NPTEL Online Certification Course

Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization

Module 1: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. What does "individual differences" in organizational behavior refer to?

A) Similarities among individuals in an organization
B) Differences in age within a group
C) Differences in behavior and traits among individuals
D) Differences in physical abilities among individuals
E) None of the above
Answer: C) Differences in behavior and traits among individuals

2. What does evidence-based management rely on?

A) Personal opinions
B) Randomized experiments
C) Scientific evidence and data
D) Intuition
E) Guesswork
Answer: C) Scientific evidence and data

3. Who is known for the theory of bureaucracy in organizational studies?

A) Peter Drucker
B) Chester Bernard
C) Max Weber
D) Fred Luthans
E) Elton Mayo
Answer: C) Max Weber

4. According to Chester Bernard, what is an organization?

 A) A system of rules and protocols
B) A system of consciously coordinated activities
C) A place for people to socialize
D) A strict hierarchy of roles
E) A formal authority structure
Answer: B) A system of consciously coordinated activities

5. What is Peter Drucker's view of an organization?

A) A group of friends
B) An informal gathering of people
C) A system for turning resources into results
D) A government authority
E) A rigid structure with no flexibility
Answer: C) A system for turning resources into results

6. Theory Y assumes that employees:

A) Need external rewards to work

B) Are inherently lazy
C) Are self-motivated and capable of self-direction
D) Need strict supervision
E) Prefer not to work in teams
Answer: C) Are self-motivated and capable of self-direction

7. Chris Argyris is known for introducing:

A) Bureaucracy
B) Theory of Personality and Environment
C) Double-loop learning
D) Hierarchy of needs
E) Theory X
Answer: C) Double-loop learning

8. What is organizational culture primarily concerned with?

A) Market dynamics
B) Individual personalities
C) Shared values and norms within an organization
D) Formal job roles
E) Employee salaries
Answer: C) Shared values and norms within an organization

9. Which of the following is an example of intrinsic motivation?

A) Promotion incentives
B) Salary increase
C) Enjoyment of job tasks
D) Recognition awards
E) Bonuses
Answer: C) Enjoyment of job tasks

10. An example of extrinsic motivation is:

A) Personal interest in a task

B) A feeling of accomplishment
C) Enjoying the work itself
D) Receiving a bonus
E) Personal growth
Answer: D) Receiving a bonus
 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 2: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. Which concept is described as "celebrating neurological differences such as autism and

ADHD"?

a. Surface-level diversity

b. Neurodiversity

c. Deep-level diversity

d. Functional adaptability

e. psychological alignment

Answer: b. Neurodiversity

2. What is a common disadvantage of diversity?

a. Better decision-making

b. Increased creativity

c. Communication barriers

d. Higher employee retention

e. Enhanced learning opportunities

Answer: c. Communication barriers

3. What role does empathy play in managing diversity?

a. Encouraging stereotypes

b. Ignoring individual struggles

c. Putting oneself in another's place to understand their perspective

d. Avoiding organizational diversity

e. Limiting employees' contributions

Answer: c. Putting oneself in another's place to understand their perspective

4. How is neurodiversity advantageous for organizations?

a. Reduces legal compliance

b. Improves attention to detail and problem-solving

c. Eliminates the need for inclusion

d. Simplifies decision-making

e. Encourages homogeneity

Answer: b. Improves attention to detail and problem-solving

5. What does managing similarities in a workforce involve?

a. Ignoring common skills

b. Leveraging shared attributes for organizational goals

c. Eliminating uniformity

d. Encouraging conflict among similar individuals

e. Avoiding teamwork

Answer: b. Leveraging shared attributes for organizational goals

6. Which of these tools is useful for understanding diversity trends in organizations?

a. Guesswork

b. Intuition-based management

c. Data science and machine learning

d. Outdated organizational structures

e. None of the above

Answer: c. Data science and machine learning

7. Which of these is NOT a key trait of an inclusive leader?

a. Humility

b. Awareness of bias

c. Rigid adherence to cultural norms

d. Cultural intelligence

e. Curiosity about others

Answer: c. Rigid adherence to cultural norms

8. What is one risk associated with a lack of perceived inclusion?

a. Enhanced employee retention

b. Decreased sense of belonging and commitment

c. Simplified communication

d. Improved team dynamics

e. Better access to information

Answer: b. Decreased sense of belonging and commitment

9. Why might stereotyping be harmful in a workplace?

a. It reduces communication barriers.

