Deck 12: Power and Politics

Question 1

The most important aspect of power is that it:

A)is counterproductive.
B)tends to corrupt people.
C)is a function of dependency.
D)is needed to get things done in an organisation.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

LearnIT creates multilingual interactive electronic dictionaries.Currently,the company is unable to launch its new product line because the products consume too much power,resulting in a very short battery life.Finding a new power source for its products is essential. A way of reducing any dependency arising through a supplier of better power sources is to:

A)find multiple suppliers of similar power sources.
B)increase the importance of the power source to the overall design.
C)alert consumers to the availability of alternative power sources.
D)none of the above.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

__________ is based on an individual's position in an organisation.

A)Informal power
B)Influence
C)Leadership
D)Formal power

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Which of the following statements about power is/are correct?

A)A person can have power over you only if they control something you desire.
B)The most important aspect of power is that it is a function of dependency.
C)The threat of writing family members out of a will is an example of power.
D)All of the above.

Question 5

_________ focuses on the downward influence of one's followers.

A)Information
B)Leadership
C)Power
D)Communication

Question 6

__________ requires some congruence between the goals of the leader and those being led.

A)Communication
B)Information
C)Power
D)Leadership

Question 7

__________ research emphasises style,whereas research on __________ focuses on tactics for gaining compliance.

A)Power;persuasion
B)Leadership;power
C)Communication;politics
D)Politics;leadership

Question 8

Power is:

A)being rewarded by others.
B)the ability to influence others.
C)equal to sexual harassment.
D)a dependency upon others.

Question 9

One reacts to ________ power out of fear of the negative ramifications that might result if one fails to comply.

A)knowledge
B)influence
C)persuasive
D)coercive

Question 10

__________ requires dependence but not goal compatibility.

A)Power
B)Leadership
C)Communication
D)Information

Question 11

If your supervisor has the final decision on who will make the presentation,they have:

A)a means of reaching the group's goals.
B)tactics for gaining compliance.
C)power over you and your co-workers.
D)focused on lateral influence.

Question 12

Tyler was very quiet during today's meeting;it is likely he is withholding information.This kind of power is known as:

A)position.
B)knowledge.
C)persuasive.
D)coercive.

Question 13

A leader's use of power is:

A)counterproductive to goal achievement.
B)an indicator of a poor leader.
C)an indicator of a good leader.
D)a means of achieving group goals.

Question 14

LearnIT creates multilingual interactive electronic dictionaries.Currently,the company is unable to launch its new product line because the products consume too much power,resulting in a very short battery life.Finding a new power source for its products is essential. A company that could provide the solution to this problem would have ______ over LearnIT.

A)dependency
B)power
C)management
D)leadership

Question 15

The difference between power and leadership rests on the:

A)leader's downward influence on followers.
B)lateral influence between leaders and followers.
C)reciprocal influence between the follower and leader.
D)upward influence between the follower and leader.

Question 16

'Bases of power' refers to:

A)the elements of power.
B)power characteristics.
C)whether the power position has a good foundation.
D)sources of power.

Question 17

The difference between power and leadership rests on the latter's:

A)focus on rules and regulations.
B)goal congruence between the leader and follower.
C)focus on dependent relationships.
D)vision alignment between the follower and the organisation.

Question 18

Formal power can come from:

A)formal authority.
B)the ability to coerce.
C)the ability to reward.
D)all of the above.

Question 19

Ian is a manager within his organisation.When sending his staff on training courses,Ian always ensures that the training programs are compatible with the interests and career paths of his employees. In this scenario,Ian's actions would be most similar to:

A)power.
B)dependency.
C)leadership.
D)decision making.

Question 20

All of the following are implied in the definition of power EXCEPT:

A)dependency.
B)potential.
C)influence.
D)discretion.

Question 21

Your colleagues at work are constantly talking about the company's vice president.He is feared throughout the organisation as a ruthless man who is not to be antagonised.It is necessary for you to bring him a report and you are very nervous about having to deal with him. The one base of power that the vice president does NOT seem to have is:

A)legitimate.
B)coercive.
C)referent.
D)reward.

