Deck 11: Power and Political Behavior

Question 1

Suppose a manager asks an employee to purchase a birthday gift for the manager's wife. If the employee is to complete this request, which of the following is most true?

A)The request falls outside the employees zone of indifference and will therefore be performed.
B)The manager must enlarge the zone of indifference with power.
C)The manager must use his/her authority.
D)All of these

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which of the following power sources is LEAST likely to be available to a non-supervisory, technical employee?

A)expert
B)referent
C)knowledge
D)legitimate

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The power base of the future will likely be:

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

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Enlarging an employee's zone of indifference is accomplished by:

A)the use of authority
B)the use of power
C)the use of effective communication techniques
D)eliminating cognitive dissonance

Question 5

An important aspect of a manager's exercise of reward power in the determination of employee salary increases is:

A)individual rights
B)utilitarian outcomes
C)distributive justice
D)procedural justice

Question 6

As a supervisor, you will most likely exercise _____ power in an employee disciplinary situation.

A)referent
B)normative
C)coercive
D)personal

Question 7

Which base of power has the strongest relationship with performance and satisfaction?

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

Question 8

The legitimacy inherent in one's job is _____, whereas the ability to influence someone else is _____.

A)power; authority
B)influence; authority
C)authority; power
D)power; control

Question 9

Assume you are a senior accounting major. A friend who is taking a Principles of Accounting course seeks you out for tutorial assistance. This is an example of _____ power.

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

Question 10

The key element behind the factors used to explain power differences between groups based on the strategic contingency model is:

A)interdependency
B)synergy
C)independence
D)dependence

Question 11

If a person can affect the thoughts, behavior, and feelings of another person, she has:

A)influence
B)power
C)authority
D)dominance

Question 12

Enlarging an individual's zone of indifference is best accomplished through:

A)authority
B)politics
C)power
D)influence

Question 13

As a student, you are developing _____ power.

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

Question 14

According to the strategic contingency perspective, which one of the following factors is NOT a primary factor used to explain differences in power between departments?

A)amount of formal authority given departments
B)nonsubstitutability of the group's function
C)degree of centrality
D)ability to cope with uncertainty

Question 15

As a management trainee, you are assigned to a mentor and gain considerable insight into the nature of management and how to behave in different managerial situations. The relationship you have with the mentor is based on _____ power.

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

Question 16

The range in which attempts to influence the employee are perceived as legitimate and are acted on without a great deal of thought is known as:

A)the principal/agent relationship
B)agency theory
C)the zone of indifference
D)congruency

Question 17

Your authors suggest the addition of another source of power to French and Raven's five sources of power. Which of the following best reflects this additional source of power?

A)network centrality
B)position power
C)gatekeepers power
D)information power

Question 18

If a manager asks an employee to purchase a gift for his wife, the employee would think this request:

A)falls within his zone of indifference
B)falls outside his zone of indifference
C)should be based on the manager's authority base
D)is in conflict with the employee's value system

Question 19

When a firm is preparing for bankruptcy, the accountants as a group may become unduly powerful because of:

A)high centrality
B)their nonsubstitutability
C)operational knowledge of the firm
D)their ability to better cope with change

Question 20

To use power ethically a manager should examine the behavior by asking three questions regarding criterion outcomes of:

A)procedural justice, utilitarian, and individual rights
B)individual rights, utilitarian, and distributive justice
C)distributive justice, utilitarian, and individual rights
D)procedural justice, distributive justice, and individual rights

Question 21

McClelland has found that the best managers are those who have:

A)a high need for affiliation
B)a high need for social power and a high need for affiliation
C)a low need for social power and a high need for affiliation
D)a high need for social power and a low need for affiliation

Question 22

According to Michael Korda's view on power which emphasizes symbols of power, which of the following are the three unusual symbols used to explain power differences between individuals?

A)level of organization, time power, and standing by
B)size of office, time power, and level of organization
C)office furnishings, time power, and standing by
D)office furnishings, size of office, and time power

Question 23

Granting a day of vacation to one employee in a busy week when coworkers must struggle to cover for them would be considered unethical under which of the following criterions?

A)distributive justice
B)individual rights
C)utilitarian outcome
D)procedural justice

Question 24

McClelland's two faces of power include:

A)coercive and social
B)legitimate and personal
C)personal and social
D)legitimate and social

Question 25

Korda's symbols of power focus on status or:

A)the ability to help others
B)a person's relative standing in a group based on prestige and having other people defer to him or her
C)the access to information
D)position within the hierarchy

Question 26

Kanter's focus on power is in terms of one's:

A)inclination to be coercive
B)ability to exercise power and do things for others, particularly persons in need
C)expertise in accomplishing job tasks and reaching production objectives
D)charisma and liking by others

Question 27

To be considered ethical, power related behavior must meet:

A)the individual rights criterion
B)the distributive justice criterion
C)the utilitarian criterion
D)All of these

Question 28

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to sell President Barack Obama's Senate seat for money. It was also reported he attempted to trade the seat for money, ambassadorships, and even a $150,000 salary for his wife. This is an example of the use of:

A)social power
B)personal power
C)high centrality
D)coercive power

Question 29

According to McClelland, when a manager treats others as objects to be utilized to get ahead, or views situations as win-lose, the manager is using which form of power?

