D) Jessica had negligible experience in research and development.
E) Jessica has weak analytical skills to solve problems associated with implementing options of renewable energy.
Answer: A
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. As gaining the support of corporate giants is a large part of the public relations job, it would require strong networking and interpersonal skills, which according to Laura, Jessica has. This would strengthen Laura's argument. The task of preparing extensive reports does not involve any networking skills and thus would not in any way strengthen Laura's argument. Giving presentations to environmental experts would require Laura to have in-depth knowledge of global warming and does not involve networking skills. Jessica having negligible experience in research and development and weak analytical skills to solve problems associated with implementing options of renewable energy does not require networking skills and thus does not strengthen Laura's argument.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
AACSB: Reflective thinking
Difficulty: Hard
Quest. Category: Critical Thinking
24) 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 interpersonal skills. Which of the following, if true, would weaken Laura's argument?
A) Jessica was unable to fare well in the written test which analyzed her conceptual skills.
B) Jessica listened intently to the interviewers' questions before answering them.
C) Jessica was unable to communicate clearly why she was right for the job.
D) Jessica was very friendly and courteous with the receptionist while greeting her.
E) Jessica was high on confidence about getting the job because of her strong networking skills.
Answer: C
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. If Jessica were unable to communicate clearly why she was right for the job, it would weaken Laura's argument that Jessica has strong interpersonal skills. Jessica being unable to fare well in the written test which analyzed her conceptual skills does not indicate Jessica's networking skills, and thus does not weaken Laura's argument. Jessica listening intently to the interviewers' questions before answering them and greeting the receptionist indicates that she has good interpersonal skills. This strengthens Laura's argument. Jessica being high on confidence about getting the job because of her strong networking skills is irrelevant to the argument.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
AACSB: Reflective thinking
Difficulty: Hard
Quest. Category: Critical Thinking
25) According to Fred Luthans and his associates, managers involved in traditional management activities undertook which of the following tasks?
A) motivating
B) socializing
C) decision making
D) training
E) politicking
Answer: C
Explanation: Fred Luthans and his associates studied more than 450 managers who were all engaged in four managerial activities of traditional management, communication, human resource management, and networking. Activities in traditional management involved decision making, planning, and controlling.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).
Difficulty: Easy
Quest. Category: Concept
26) According to Fred Luthans and his associates' study of 450 managers, ________ made the largest contribution to the success of managers in terms of speed of promotion within their organization.
A) networking
B) decision making
C) planning
D) controlling
E) staffing
Answer: A
Explanation: According to Fred Luthans and his associates' study of 450 managers, networking made the largest contribution to the success of managers in terms of speed of promotion within their organization. Human resource management activities made the least relative contribution.
LO: 1.2: Define organizational behavior (OB).