with employee involvement interventions.

A working definition of EI encompasses which of the following criteria?

Cooperative union-management projects

General Introduction to Organization Development

The Nature of Planned Change

The Organization Development Practitioner

Entering and Contracting

Diagnosing Organizations

Multiple Choice Questions

Collecting and Analyzing Diagnostic Information

Feeding Back Diagnostic Information

Designing Interventions

Leading and Managing Change

Evaluating and Institutionalizing Organizational Development Interventions

Interpersonal and Group Process Approaches

Organization Process Approaches

Restructuring Organizations

Multiple Choice Questions

Performance Management

Developing Talent

Managing Workforce Diversity and Wellness

Transformational Change

Continuous Change

Transorganizational Change

Organization Development in Global Settings

Organization in Nonindustrial Settings: Health Care, School Systems, the Public Sector, and Family-Owned Businesses

Future Directions in Organization Development

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