A)personal power
B)social power
C)legitimate power
D)expert power

Question 30

McClelland's perspective of power is best reflected by which statement?

A)The concept of power is value free and neutral.
B)It is not so much how power is used but rather the base of power that is important.
C)Power and the use of politics to increase power inevitably will have negative effects on the organization.
D)All managers should receive training in the effective use of power.

Question 31

McClelland's positive face of power is:

A)social power
B)personal power
C)expert power
D)referent power

Question 32

Whose perspective on power is best captured by the statement, "There are more people who inconvenience themselves on your behalf than there are people on whose behalf you would inconvenience yourself."?

A)Kanter
B)Etzioni
C)McClelland
D)Korda

Question 33

Which of the following is a symptom of powerlessness at the first line supervisory level?

A)overly close supervision
B)resistance to change
C)protecting your turf
D)punishing others

Question 34

According the Kanter's perspective on power, the key to overcoming powerlessness in organizations is to:

A)delegate tasks and share power
B)recruit strong willed individuals
C)identify strategic contingencies and reduce uncertainty
D)develop relationships with individuals within the organization that have influence

Question 35

A manager who withholds information to make another manager look bad by making an incorrect decision is displaying _____ power.

A)reward
B)coercive
C)social
D)personal

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a positive power-oriented characteristic according to McClelland?

A)Explain just enough to pacify employees sufficiently so they won't ask questions.
B)Publicly put the company and its needs before one's own needs.
C)A strong belief in justice and equity.
D)View of work as positive and self-discipline building.

Question 37

A manager who is considered Machiavellian would rely on what type of power?

A)social
B)reward
C)personal
D)referent

Question 38

An individual who seems to always have a full calendar and is frequently going to meetings displays _____, according to Korda.

A)top-down power
B)expert power
C)legitimate power
D)time power

Question 39

If a salesperson significantly discounted the price of a product in order to make a sale that would win a contest, the salesperson would be most likely to breach which of the following ethical principles?

A)utilitarian principle
B)distributive justice
C)individual rights
D)procedural justice

Question 40

The scandal at the Fiesta Bowl that involved the use of company money for personal expenditures" was the result of:

A)lack of CEO oversight
B)collusion between organizational top executives and suppliers
C)close ties between labor and top executives
D)customer kick backs for "favored" pricing

Question 41

The textbook suggested that there were three ways a manager can use influence tactics well or in a positive manner. Which of the following is NOT one of the key ways to positively use influence?

A)maintain open lines of communication in all directions
B)treat targets with basic respect
C)use job-related tactics
D)direct influence attempts toward organizational goals

Question 42

Actions not officially sanctioned by an organization that are taken to influence others in order to meet one's personal goals are called:

A)coercion
B)illegitimate power
C)utilitarian power
D)political behavior

Question 43

Research on influence tactics indicates that _____ tactics are least used.

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

Question 44

The first step in managing political behavior is:

A)insuring open communication
B)to clarify expectations regarding performance
C)encouraging cooperation
D)recognizing it

Question 45

All of the following are conditions within an organization that can encourage unnecessary political behavior except:

A)ambiguous lines of authority
B)unclear goals
C)well-defined and understood problems
D)uncertainty

Question 46

Research has shown that four tactics are used most frequently regardless of the target of the influence attempt. Which of the following is NOT one of the four tactics used most frequently?

A)exchange
B)inspirational appeals
C)ingratiation
D)consultation

Question 47

You have a new boss, someone hired from outside the firm. He has several years of managerial experience in the industry of your firm, but, of course he doesn't have specific knowledge of operational matters for your firm. If you want to develop an effective work relationship with him, you should:

A)provide information on performance deficiencies in the organization
B)share information and keep him informed
C)limit his time with other employees
D)try to encourage a better match between his management style and those being supervised

Question 48

All of the following are considered a key dimension for being politically skillful EXCEPT:

A)social astuteness
B)networking ability
C)interpersonal influence
D)low self monitoring

Question 49

When both men and women witness political behavior and the agent is of their gender and the target is of the opposite gender, evidence suggests:

A)women will view the political behavior more negatively than men
B)men will view the political behavior more negatively them women
C)men and women will view the political behavior as negative
D)men and women will view the political behavior more positively

Question 50

Which of the following influence tactics would likely have the most negative effect in your attempt to influence a decision with respect to promotability?