b. It encourages diverse viewpoints.

c. It fosters learning and empathy.

d. It hinders appreciation of individual differences.

e. It increases productivity.

Answer: d. It hinders appreciation of individual differences.

10. What is the first stage towards creating a multicultural organization?

a. Redefining the organization

b. Compliance organization

c. Club organization

d. Exclusionary organization

e. Inclusive organization

Answer: d. Exclusionary organization

 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 3: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. What is organizational behavior primarily concerned with?

a. Managing personal finances

b. Understanding and managing people at work

c. Planning infrastructure development

d. Creating government policies

e. Conducting academic research only

Answer: b. Understanding and managing people at work

2. Which aspect of self-concept involves having different roles or identities?

a. Clarity

b. Complexity

c. Consistency

d. Emotional stability

e. Transparency

Answer: b. Complexity

3. In attribution theory, what does high consistency usually indicate?

a. External factors influencing behavior

b. A random and unpredictable pattern

c. Internal factors influencing behavior

d. A lack of responsibility for actions

e. External locus of control

Answer: c. Internal factors influencing behavior

4. What is the primary aim of meaningful interaction in improving perception?

a. Enhancing personal bias

b. Reducing perceptual biases through interaction

c. Limiting collaboration

d. Avoiding difficult conversations

e. Developing strict personal boundaries

Answer: b. Reducing perceptual biases through interaction

5. Which of these is a type of perceptual error?

a. Productivity lag

b. Selective perception

c. Organizational hierarchy

d. Group consensus

e. Job dissatisfaction

Answer: b. Selective perception

6. What is selective attention?

a. The act of choosing career paths

b. The tendency to focus on specific stimuli while ignoring others

c. A method of multitasking

d. Concentrating on negative thoughts

e. A team-building exercise

Answer: b. The tendency to focus on specific stimuli while ignoring others

7. What does the Johari Window aim to improve?

a. Organizational structure

b. Self-awareness and mutual understanding

c. Financial planning

d. Technological adoption in organizations

e. Communication within top management

Answer: b. Self-awareness and mutual understanding

8. What is the main issue caused by stereotyping?

a. Encouraging inclusivity

b. Building a better organizational culture

c. Ignoring individual differences

d. Simplifying managerial decisions

e. Increasing employee engagement

Answer: c. Ignoring individual differences

9. What is the role of self-enhancement in self-concept?

a. Developing negative attitudes

b. Motivating oneself to maintain a positive self-concept

c. Ignoring one’s abilities

d. Criticizing coworkers’ performance

e. Focusing on external validation

Answer: b. Motivating oneself to maintain a positive self-concept

10. Which is an example of internal locus of control?

a. Blaming poor results on a faulty system

b. Believing success is due to personal effort and abilities

c. Relying on team decisions for outcomes

d. Avoiding accountability for failures

e. Following instructions without questioning

Answer: b. Believing success is due to personal effort and abilities

 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 4: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. How are emotions different from moods?

