Transcript
Organization Renewal:
The Challenge of Change
True/False Questions
Organization renewal requires that top managers make adaptive changes to the environment.
(T, easy, p. 32)
Stability is both a necessity and an obstruction to change.
(T, moderate, p. 34)
In a hyperturbulent environment, management decisions can usually be based on the extrapolation of historical experience.
(F, moderate, p. 34-36)
Entropy is the use of supplies or assets in the transformation of resource inputs to outputs in an open system.
(F, moderate, p. 34, 38-39)
Sluggish management refers to a management style based on a stable environment and being able to be highly adaptive.
(F, moderate, p. 36-39)
Satisficing management and renewing management are management styles that include a hyperturbulent environment.
(F, moderate, p. 37-38)
A system, which is a set of parts that are connected, is designed to achieve a goal.
(T, easy, p. 38)
The elements of a system must have an established arrangement.
(T, easy, p. 38)
The systems approach views the organization as a system of highly developed and a constant set of relationships among the individual components.
(F, moderate, p. 38-39)
Outputs are the products and services produced by the organization.
(T, easy, p. 39)
One of an open system’s basic qualities includes the requirement that the interrelationships of the individual system elements must be static.
(F, easy, p. 39)
A closed system is in continual interaction with its environment.
(F, easy, p. 39)
A sociotechnical system is not organized around tasks but instead it is organized around processes.
(T, easy, p. 40)
The sociotechnical systems OD approach is considered an excellent technique because it is relatively easy for the change agent to implement.
(F, moderate, p. 41)
The contingency approach states that there are many methods of accomplishing a change objective but there is one best way to change.
(F, easy, p.41-42)
Future shock can be avoided by developing a sophisticated model of a closed system.
(F, easy, p. 42)
The differences between organization transformation and organization development can also be referred to as the differences between revolution and evolution.
(T, moderate, p. 43-44)
OD or planned organizational change is an attempt to improve the effectiveness of groups of the organization and not other entities.
(F, easy, p. 44)
Content and process are two dimensions of observing and analyzing work groups.
(T, easy, p. 45)
Multiple-Choice Questions
The ongoing process of building innovation and adaptation into an organization is known as _____.
entropy
static equilibrium
feedback
future shock
renewal
(e, easy, p. 32-33)
Some ideas in systems theory have had substantial impact on management thinking. Which of the following refers to a system’s tendency to break down unless it is maintained?
feedback
entropy
dynamic equilibrium
process observation
future shock
(b, moderate, p. 34)
A hyperturbulent environment is characterized by _____.
rapidly changing product lines
continual technological innovation
stable market growth
all of the above
answers a and b
(e, moderate, p. 35-6)
A sluggish management system is usually found _____.
when job placement is based on performance objectives
when development is the key strategy
in a hyperturbulent environment
in a stable environment
none of the above
(d, moderate, p. 36)
Organizations with a low level of adaptation existing in a rapidly changing environment deal with problems _____.
on a short-run basis
through formal committees and centralized decision making
using a long-term plan based on stable goals
proactively, taking advantage of new opportunities
answers b and c
(a, difficult, p. 37)
A renewing/transformational management system is characterized by _____.
a stable environment
a formal structure that is clearly defined for all members to see
an ability to deal with future shock
centralized decision making
all of the above
(c, difficult, p. 37-38)
Rapid technological change in the environment forces an organization to develop a _____ orientation.
satisficing
conservative
renewing
monitoring
progressive
(c, moderate, p. 37-38)
The innovations of corporations such as Google and 3M best typify what adaptation orientation?
satisficing
renewing transformational
reactive
sluggish thermostat
none of the above
(b, easy, p. 37-38)
The main idea underlying the systems approach is that _____.
all parts are interrelated
critical parts are related
it allows us to look at the internal organization
some parts belong to the external environment
none of the above
(a, easy, p. 38)
What type of phenomena can be analyzed from a systems viewpoint?
biological system
organization system
economic system
all of the above
none of the above
(d, easy, p. 38)
The idea that organization change may have substantial effects extending far beyond the area in which the change actually takes place relates to _____.
interdependency
contingency theory
process observation
information overload
a hyperturbulent environment
(a, moderate, p. 38-39)
Examine the following sets of terms and select the set that contains the three basic elements of a system.
inputs, throughputs, and transportation
entropy, synergy, and interdependence
environment, feedback, and outputs
inputs, transformation, and outputs
none of the above
(d, moderate, p. 38-39)
If an organization is viewed as a system by its managers, which of the following is (are) characteristic(s) of the organization?
It consists of discrete, isolated parts.
It relies on rules and procedures to standardize its activities into a systematic effort.
It acquires inputs, transforms them, and exports outputs to the environment.
answers a and c
all of the above
(c, moderate, p. 38-39)
The best reason for using a systems approach in OD is _____.
it provides a dynamic model of change and interrelationships
it implicitly recognizes organizational purpose or mission
it provides a static model of change and intervention
the model is functional irrespective of inputs from the environment
none of the above
(a, moderate, p. 38-39)
All of the following are principles of systems theory EXCEPT _____.
team spirit
open system
dynamic equilibrium
feedback
transformation process
(a, moderate, p. 38-39)
A continual flow of information between an open system and its environment is known as _____.
entropy
dynamic equilibrium
feedback
future shock
renewal
(c, moderate, p. 39)
The primary factor that differentiates an open system from a closed system is _____.
a closed system is self-contained and isolated from interactions with its environment
open systems sustain dynamic equilibrium whereas a closed system disintegrates into entropy
open systems have a feedback loop and closed systems do not
all of the above
none of the above
(d, moderate, p. 39)
A business organization using the process of reciprocity is an example of _____.
