LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
Difficulty: Easy
Quest. Category: Concept
20) The ability to understand, communicate with, motivate, and support other people, both individually and in groups, may be defined as ________.
A) human skills
B) technical skills
C) conceptual skills
D) cognitive skills
E) analytical skills
Answer: A
Explanation: The ability to understand, communicate with, motivate, and support other people, both individually and in groups, may be defined as human skills. Managers get things done through other people, and it is crucial for them to have good human skills.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
Difficulty: Easy
Quest. Category: Concept
21) Melissa Woods was recently hired as the campaign manager at an environmental organization. She has a degree in environmental sustainability and possesses substantial knowledge about the issue of global warming. She has the knowledge to lead the public relations team of the organization. However, a few months later, the board of directors of the organization expressed dissatisfaction with Melissa's performance and asked her to resign. Which of the following, if true, best explains this situation?
A) Melissa had no prior experience in research and development.
B) Melissa had weak interpersonal and networking skills to run the project.
C) Melissa focused on the results her team achieved rather than how they achieved those results.
D) Melissa is not up-to-date about the feasibility of using different modes of renewable energy.
E) Melissa had a diverse network of contacts established from her previous job.
Answer: B
Explanation: The ability to understand, communicate with, motivate, and support other people, both individually and in groups, defines human skills. Many people are technically proficient but poor listeners, unable to understand the needs of others, or weak at managing conflicts. Since managers get things done through other people, they must have good human skills. Though Melissa had substantial knowledge about the issue of global warming, her weak interpersonal and networking skills explain why she was unable to lead the public relations team efficiently. Melissa having no prior experience in research and development plays no role in explaining why she was unable to lead the public relations team. Melissa focusing on the results her team achieved rather than how they achieved them does not indicate her underperformance in any way. In addition, Melissa not being up-to-date about the feasibility of using different modes of renewable energy indicates a lack of theoretical knowledge and not the inability to lead a public relations team. Melissa having a diverse network of contacts established from her previous job works against the situation because it would actually help Melissa in her job.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
AACSB: Reflective thinking
Difficulty: Hard
Quest. Category: Critical Thinking
22) Joann Hayes is currently working on a project to tackle climate change. During the project, she needs to find different options to replace the use of non-renewable energy and check the feasibility of different renewable energy options before choosing the most practical one. Which of the following skills does Hayes primarily need to use for these tasks?
A) human skills
B) interpersonal skills
C) conceptual skills
D) communication skills
E) interactive skills
Answer: C
Explanation: Managers must have the mental ability to analyze and diagnose complex situations. These tasks require conceptual skills. The ability to integrate new ideas with existing processes and innovate on the job is also a crucial conceptual skill for today's managers.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Difficulty: Hard
Quest. Category: Application
23) 360.org, an organization working toward curbing climate change, recently conducted an interview with Jessica for the position of a public relations officer. However, interviewers Brenda and Laura are divided over whether Jessica should be given the job. Brenda believes that Jessica does not have in-depth knowledge about the issue of global warming and its impact. On the other hand, Laura feels that Jessica would be perfect for the job because she has strong networking and interpersonal skills. Which of the following, if true, would strengthen Laura's argument?
A) Gaining the support of corporate giants would comprise a large part of the job.
B) Jessica will need to prepare extensive reports about the issue of climate change.
C) The role will require Jessica to give presentations to environmental experts on renewable modes of energy.