Question 22

Your physician has advised you to take a series of medications.You comply because of their __________ power.

A)reward
B)coercive
C)expert
D)legitimate

Question 23

Dependency can be limited by:

A)exerting power over others.
B)establishing a knowledge source.
C)creating alternative sources of supply.
D)spending financial resources.

Question 24

The power the person receives as a result of a position on the organisational chart is known as __________ power.

A)coercive
B)reward
C)expert
D)legitimate

Question 25

Celebrities are paid millions of dollars to endorse products in commercials because advertisers believe celebrities have __________ power.

A)reward
B)coercive
C)referent
D)expert

Question 26

The power that the dean has been granted by the university over the faculty is termed __________ power.

A)legitimate
B)coercive
C)reward
D)expert

Question 27

_________power is based on identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits.

A)Legitimate
B)Coercive
C)Expert
D)Referent

Question 28

The control over recognition,interesting assignments and preferred work shifts are examples of__________ power.

A)positive reinforcement
B)coercive
C)reward
D)persuasive

Question 29

When your supervisor has a short temper and you're afraid of upsetting them,they are exhibiting what kind of power?

A)coercive
B)referent
C)legitimate
D)reward

Question 30

Your colleagues at work are constantly talking about the company's vice president.He is feared throughout the organisation as a ruthless man who is not to be antagonised.It is necessary for you to bring him a report and you are very nervous about having to deal with him. One of the vice president's major bases of power seems to be:

A)reward.
B)coercive.
C)expert.
D)referent.

Question 31

Some people who are not in formal leadership positions nonetheless have referent power and exert influence over others because of their:

A)charismatic dynamism.
B)emotional effects.
C)likability.
D)all of the above.

Question 32

'Expert power' refers to influence that derives from:

A)politics.
B)position.
C)educational institutions.
D)special skills or knowledge.

Question 33

The opposite of coercive power is __________ power.

A)reward
B)referent
C)legitimate
D)coercive

Question 34

When your superior offers you a raise if you will perform additional work beyond the requirements of your job,they are exercising __________ power.

A)reward
B)referent
C)expert
D)coercive

Question 35

__________ power is broader than the power to coerce and reward.

A)Coercive
B)Legitimate
C)Expert
D)Reward

Question 36

Legitimate powers are based on:

A)position.
B)fear.
C)knowledge.
D)rewards.

Question 37

__________ power comes from individual's unique characteristics.

A)Expert
B)Personal
C)Legitimate
D)Reward

Question 38

A has __________ power over B if A can dismiss,suspend or demote B,assuming that B values his or her job.

A)reward
B)legitimate
C)coercive
D)referent

Question 39

Your colleagues at work are constantly talking about the company's vice president.He is feared throughout the organisation as a ruthless man who is not to be antagonised.It is necessary for you to bring him a report and you are very nervous about having to deal with him. You know that the vice president has the authority to accept or reject your report.This is part of their ________ power.

A)legitimate
B)expert
C)reward
D)coercive

Question 40

__________ power and __________ power are opposites of each other.

A)Coercive;expert
B)Referent;reward
C)Reward;coercive
D)Expert;reward

Question 41

Vivian has not been handling one portion of her duties in a satisfactory manner.As a result,her manager threatens to withhold her promotion.Which power tactic is being used?

A)rational persuasion
B)ingratiation
C)assertiveness
D)pressure

Question 42

A product that is difficult to replace is:

A)scarce.
B)non-substitutable.
C)valuable.
D)important.

Question 43

Shellie is avoiding __________ by developing relationships with multiple suppliers rather than give her business to only one.

A)knowledge
B)power
C)dependency
D)independence

Question 44

The power tactic of using flattery,praise or friendly behaviour before making a request is:

A)coalition.
B)reason.
C)ingratiation.
D)exchange.

Question 45

When the desired outcome of power is to convince a group of people to accept a particular decision,which of the following power tactics would be most effective?