a) Emotions are less intense than moods

b) Emotions are more enduring than moods

c) Emotions are often caused by specific events, while moods are not

d) Moods are unrelated to emotions

e) None of the above

Answer: c) Emotions are often caused by specific events, while moods are not

2. Which of these is NOT considered a basic emotion?

a) Happiness

b) Jealousy

c) Contempt

d) Surprise

e) Joy

Answer: b) Jealousy

3. What does the term "emotional labor" refer to?

a) Physical effort at work

b) Expressing organizationally desired emotions during interactions

 c) Suppressing all emotions in the workplace

d) Managing others' emotions at work

e) None of the above

Answer: b) Expressing organizationally desired emotions during interactions

4. Deep acting is:

a) Displaying emotions without effort
b) Suppressing emotional expressions entirely
c) Trying to modify one’s true inner feelings
d) Avoiding emotional interactions altogether
e) None of the above
Answer: c) Trying to modify one’s true inner feelings

5. What is a major difference between emotions and moods?

a) Emotions last longer than moods
b) Moods are always positive, emotions are negative
c) Moods are less intense than emotions
d) Moods are triggered by specific events, emotions are not
e) None of the above
Answer: c) Moods are less intense than emotions

6. Which theory suggests that emotions and physiological reactions occur simultaneously?
a) James-Lange Theory
b) Cannon-Bard Theory
c) Affective Events Theory
d) Schachter-Singer Theory
e) None of the above
Answer: b) Cannon-Bard Theory

7. What is the primary focus of Affective Events Theory?

a) The link between cognition and behavior
b) How emotions and moods influence job performance and satisfaction
c) The biological basis of emotions
d) Reducing stress at the workplace
e) None of the above
Answer: b) How emotions and moods influence job performance and satisfaction

8. The term "emotional dissonance" refers to:

a) Expressing feelings that are inconsistent with actual emotions
b) Experiencing intense positive emotions
c) Avoiding emotional expressions altogether
d) The absence of any emotions in the workplace
e) None of the above
Answer: a) Expressing feelings that are inconsistent with actual emotions

9. Stress arising from unclear job responsibilities is an example of:

a) Challenge stressors
b) Hindrance stressors
c) Positive stressors
d) Daily uplifts
e) None of the above
Answer: b) Hindrance stressors

10. Which of the following is NOT a source of emotions and moods?

a) Sleep
b) Exercise
 c) Age
d) Task deadlines
e) None of the above
Answer: e) None of the above
 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 5: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. Which of the following is an example of a terminal value?

a) Honesty
b) Self-discipline
c) Wisdom
d) Responsibility
e) Humility
Answer: c) Wisdom

2. Instrumental values are:

a) End goals in life
b) Means or behaviors to achieve terminal values
c) Tools used in performance assessments
d) Specific job-related skills
e) Techniques for conflict resolution
Answer: b) Means or behaviors to achieve terminal values

3. What is the core difference between sympathy and empathy?

a) Empathy involves action beyond understanding feelings
b) Sympathy is always preferred in organizations
c) Sympathy is a value, empathy is not
d) Empathy is limited to professional interactions
e) Sympathy leads to compassion
Answer: a) Empathy involves action beyond understanding feelings

4. What does "person-job fit" refer to?

a) Employee's compatibility with coworkers
b) Alignment of an individual’s strengths and job requirements
c) Flexibility in job roles
d) Job satisfaction scores
e) Adherence to organizational culture
Answer: b) Alignment of an individual’s strengths and job requirements

5. In John Holland's theory, which type of personality prefers creative and unsystematic
activities?
a) Realistic
b) Investigative
c) Social
d) Artistic
e) Enterprising
Answer: d) Artistic

6. What value is critical in conflict resolution?

a) Integrity
b) Justice
c) Compassion
d) Flexibility
e) Responsibility
Answer: b) Justice

7. Which cultural context emphasizes punctuality and task completion?

 a) High-context culture
b) Polychronic culture
c) Monochronic culture
d) Individualistic culture
e) Collectivist culture
Answer: c) Monochronic culture

8. Which type of values can evolve with exposure and learning?

a) Genetic values
b) Rigid values
c) Instrumental values
d) Static values
e) Dynamic values
Answer: e) Dynamic values

