WGU Organizational Behaviors and Leadership Exam Questions Instant Access

Question 1

How might a charismatic leader work to increase performance in an organization?

Choose 1 answer

AArticulate an appealing vision.

BDemonstrate Type A behavior.

CAvoid unconventional behavior.

DIssue a memo calling for increased effort.

Answer : A

A charismatic leader can increase performance in an organization by articulating an appealing vision. Charismatic leaders inspire and motivate their followers by presenting a compelling future state that aligns with their values and aspirations. This vision provides a sense of purpose and direction, encouraging employees to put in extra effort and align their behaviors with organizational goals. The transformational leadership literature extensively supports this approach, highlighting the role of vision articulation in enhancing organizational performance (Bass & Riggio, 2006).

Question 2

What is one of the six primary characteristics that define an organization's culture?

AAdaptability

BAggressiveness

CPolitical orientation

DMarket orientation

Answer : B

Aggressiveness is one of the six primary characteristics that define an organization's culture. It refers to the degree to which employees are aggressive and competitive rather than easygoing. This characteristic influences how organizational goals are pursued and how competitive the organization is within its industry.

Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2017). Organizational Behavior (17th ed.). Pearson.

Cameron, K. S., & Quinn, R. E. (2011). Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture: Based on the Competing Values Framework (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Question 3

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 4

What is one of the six primary characteristics that define an organization's culture?

AAggressiveness

BPolitical orientation

CPeople orientation

DForecasting

Answer : C

One of the six primary characteristics that define an organization's culture is people orientation. This characteristic reflects the degree to which management decisions take into consideration the effect on people within the organization. A people-oriented culture emphasizes respect for individuals, support for their development, and consideration of their well-being, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Question 5

Employees A and B work together on the same project team. When the team faces a complex

problem, the team leader usually asks B to generate alternative solutions for the team to consider.

Experience has shown that B is more likely to take initiative, to set ambitious goals, and to feel that

the team can effectively influence its environment. Employee A tends to do well on jobs that are

routine, is plagued with self doubt, and feels that the team is largely powerless over its environment.

Which statement is correct?

AEmployee A exhibits positive core self evaluation, and employee B exhibits negative core self evaluation.

BEmployee A exhibits negative core self evaluation, and employee B exhibits positive core self evaluation.

CEmployee A exhibits negative core self evaluation, and employee B exhibits negative core self evaluation.

DEmployee A exhibits positive core self evaluation and employee B exhibits positive core self evaluation.

Answer : B

Core self-evaluation (CSE) is a concept that encompasses an individual's subconscious, fundamental evaluations about themselves, their own abilities, and their control over their environment. Employee A exhibits traits such as self-doubt, reliance on routine tasks, and a feeling of powerlessness, which are indicative of a negative core self-evaluation. Conversely, Employee B displays initiative, sets ambitious goals, and believes in the team's ability to influence the environment, which are characteristics of a positive core self-evaluation.

Judge, T. A., & Bono, J. E. (2001). Relationship of Core Self-Evaluations Traits---Self-Esteem, Generalized Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control, and Emotional Stability---with Job Satisfaction and Job Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(1), 80-92.

Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2017). Organizational Behavior (17th ed.). Pearson.

Question 6

Employee A noticed that Employee B was late for work, and A's perception of why B was late will determine what action A takes in this situation.

Considering attribution theory, which factors will determine A's perception regarding whether B's behavior was internally or externally caused?

Select one.

ASituation, attributes, and alternatives

BDistinctiveness, consensus, and consistency

CCreativity, relationships, and expertise

DProblem, criteria, and alternatives

Answer : B

According to attribution theory, three factors determine whether an observer attributes behavior to internal or external causes: distinctiveness, consensus, and consistency.

Distinctiveness: Whether the individual behaves differently in different situations.

Consensus: Whether others in the same situation behave similarly.

Consistency: Whether the individual behaves the same way over time.

Employee A's perception of why Employee B was late would depend on these three factors. For example, if Employee B is rarely late (high distinctiveness), if many other employees were also late (high consensus), and if Employee B is usually punctual (high consistency), Employee A might attribute the lateness to an external cause such as traffic or weather conditions.

Question 7

A company is changing their work organization from employees working individually to the use of teams.

What will likely help the company develop team effectiveness?

Select one.

AAvoiding social loafing by making sure all accountability is joint accountability.

BEnsuring there is zero conflict among team members

CUtilizing both individual rewards and team rewards

DQuickly developing team efficacy by assigning only complex and difficult tasks from the beginning

Answer : C

To develop team effectiveness, it is important to balance individual and team rewards. This approach ensures that individual contributions are recognized and rewarded, while also encouraging collaboration and collective effort towards team goals. This dual focus helps maintain motivation at both the individual and team levels, promoting overall team effectiveness.

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