WGU Organizational-Behaviors-and-Leadership Exam Questions Instant Access

Question 1

What is one of the forces that plays a particularly important role in sustaining an organization's

culture?

Choose 1 answer

ASocialization process

BIndividualized interaction

CEducational level achieved by key employees

Answer : A

The socialization process plays a particularly important role in sustaining an organization's culture. This process involves the methods by which new employees learn the values, expected behaviors, and social knowledge necessary to assume their roles within the organization. Through orientation programs, mentorship, and continuous reinforcement, the socialization process helps embed the cultural norms and values into new employees, ensuring the culture is maintained over time. This is supported by literature in organizational behavior, which emphasizes the critical role of socialization in cultural perpetuation (Robbins & Judge, 2019).

Question 2

Recognize how workplace politics influence behavior within an organization.

How do employees often respond when feeling threatened by organizational politics?

Choose 1 answer

AWith defensive behaviors

BWith proactive behaviors

CWith high performance pressures

DWith organizational investment

Answer : A

When employees feel threatened by organizational politics, they often respond with defensive behaviors. These behaviors include avoiding action, blame-shifting, and justifying their actions to protect themselves from perceived threats. Defensive behaviors can reduce overall organizational effectiveness and contribute to a toxic work environment. Understanding and managing workplace politics is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive organizational culture.

Question 3

What is true about social loafing in the work place?

Select one.

AIt seeks to reconcile divergent attitudes and to align attitudes and behaviors so they appear rational and consistent.

BIt challenges the logic that the productivity of a group should be at least equal to the sum of productivity of each individual in the group.

CIt increases employee expectations that effort will lead to a lower level of performance when tasks are ambiguously structured.

DIt supports low employee performance and satisfaction when employees are performing structured tasks in groups.

Answer : B

Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone. This challenges the assumption that group productivity should equal the sum of individual productivity, as some members may rely on others to carry the workload, leading to reduced overall group efficiency.

Question 4

Management has noticed that the accounting work group is having difficulty because group members seem to be working in different directions.

Which suggested action can the company take to increase group cohesiveness?

Select one.

AEstablish more rigid role definition for group members

BGive individual rewards rather than group rewards

CHave the group avoid competition with other groups

DGive group rewards rather than individual rewards

Answer : D

Problem-solving is a conflict resolution technique where parties involved meet to identify the problem and resolve it through open discussion. This technique focuses on finding a mutually beneficial solution and addressing the underlying issues causing the conflict, thus ensuring a more sustainable resolution.

Question 5

When might an organization's strongly-entrenched culture be a liability?

Select one.

AWhen an organization's environment is undergoing rapid change

BWhen the shared values of an organization are in agreement

CWhen core values are shared by members of a specific department

DWhen top management is guiding the cultural development

Answer : A

An organization's strongly-entrenched culture can become a liability when the environment is undergoing rapid change. In such situations, a rigid culture may hinder the organization's ability to adapt to new conditions, innovate, and respond effectively to external pressures. While a strong culture provides stability and consistency, it can also resist change and create barriers to flexibility and adaptability. Reference: Robbins, S.P. & Judge, T.A. (2019). Organizational Behavior, 18th Edition. Pearson.

Question 6

Which term describes the tendency for individuals to expend less effort when working collectively than when working individually?

Choose 1 answer

ASocial loafing

BIndependent effort

CSelective perception

DEmployee disengagement

Answer : A

Social loafing is the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when working individually. This occurs because individuals feel that their contribution is less noticeable and therefore believe they can exert less effort without being held accountable. Social loafing can be detrimental to team performance and can be mitigated by increasing individual accountability and establishing clear performance standards.

Question 7

A team is struggling to resolve procedural issues that govern their performance.

What should the team leader do to resolve the problem?

Select one.

AUse conflict resolution methods

BImpose a solution

CChange team membership

DTake a hands-off attitude

Answer : A

When a team struggles with procedural issues, the team leader should employ conflict resolution methods to address and resolve these issues. Conflict resolution techniques, such as negotiation, mediation, and open discussion, can help team members understand each other's perspectives, identify common ground, and agree on procedures that govern their performance. This approach helps build consensus and improve team dynamics.

WGU Organizational Behaviors and Leadership (IBC1) Organizational-Behaviors-and-Leadership Exam Questions