Exam 8: Solving Problems, Making Decisions and Managing Change

When making decisions,the supervisor should consider knowledge gained from experience with the understanding that the current situation is not identical to past situations.

Once the best alternative has been selected,the decision making process has concluded.

Megan is charged with naming a new publication that will be unveiled in the first quarter of the upcoming year.Unable to come up with a name on her own,she sends an email to her team asking them to respond with ideas for potential names.This approach best exemplifies which creative problem solving method?

Someone seeks buy-in from individuals,wants minimal risks,and tends to avoid interpersonal confrontation when it comes to decision would best be described as a:

It is comforting to know that if you follow the proper steps in the decision-making process,a good decision is guaranteed.

Decision making is the process of defining problems and choosing a course of action from among alternatives.

Which of the following statements regarding decision-making is true?

Brainstorming is a free flow of ideas within a group,with judgment suspended,in order to arrive at as many alternatives as possible.

When the supervisor selects the alternative that minimally meets the decision criteria,the supervisor has made an optimizing decision.

It is not always necessary to receive total approval,but a supervisor should at least consult with those who might be impacted by the change.

Successful problem solving requires no supervisory follow-up.

When utilitizing decision criteria to deal with problems,there must be a sense of priority.

In the rare situations in which the problem cannot be defined,it is advisable to go on to the fact-gathering stage.

If a supervisor believes he/she has a really great idea,he/she should schedule a meeting with top management.

The acceptance of change is more likely if there is a relationship of confidence and trust between the employees and the supervisor.

By generating a series of alternatives to solving a problem,the best course of action to take is less likely to be overlooked.

Resistance to change in the workplace is very uncommon because employees pride themselves upon being up to date.

With the Abdicator decision style,decisions are made based on the easiest method readily available,and often result in errors.

A supervisor should do whatever it takes,including spend excessively,to see that all problems are resolved.

The fishbone technique is a cause-and-effect approach to considering the potential interrelatedness of problem causes to aid in decision making.