9. What is a defining feature of collectivist cultures?

a) High competition among members
b) Emphasis on personal goals
c) Prioritization of group harmony
d) Focus on hierarchical leadership
e) Strong resistance to change
Answer: c) Prioritization of group harmony

10. Why are values important in organizations?

a) They reduce the need for training
b) They enhance objectivity in decisions
c) They influence attitudes, motivation, and behaviors
d) They eliminate workplace conflicts
e) They guarantee employee loyalty
Answer: c) They influence attitudes, motivation, and behaviors
 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 6: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. What differentiates empathy from sympathy?

a) Sympathy is about understanding feelings, while empathy involves action
b) Empathy is superficial, while sympathy is deep
c) Sympathy is always better than empathy
d) Both are identical concepts
e) None of the above
Answer: a) Sympathy is about understanding feelings, while empathy involves action
2. Which value is emphasized in organizational recruitment advertisements?
a) Honesty
b) Environmental stewardship
c) Equality
d) Independence
e) Compassion
Answer: c) Equality
3. Which of the following values is categorized under Schwartz’s ‘self-transcendence’?
a) Stimulation
b) Universalism
c) Power
d) Achievement
e) Tradition
Answer: b) Universalism
4. What does the term "value congruence" refer to?
a) A mismatch between personal and organizational values
b) Alignment between individual and organizational values
c) Values that evolve over time
d) Values that remain constant across cultures
e) None of the above
Answer: b) Alignment between individual and organizational values
5. What is a terminal value according to Rokeach?
a) Honesty
b) Happiness
c) Self-discipline
d) Kindness
e) Humility
Answer: b) Happiness
6. Which personality type in Holland’s theory prefers activities involving helping others?
a) Investigative
b) Social
c) Realistic
d) Enterprising
e) Conventional
Answer: b) Social
7. What is the significance of person-job fit?
a) Reduces turnover
b) Enhances employee performance
c) Increases job satisfaction
d) All of the above
e) None of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
8. Which cultural value emphasizes personal achievements over group harmony?
a) Collectivism
b) Individualism
c) Hierarchy
d) Tradition
e) Conformity
Answer: b) Individualism
9. What is the primary purpose of job crafting?
a) To train employees in new skills
b) To adapt roles to match employee strengths
c) To enforce organizational hierarchy
d) To increase company profits
e) To enhance managerial control
Answer: b) To adapt roles to match employee strengths
10. Person-organization (P-O) fit refers to:

a) The alignment between an individual's values, personality, and goals with the
organization’s culture and values.
b) The extent to which an employee's skills match the technical requirements of a job.
c) The degree to which an individual adapts to various job roles within an organization.
d) The relationship between a supervisor and an employee in terms of leadership style and
communication.
e) The compatibility between an employee’s work experience and the job description.

Answer: A) The alignment between an individual's values, personality, and goals with the
organization’s culture and values.
 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 7: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. Intrinsic motivation is primarily driven by:

A) External rewards
B) Internal satisfaction and purpose
C) Social recognition
D) Financial incentives
E) Peer pressure
Answer: B) Internal satisfaction and purpose
2. What does 'intensity' in motivation refer to?
A) The duration of effort
B) The level of enthusiasm shown
C) How hard a person tries
D) The external rewards received
E) The number of tasks completed
Answer: C) How hard a person tries
3. Which statement best describes extrinsic motivation?
A) It arises from personal satisfaction.
B) It is influenced by external factors.
C) It is solely based on internal desires.
D) It is irrelevant in organizational settings.
E) It only applies to academic achievements.
Answer: B) It is influenced by external factors.
4. Persistence in motivation refers to:
A) The ability to focus on one task.
B) The duration one can maintain effort towards a goal.
C) The intensity of effort put into a task.
D) The number of goals set by an individual.
E) The variety of tasks undertaken.
Answer: B) The duration one can maintain effort towards a goal.
5. What can lead to a lack of persistence in efforts?
A) Clear goals and objectives
B) High intrinsic motivation
C) Loss of interest or focus over time
D) Support from peers and mentors
E) Regular feedback and recognition
Answer: C) Loss of interest or focus over time
6. According to the lecture, motivation is defined as:
A) The desire to earn money.
B) The process that accounts for an individual's intensity, direction, and persistence of
effort toward attaining a goal.
C) The ability to influence others.
D) The skill to manage time effectively.
E) The willingness to work overtime.
Answer: B) The process that accounts for an individual's intensity, direction, and persistence
of effort toward attaining a goal.
7. Which example illustrates intrinsic motivation?
A) Studying for an exam to receive a scholarship.
B) Completing a challenging puzzle for personal satisfaction.
C) Attending workshops for promotions.
D) Participating in competitions for prizes.
E) Following trends to gain social approval.
Answer: B) Completing a challenging puzzle for personal satisfaction.
8. High intensity without proper direction can lead to:
A) Increased job satisfaction
B) Successful goal achievement
C) Wasted effort and resources
D) Enhanced team collaboration
E) Personal growth and development
Answer: C) Wasted effort and resources
9. What role does feedback play in motivation?
A) It decreases competition among employees.
B) It provides external rewards only.
C) It helps individuals align their efforts with goals.
D) It is irrelevant in motivating teams.
E) It only serves as a formality in organizations.
Answer: C) It helps individuals align their efforts with goals.
10. Which factor can enhance intrinsic motivation?
A) Monetary bonuses
B) Job contentment and personal growth opportunities
C) Strict deadlines and pressure
D) External validation from peers
E) Competitive environments
Answer: B) Job contentment and personal growth opportunities
 NPTEL Online Certification Course
Organizational Behaviour: Individual Dynamics in Organization
Module 8: Detailed Solution
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