A)rational persuasion
B)ingratiation
C)exchange
D)assertiveness

Question 46

The __________ relationship can be seen in the power of occupational categories.In occupations where supply is low and relative to demand,compensation is more attractive.

A)referent power
B)scarcity-dependency
C)importance-dependency
D)substitutability

Question 47

Which of these power tactics is the LEAST effective?

A)exchange
B)pressure
C)ingratiation
D)coalitions

Question 48

The power tactic that influences in all three directions-upwardly,downwardly and laterally-is:

A)ingratiation.
B)pressure.
C)rational persuasion.
D)friendliness.

Question 49

Which of the following variables create dependency?

A)non-substitutability
B)importance
C)scarcity
D)all of the above

Question 50

A product that is high in demand but is difficult to supply is:

A)scarce.
B)non-substitutable.
C)valuable.
D)important.

Question 51

Power tactics explain:

A)the personality of the leader.
B)how to translate power bases into specific actions.
C)the things that motivate people to seek power.
D)how to organise power functions.

Question 52

Gerald knows that an understanding of dependency is central to understanding power in his organisation. When Gerald discovers his dependency increases as his resources diminish,he learns __________ plays a role in replenishing his supply.

A)non-substitutability
B)possession
C)negotiation
D)bargaining power

Question 53

Dependency is decreased when the resource you control is:

A)scarce.
B)highly substitutable.
C)perceived as non-substitutable.
D)important.

Question 54

Joe comes to you with a request for funds for a project.He reminds you that company policy supports his position.He is using the tactic of:

A)reason.
B)legitimacy.
C)exchange.
D)coalition.

Question 55

James approaches his supervisor with data and a logical presentation supporting his request for additional personnel.He is using:

A)rational persuasion.
B)ingratiation.
C)exchange.
D)assertiveness.

Question 56

Sara is enforcing the firm's attendance policies and,as a formal procedure,is making notes in her employee's files when they are late to work.Sara is using __________power tactics.

A)ingratiation
B)coalitions
C)legitimacy
D)pressure

Question 57

__________ is the ability to influence others in such a way as to enhance one's objectives.

A)Political skill
B)Power
C)Dependency
D)Power tactics

Question 58

Gerald knows that an understanding of dependency is central to understanding power in his organisation. When Gerald realises the supply of personnel is low relative to demand,individuals can negotiate compensation and benefit packages that are far more attractive than can those in occupations where there is an abundance of candidates.This is an example of:

A)the scarcity-dependency relationship.
B)the scarcity-substitutes relationship.
C)alternatives.
D)importance.

Question 59

Power tactics define:

A)how to translate power bases into specific actions.
B)what power-holders desire.
C)organisational structural characteristics.
D)the sources of power.

Question 60

All of the following are power tactics EXCEPT:

A)rational persuasion.
B)personal appeals.
C)ingratiation.
D)legitimate coercion.

Question 61

Activities that influence the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organisation are called:

A)political behaviours.
B)strategic planning activities.
C)human resources.
D)tactical planning activities.

Question 62

Marie's supervisor embarrasses her by constantly telling sexual jokes and making sexual comments.Marie was shocked when she observed that he had sexually explicit material on his computer screen during working hours.Although he has never directly asked her to sleep with him,she feels threatened and is so uncomfortable that it is difficult for her to do her job. Marie's supervisor is guilty of:

A)creating a hostile work environment.
B)sexual harassment.
C)abusing his power.
D)all of the above.

Question 63

Political behaviour in organisations is:

A)seen only in large organisations.
B)counterproductive to individual goals.
C)outside of one's specified job requirements.
D)part of each job requirement.

Question 64

__________ occurs when people within organisations use whatever influence they can to teach the facts to support their goals and interests.

A)Demonstrating disloyalty
B)Developing dysfunctional working relationships
C)Encouraging change and innovation
D)Politicking

Question 65

Unwelcome advances,requests for sexual favours and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affect an individual's employment is:

A)illegal.
B)abuse of power.
C)sexual harassment.
D)all of the above.

Question 66

How is 'power' defined?