A)pressure
B)consultation
C)inspirational appeal
D)ingratiation

Question 51

The ability to get things done through positive interpersonal relationships outside the formal organization is known as:

A)informal authority
B)the use of power
C)political skill
D)the use of expert knowledge

Question 52

The use of power and influence in organizations is referred to as:

A)manipulative
B)negative
C)organizational politics
D)an alternative to authority

Question 53

Which of the following conditions would LEAST encourage political activity?

A)abundant resources
B)unclear goals
C)performance appraisal process
D)uncertainty

Question 54

In which culture would a manager be more likely to deal with a tardy employee by stating: "is there anything I can do to help you overcome the problems that are preventing you from coming to work on time"?

A)U.S.
B)Germany
C)Japan
D)Mexico

Question 55

Research suggests that the one factor that enables people to use ingratiation effectively is:

A)rational persuasion
B)consultation
C)political skill
D)inspirational appeal

Question 56

The least effective influence tactic, regardless of the circumstance of the situation, involves:

A)consultation
B)upward appeals
C)pressure
D)ingratiation

Question 57

If your boss exhibits a participatory style of managing, an appropriate influence tactic for you is:

A)inspirational appeals
B)ingratiation
C)rational persuasion
D)coalition building

Question 58

Which of the following influence tactic is LEAST political?

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

Question 59

Which of the following is LEAST likely to minimize the negative aspects of organizational politics?

A)encourage participative management
B)disregard the informal organization
C)clarify goals and performance objectives
D)maintain open communication channels

Question 60

Evidence indicates that the influence tactic which has the most positive effect on supervisors' assessments of promotability is:

A)upward appeal
B)ingratiation
C)rational persuasion
D)consultation

Question 61

Which of the following set of dimensions comprise the essence of empowerment?

A)teamwork, delegation, trust, and autonomy
B)meaning, teamwork, competence, and trust
C)delegation, trust, competence, and autonomy
D)meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact

Question 62

Which of the following personality characteristics is central to empowerment?

A)locus of control
B)emotional stability
C)self esteem
D)self efficacy

Question 63

The organizational rewards sought from using all four of the empowerment dimensions discussed in your text include:

A)increased effectiveness, efficiency, and higher job satisfaction
B)lower turnover, less absenteeism, and higher job satisfaction
C)higher organizational commitment, increased effectiveness, and efficiency
D)increased effectiveness, less stress, and higher job satisfaction

Question 64

An employee empowerment attempt would be LEAST appropriate in a:

A)quality control lab
B)bank
C)hospital
D)prison

Question 65

Which of the following is NOT included in the set of activities discussed in your text on how to manage the relationship with your boss?

A)Assess yourself and your needs.
B)Assess the needs of the organization as they relate to customers or the external/market environment.
C)Develop and maintain a relationship that is based on dependability and honesty.
D)Make sure you understand your boss and her context.

Question 66

Referent power is the most dangerous interpersonal form of power.

Question 67

Referent power is linked with organizational effectiveness.

Question 68

Authority is legitimate power.

Question 69

Kiva is representative of "people empowering people" by:

A)providing employees more control/choice in the performance of their jobs
B)increasing the meaning of one's work with respect to overall organizational goals
C)allowing individuals to "choose" how they want to contribute to the organization by "self-placement"
D)blending microfinance and social networking

Question 70

If an employee has problem identification decision-making authority over job content and job context, the position on the employee empowerment grid is best reflected by:

A)mission definition
B)no discretion
C)task setting
D)self-management

Question 71

Expert power has the strongest relationship with performance and satisfaction in comparison to the other forms of power.

Question 72

The critical factor that increases empowerment in relation to the critical job dimensions is:

A)involvement in the decision-making process
B)self-management
C)mission defining
D)motivation of accept responsibility

Question 73

When a supervisor denies your request to be considered for a job transfer because you have a unique expertise, he is exercising expert power.

Question 74

Your boss asks that you buy a birthday present for his wife while you are on your lunch hour because he doesn't have time. This probably falls within your zone of indifference.

Question 75

Empowerment can be thought about as being related to which two job dimensions?

A)job content and job variety
B)job autonomy and job variety
C)job context and job variety
D)job content and job context

Question 76

It is easier to encourage employee empowerment when the organization highly values _____ and _____ power.

A)expert; referent
B)legitimate; coercive
C)reward; coercive
D)personal; manipulative

Question 77

Self-management or the highest level of empowerment represents:

A)decision-making control over job content and job context
B)shared decision making over job context
C)shared decision making over job content
D)decision-making control over internal critical psychological processes as they relate to the job

Question 78

All of the following are guidelines for implementing an empowerment program except:

A)create opportunities for employees to participate in significant problem solving
B)remove tight controls
C)allow failure and offer constructive criticism
D)set modest goals

Question 79

A police officer exercises both legitimate and coercive power when she subdues a criminal.

Question 80

With regard to empowerment, the term "meaning" refers to:

A)the fit between the work role and employees values and beliefs
B)the belief that one has the ability to do the job well
C)the belief that one's job makes a difference within the organization
D)the degree one has control over the way one does his or her work