synergy
boundary
a closed system
an open system
information overload
(d, easy, p. 39)
An entity that is in continual interaction with its environment and achieves a relatively steady state is said to be in _____.
entropy
dynamic equilibrium
a feedback stage
future shock
renewal
(b, moderate, p. 39)
Managers can no longer function within the traditional organization chart, but must learn to _____.
change government regulations for organizational gain
integrate a department with the whole organization
control workers to complete production goals
cope with demographics
none of the above
(b, moderate, p. 39-41)
Which of the following is NOT an element of the technological environment of organizations?
process of innovation
policies
patents
techniques
equipment
(b, easy, p. 40-41)
When an organization is viewed as a sociotechnical system, which is the LEAST common subsystem?
culture
technological
values
transportation
managerial
(d, moderate, p. 40-41)
In attempting to create more adaptive organizations, the change leader focuses change efforts on the _____.
managerial subsystem
technical subsystem
psychosocial subsystem
structural subsystem
all of the above
(e, easy, p. 40-42)
Which of the following is NOT an element of the psychosocial environment of organizations?
norms
mission
social relationships
behavioral patterns
roles
(b, moderate, p. 41)
A contingency approach to management means developing _____.
a programmed system
workable control procedures
strong leadership skills
actions appropriate for a situation
a mission and vision
(d, easy, p. 41-42)
The contingency approach to management is concerned with _____.
the relationship between the organization and its environment
applying mathematical models to management problems
studying the psychological forces that affect managers
studying the sociological forces that affect workers
none of the above
(a, moderate, p. 41-42)
Which theory of management stresses that the effectiveness of management practices varies according to the particular conditions of the situation?
classical
behavioral
management science
contingency
none of the above
(d, easy, p. 41-42)
The contingency view of management suggests that _____.
managerial effectiveness depends on a set of conditions
managerial efficiency depends on mathematical modeling
managerial effectiveness depends on applying universal principles
managerial efficiency depends on good human relations
managerial effectiveness depends on its efficiencies
(a, moderate, p. 41-42)
The contingency approach is best defined by the phrase _____.
“It is in the future”
“It is interlocking”
“It is unknown”
“It all depends”
“Time will tell”
(d, moderate, p. 41-42)
The statement “that there is no one best way of managing all situations” best describes what type of system for managing change?
process approach
organization transformation
socio approach
contingency approach
none of the above
(d, easy, p. 41-42)
In the contingency approach, managers must identify the best technique in terms of _____.
the situation
the circumstances
the time
all of the above
none of the above
(d, easy, p. 41-42)
When change occurs too rapidly, individuals and organizations may enter a stage of _____ in trying to cope with the superimposition of a new culture on an old one.
entropy
dynamic equilibrium
feedback
future shock
renewal
(d, easy, p. 42-43)
The ability to adapt to change is critical to an organization because _____.
reliance on one management style may not be appropriate as circumstances change
society is placing new demands for social responsibility on business
technological and environmental change is increasing
all of the above
none of the above
(d, moderate, p. 42-43)
An effort to rapidly alter the framework and assumptions of an organization is termed _____.
organization change
organization efficiency
organization development
organization implementation
organization transformation
(e, easy, p. 43-44)
The phrase best representing the OD approach to the management of change is _____.
“planned change”
“overcome resistance”
“reverse conflict”
“soft sell”
“process observation”
(a, easy, p. 43-44)
While change using the methods of organization transformation may be described as being _____, change using organization development may be described as being _____.
methodical, rapid
critical, low priority
rapid, critical
adequate, superior
revolutionary, evolutionary
(e, moderate, p. 43-44
An organization experiencing future shock to such an extent that it is threatening the survival of the organization is more likely to resort to what method of change?
organization development
organization transformation
sociotechnical systems approach
open system analysis
all of the above
(b, difficult, p. 42-44)
Process observation is the technique used to _____ work groups as systems.
renew and revitalize
train and develop
identify and categorize
compare and contrast
observe and analyze
(e, moderate, p. 45)
An OD practitioner may focus on the processes of a team, that is the _____, and not the content of the team’s activities.
product’s quality of the team
degree of future shock that is motivating team behavior
labor cost of making efficient and effective decisions
way the team members work with one another
resource inputs, transformation processes, and outputs
(d, difficult, p. 42-43, 45)
Essay Questions
Contrast the following system concepts: entropy and dynamic equilibrium.
Entropy is a movement towards disorder and eventual system breakdown. This is the end result of all systems that do not exchange energy and resources with their environment. In an adaptive organization, the process of exchanging energy and resources with the environment leads to dynamic equilibrium via planned change.
(p. 34, 39)
Define “satisficing” management and explain what impact Alvin Toffler’s concept of future shock has on this adaptation orientation.
Satisficing management is characterized by a stable environment and high adaptation. Emphasis is on centralized decision making with problems referred to the top and clearly defined procedures and roles. Change is accomplished at a “good enough” rate, but primary concern is not with pacesetting. This response is acceptable when pressure for change is low, but as change is “avalanching on our heads” a firm that settles for a satisficing orientation is in jeopardy of losing its competitive edge. Toffler’s concept of greatly accelerating rate of change means that satisficing management is inadequate to deal with today’s organizations.
(p. 37, 42-43)
Think of an organization and apply the systems perspective to describe its functioning. Use all components.
Each students’ answer should be evaluated and should include the following:
a. Inputs
b. Transformation process
c. Output
d. Feedback
e. Environment
(p. 39-41)
List the three areas that change efforts typically focus on and give an example of techniques available in each area.
a. Individual effectiveness: possible techniques include informal training programs, executive development programs.
b. Team effectiveness: on either task activities or team process: one technique is process observation, which frequently uses participant observers.
c. Organization effectiveness: the technique of OD, but only when the total system is the target for change.
(p. 48-9)