1. Which motivation theory aligns with employee involvement?

a) Expectancy theory
b) Trait theory
c) Behavioral reinforcement theory
d) Pavlovian conditioning
e) Transactional leadership theory
Answer: a) Expectancy theory
2. What is continuous improvement in the workplace often called in Japanese management
practices?
a) Just-in-time management
b) Kaizen
c) Lean production
d) Six Sigma
e) Kanban
Answer: b) Kaizen
3. Which of the following strategies increases employee motivation by allowing them to
contribute ideas freely?
a) Centralized decision-making
b) Bureaucratic control
c) Employee empowerment
d) Strict hierarchical supervision
e) Eliminating employee feedback sessions
Answer: c) Employee empowerment
4. Which theory states that employees compare their input-output ratio with others?
a) Expectancy theory
b) Equity theory
c) Self-determination theory
d) Transformational leadership theory
e) Herzberg’s two-factor theory
Answer: b) Equity theory
5. What is telecommuting in the workplace?
a) Working from home or a remote location using technology
b) Working only at night shifts
c) Working exclusively in office settings
d) Eliminating work flexibility
e) A system where employees never interact with managers
Answer: a) Working from home or a remote location using technology
6. Which financial reward system directly ties employee earnings to performance?
a) Fixed salary
b) Seniority-based pay
c) Piece-rate pay
d) Standardized pay scales
e) Pension benefits
Answer: c) Piece-rate pay
7. Which of the following is a key aspect of employee involvement?
a) Increased job rotation
b) Participation in decision-making
c) Decreased work responsibilities
d) Independent work without collaboration
e) Reduction in team-based work
Answer: b) Participation in decision-making
8. What is institutional memory in an organization?
a) A database of all company transactions
b) A system where only managers retain decision-making power
c) The accumulated experiences and knowledge of employees
d) A training module for new hires
e) A method to replace employees frequently
Answer: c) The accumulated experiences and knowledge of employees
9. Which HR practice ensures that employees’ values and goals align with the organization’s
culture?
a) Recruitment and selection
b) Compensation management
c) Outsourcing
d) Downsizing
e) Benchmarking
Answer: a) Recruitment and selection
10. What is the primary benefit of a strong person-organization fit?
a) Higher employee turnover
b) Increased job dissatisfaction
c) Enhanced organizational commitment
d) Lower teamwork efficiency
e) Reduced need for employee training
Answer: c) Enhanced organizational commitment
 Assignment questions
Module 9: Learning in Organization
1. What is the fundamental principle of the behavioristic school of thought?
a) Learning is an innate ability
b) Environmental cues guide behavior
c) Behavior is solely determined by genetics
d) Learning occurs only through punishment
e) Cognitive factors play no role in learning
Answer: b) Environmental cues guide behavior
2. What was the key finding in Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment?
a) Learning occurs through reinforcement
b) A neutral stimulus can become a conditioned stimulus
c) Behavior is influenced by punishment
d) Learning is based on cognitive reasoning
e) Reward plays no role in behavior formation
Answer: b) A neutral stimulus can become a conditioned stimulus
3. According to Skinner, operant conditioning is based on:
a) Inherited behaviors
b) Consequences of actions
c) Cognitive decision-making
d) Emotional intelligence
e) Unconscious motivation
Answer: b) Consequences of actions
4. How does operant conditioning differ from classical conditioning?
a) Operant conditioning is response-stimulus based, while classical is stimulus-response
based
b) Classical conditioning focuses on rewards, while operant does not
c) Operant conditioning only applies to humans
d) Classical conditioning involves punishment rather than rewards
e) There is no difference between the two
Answer: a) Operant conditioning is response-stimulus based, while classical is stimulus-
response based
5. What is a primary advantage of simulation-based learning?
a) It is cost-effective
b) It is limited to physical training
c) It is an outdated method
d) It provides unlimited opportunities to fail and learn
e) It removes all risks from training
Answer: d) It provides unlimited opportunities to fail and learn
6. What is the main characteristic of action learning?
a) Focus on theoretical knowledge
b) Learning through real-world problem-solving
c) Emphasis on punishment for mistakes
d) Rigidly structured curriculum
e) No involvement of group discussions
Answer: b) Learning through real-world problem-solving
7. What is the primary purpose of Kirkpatrick’s model of learning evaluation?
a) To assess the impact of learning on behavior
b) To measure intelligence levels
c) To analyze textbook comprehension
d) To compare different educational systems
e) To focus only on organizational training
Answer: a) To assess the impact of learning on behavior
8. What is the main goal of organizational learning?
a) To maximize individual success only
b) To ensure employees memorize all procedures
c) To enhance collective knowledge and improve performance
d) To focus only on training new employees
e) To eliminate the need for social interactions
Answer: c) To enhance collective knowledge and improve performance
9. What is a key benefit of feedback in learning?
a) It discourages learning
b) It helps learners refine and improve their approach
c) It replaces the need for active engagement
d) It ensures immediate success in learning
e) It is only useful in academic settings
Answer: b) It helps learners refine and improve their approach
10. What distinguishes social cognitive theory from other learning theories?
a) It focuses solely on environmental factors
b) It disregards behavior modification
c) It views reinforcement as unnecessary
d) It suggests all learning is instinctive
e) It emphasizes learning through observation and self-regulation
Answer: e) It emphasizes learning through observation and self-regulation
 Assignment Solutions

Week 10: Creativity, Psychological Capital and Mindfulness

1. What is a key requirement for creativity in an organization?

a) A large number of ideas regardless of their usability

b) The presence of a strong leader
c) Novelty and usefulness
d) Complete autonomy in decision-making
e) A rigid hierarchical structure

