Exam 11: Managing Change and Innovation

Scenario - Jaimie Hall The continuing development and improvement of computer information systems has made a powerful impression on Jaimie Hall, CEO of See-Saw City (SSC). The current computer system at SSC is seven years old, and while still highly useful and reliable, Jaimie is wondering if a new system would be more efficient and more useful. Jaimie recognized that some of her managers would prefer to keep the old system, while others have been requesting that the company update its information capability. -Jaimie recognized that creativity is an essential ingredient in developing solutions to organizational problems. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a creative manager?

The innovation strategy for changing products and technologies that involves designing the organization to encourage creativity and the initiation of new ideas is known as _____ .

Which of the following is the intervention stage of organization development in which individuals experiment with new workplace behavior?

The innovation strategy for changing products and technologies that involves designing the organization to encourage creativity and the initiation of new ideas is known as cooperation.

Creative organizations:

The second stage in Lewin's change model, _____ , occurs when individuals experiment with new behavior and learn new skills to be used in the workplace.

_____ refers to innovations in products, services, or processes that radically change an industry's rules of the game for producers and consumers.

Over time, organizations will make changes in what they produce and how they produce it. Managers typically have three types of strategies they can use to implement those changes: exploration, cooperation, and innovation. Under what circumstances is a manager most likely to use exploration? Cooperation? Innovation? Write an essay explaining when and why managers would choose each of these strategies.

Kyle is seeing, on a regular basis, a difference between current and expected performance levels. She should begin:

According to BusinessWeek, in 2012, _____ was ranked as the World's Most Innovative Company.

Creativity is the generation of novel ideas that may meet perceived needs or respond to opportunities for the organization.

People change starts with training everyone in the organization.

TooEasy, Inc. is changing from a manual ordering system to a computer-based ordering system. As part of the implementation procedures, the company invests in detailed, comprehensive training classes. What approach to change implementation is TooEasy using?

Describe the three distinct stages for achieving behavioral and attitudinal change in an organization.

Left-Right Industries employs a diverse set of individuals with strong personalities. Unfortunately, this means that there is a great deal of interpersonal disagreement among employees. What organizational tool would work best in this circumstance to manage conflict?

After every quarterly board meeting, Bernice's Bracelets, Inc. announces big changes. They usually do not follow through on these changes. What is causing this lack of enthusiasm?

Before implementing new changes in work schedules, Trudy's Trinkets works with the union to ensure a smooth transition. What approach to change is this company using?

Cooltown University recently invited members of its social network group to enter a contest on YouTune to design the best video promoting the university. This is an example of what innovative approach?

A unit that is separate from the mainstream of the organization and is responsible for developing and initiating innovations is called a new-venture team.

In the unfreezing step, participants must be made aware of problems and be willing to change.