Question 67

Thomas recognises that his firm is plagued by organisational politics.He is not good at playing games and instead frequently engages in defensive behaviours in order to protect himself and his interests. Thomas has decided to play it safe and engage in buffing if he must.These defensive behaviours are part of avoiding:

A)blame.
B)change.
C)work.
D)action.

Question 68

Mason is rationalising his actions to his supervisor in an attempt to get out of trouble.It is likely Mason will succeed because he is:

A)articulate and persuasive.
B)powerful and manipulative.
C)equitable and just.
D)making a favourable impression.

Question 69

An individual could be subjected to sexual harassment perpetrated by:

A)a subordinate.
B)a co-worker.
C)a supervisor.
D)all of the above.

Question 70

Catherine and Bernice are faculty members at a local university who feel very differently about their academic dean.Catherine believes that he is always engaging in political activity that is not in the best interests of the university.She describes him as a man who passes the buck and is scheming and arrogant.Bernice believes that he is an effective manager.She sees him differently. Bernice's label for what Catherine describes as 'scheming' might be:

A)planning ahead.
B)encouraging change and innovation.
C)improving efficiency.
D)fixing responsibility.

Question 71

Which power tactics are only available to influence others in a downward direction?

A)inspirational appeals and pressure
B)pressure and rational persuasion
C)ingratiation and exchange
D)consultation and coalitions

Question 72

Megan has a clear understanding of how others react and she plays her role within the organisation.Megan exhibits qualities of a person who has __________ abilities.

A)high self-monitoring
B)expectation-of-success
C)manipulative
D)Machiavellian

Question 73

Marie's supervisor embarrasses her by constantly telling sexual jokes and making sexual comments.Marie was shocked when she observed that he had sexually explicit material on his computer screen during working hours.Although he has never directly asked her to sleep with him,she feels threatened and is so uncomfortable that it is difficult for her to do her job. One basic problem in this situation is:

A)Marie's perception is probably very different from her supervisor's.
B)Marie's clothes are probably too suggestive.
C)there is an unequal power relationship between Marie and her supervisor.
D)this is clearly not sexual harassment because he is not requested that she give him sexual favours.

Question 74

Most studies confirm that the concept of __________ is central to understanding sexual harassment.

A)sex
B)locus of control
C)power
D)politics

Question 75

Nelly has heard a rumour that her organisation will be downsizing.She is aware that one of the managers within her department is on good terms with the senior partners.One of Nelly's friends has suggested that she build her relationship with this manager to avoid losing her job if the organisation does engage in downsizing. In deciding whether this is an appropriate thing to do,Nelly should ask herself:

A)What is the utility of engaging in politicking?
B)How does the utility of engaging in the political behaviour balance out any harm (or potential harm)it will do to others?
C)Does the political activity conform to standards of equity and justice?
D)All the above.

Question 76

Catherine and Bernice are faculty members at a local university who feel very differently about their academic dean.Catherine believes that he is always engaging in political activity that is not in the best interests of the university.She describes him as a man who passes the buck and is scheming and arrogant.Bernice believes that he is an effective manager.She sees him differently. What Catherine views as arrogant is probably described by Bernice as:

A)confident.
B)astute.
C)competent and capable.
D)fixing responsibility.

Question 77

Many managers agree that political behaviour is both:

A)ethical and necessary.
B)advantageous and disadvantageous.
C)overt and rampant.
D)adequate and unsatisfactory.

Question 78

An individual most likely to engage in political behaviour would have all of the following EXCEPT:

A)a high ability to self-monitor.
B)a low need for security.
C)a high need for power.
D)an internal locus of control.

Question 79

To determine whether a political action is ethical,which of the following questions should you consider?

A)What is the utility of engaging in politicking?
B)How does the utility of engaging in the political behaviour balance out any harm (or potential harm)it will do to others?
C)Does the political activity conform to standards of equity and justice?
D)All of the above.

Question 80

Outright lies may be an example of:

A)currying favour.
B)impression management.
C)self-serving behaviours.
D)ethical dilemmas.