Answer: c) Novelty and usefulness

2. What is the first stage of the creative process according to Graham Wallace?

a) Incubation
b) Verification
c) Illumination

d) Preparation

e) Implementation

Answer: d) Preparation

3. What does the concept of "functional fixedness" refer to?

a) The inability to think of an object beyond its typical use

b) The tendency to generate multiple solutions for a problem

c) The ability to use objects and concepts in novel ways
d) The use of external motivation for creativity
e) The reliance on team-based ideation over individual brainstorming

Answer: a) The inability to think of an object beyond its typical use

4. What is a key element of psychological capital?

a) Intelligence
b) Motivation
c) Hope
d) Creativity
e) Discipline

Answer: c) Hope

5. Which of the following best defines psychological capital?

a) The sum of an individual’s financial and social resources

b) A person’s ability to control external stressors

c) A measurement of an employee’s IQ and emotional intelligence

d) A set of skills that employees must develop through formal training
e) The positive psychological state that helps employees improve performance

Answer: e) The positive psychological state that helps employees improve performance

6. What is a key characteristic of an optimistic employee?

a) They avoid taking risks in the workplace

b) They focus on potential negative outcomes to prepare better
c) They expect positive outcomes and persist through challenges
d) They are unaffected by failures or obstacles
e) They rely solely on others for motivation

Answer: c) They expect positive outcomes and persist through challenges

7. Which leadership style is most effective in fostering Psychological Capital in

employees?

a) Transformational leadership

b) Autocratic leadership
c) Transactional leadership
d) Laissez-faire leadership
e) Directive leadership

Answer: a) Transformational leadership

8. Mindfulness at work primarily involves:

a) Ignoring distractions by focusing only on deadlines

b) Engaging fully in the present moment with awareness and non-judgment
c) Planning excessively to control future uncertainties
d) Multitasking to maximize efficiency
e) Suppressing emotions to maintain professionalism

Answer: b) Engaging fully in the present moment with awareness and non-judgment

9. Which of the following is a mindfulness practice commonly used in the workplace?

a) Passive listening
b) Guided meditation
c) Overthinking past mistakes
d) Suppressing negative emotions
e) Engaging in repetitive multitasking

Answer: b) Guided meditation

10. What is a major obstacle to practicing mindfulness in the workplace?

a) High levels of emotional intelligence

b) The ability to focus deeply on the present moment
c) A culture of multitasking and constant distractions
d) Encouragement from leadership to prioritize well-being
e) A work environment that supports open communication

Answer: c) A culture of multitasking and constant distractions

 Module: 11

Assignment Solutions

1. What does the concept of "knowledge hoarding" refer to?

a) Intentionally withholding knowledge for personal advantage

b) Encouraging widespread knowledge sharing

c) Training employees to improve knowledge transfer

d) Assigning knowledge management roles to employees

e) Documenting organizational knowledge in shared databases

Answer: a) Intentionally withholding knowledge for personal advantage

2. What is one major reason employees engage in knowledge hiding?

a) Organizational encouragement

b) Desire to mentor new employees

c) Fear of losing competitive advantage

d) Lack of managerial support

e) Preference for teamwork

Answer: c) Fear of losing competitive advantage

3. Which of the following is NOT a common strategy for knowledge hiding?

a) Evasive hiding

b) Playing dumb

c) Rationalized hiding

d) Encouraging collaboration

e) Counter-questioning

Answer: d) Encouraging collaboration

4. Which personality trait is most negatively correlated with knowledge hiding?

a) Neuroticism

b) Conscientiousness

c) Openness

d) Extraversion

e) Agreeableness

Answers: c) Openness

5. What is a key factor in determining an organization's knowledge management success?

a) A strict hierarchical structure

b) The presence of psychological safety

c) Limiting access to knowledge

d) Encouraging competition over collaboration

e) Reducing knowledge-sharing incentives

Answer: b) The presence of psychological safety

6. Which of the following is an example of tacit knowledge?

a) A company’s financial report

b) A machine operation manual

c) An employee’s personal problem-solving ability

d) A software user guide

e) A product brochure

Answer: c) An employee’s personal problem-solving ability

7. In the SECI model of knowledge creation, what does the "S" stand for?

a) Socialization

b) Standardization

c) Simplification
d) Synchronization

e) Structure

Answer: a) Socialization

8. Which type of power is derived from an individual’s expertise or skills?

a) Coercive power

b) Referent power

c) Expert power

d) Legitimate power

e) Reward power

Answer: c) Expert power

9. What is a potential negative consequence of excessive knowledge sharing?

a) Increased workplace conflicts

b) Knowledge overload for employees

c) Reduced organizational efficiency

d) Decreased employee motivation

e) Increased job dissatisfaction

Answer: b) Knowledge overload for employees

10. Which of the following is NOT a knowledge management strategy?

a) Codification strategy

b) Personalization strategy

c) Incentive-based strategy

d) Socialization strategy

e) Secrecy strategy

Answer: e) Secrecy strategy

 Employee Voice & Silence - Quiz Results

1. What does ‘Employee Voice’ refer to in an organizational setting?

a) The tone in which employees communicate

b) Employees openly expressing their opinions and concerns

c) Employees following orders without questioning

d) Using a specific communication tool at work

e) Silence in team meetings

Correct Answer: b) Employees openly expressing their opinions and concerns

2. Which of the following best describes ‘Employee Silence’?

a) Employees refusing to communicate due to laziness

b) Employees actively choosing to withhold opinions, concerns, or feedback

c) Employees being unable to speak due to physical constraints

d) Employees gossiping instead of speaking up

e) Employees always agreeing with management

Correct Answer: b) Employees actively choosing to withhold opinions, concerns, or

feedback

3. Which type of silence occurs when employees fear negative consequences for

speaking up?

a) Prosocial silence

b) Motivational silence

c) Acquiescent silence

d) Strategic silence

e) Defensive silence

Correct Answer: e) Defensive silence

4. What is the primary reason employees engage in ‘Acquiescent Silence’?

 a) They believe their voice will not make a difference

b) They enjoy being quiet

c) They do not have any opinions

d) They are too busy with work

e) They lack the ability to speak

Correct Answer: a) They believe their voice will not make a difference

5. Which leadership style is most likely to encourage Employee Voice?

a) Autocratic leadership

b) Transformational leadership

c) Laissez-faire leadership

d) Transactional leadership

e) Bureaucratic leadership

Correct Answer: b) Transformational leadership

6. What is ‘Pro-social Silence’?

a) Remaining silent to protect the organization or team

b) Being silent because of fear

c) Ignoring workplace issues to avoid responsibility

d) Withholding ideas due to lack of confidence

e) Staying silent because of lack of knowledge

Correct Answer: a) Remaining silent to protect the organization or team

7. What is ‘Moral Muteness’ in organizations?

a) Teams discussing ethics openly

b) Managers enforcing ethical guidelines

c) Employees avoiding discussions on ethical issues

d) Employees refusing to follow unethical orders

e) Employees always speaking about ethical concerns

Correct Answer: c) Employees avoiding discussions on ethical issues

8. What is ‘Whistleblowing’ in the context of Employee Voice?

a) Gossiping about colleagues

b) Complaining about minor workplace issues

c) Ignoring unethical practices in the workplace

d) Reporting workplace misconduct or unethical behavior

e) None of the above

Correct Answer: d) Reporting workplace misconduct or unethical behavior

9. Which factor contributes most to Employee Silence?

a) Strong teamwork

b) Fear of retaliation or punishment

c) Open leadership styles

d) Transparent communication

e) Innovation-driven culture

Correct Answer: b) Fear of retaliation or punishment

10. Which of the following is a key enabler of Employee Voice?

a) Open and inclusive workplace culture

b) Fear of retaliation

c) Strict hierarchical control

d) Lack of communication channels

e) High levels of job insecurity

Correct Answer: a) Open and inclusive workplace culture