CCT Organizational Development and Change Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Action research in organizational development involves:
- Observing employees without their knowledge
- Cyclically diagnosing a problem, taking action, evaluating results, and refining the approach collaboratively (Correct answer)
- Researching competitors' organizational structures
- Conducting laboratory experiments on work behavior
Correct answer: Cyclically diagnosing a problem, taking action, evaluating results, and refining the approach collaboratively
Action research is a participatory, iterative OD methodology that engages stakeholders in data collection, reflection, and improvement cycles.
Question 2: A 'learning organization,' as defined by Peter Senge, is characterized by:
- Offering more formal training courses than competitors
- Continuously transforming itself by facilitating the learning of its members and adapting accordingly (Correct answer)
- Hiring only candidates with advanced academic degrees
- Mandating annual training completion for all employees
Correct answer: Continuously transforming itself by facilitating the learning of its members and adapting accordingly
Senge's learning organization uses systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, and team learning to evolve continuously.
Question 3: Which organizational development intervention is used to improve inter-group conflict and collaboration between departments?
- Team building workshop within a single department
- Intergroup development or third-party intervention facilitated by a neutral OD consultant (Correct answer)
- Individual performance coaching for one manager
- Updating the company's intranet policies
Correct answer: Intergroup development or third-party intervention facilitated by a neutral OD consultant
Intergroup development interventions use facilitated dialogue and joint problem-solving to resolve cross-departmental conflicts and build collaboration.
Question 4: Succession planning in an OD context is designed to:
- Identify employees for immediate termination
- Ensure a pipeline of qualified candidates is ready to fill critical leadership roles when they become vacant (Correct answer)
- Schedule employee vacation coverage during peak periods
- Create promotional marketing for the HR department
Correct answer: Ensure a pipeline of qualified candidates is ready to fill critical leadership roles when they become vacant
Succession planning develops internal talent to assume key roles, reducing organizational risk when leaders leave or advance.
Question 5: The term 'psychological safety,' as studied by Amy Edmondson, refers to a team climate in which:
- All physical hazards in the workplace have been eliminated
- Team members feel safe to take interpersonal risks — speak up, share ideas, admit mistakes — without fear of punishment (Correct answer)
- Employees are protected from difficult feedback conversations
- Teams are isolated from external organizational stress
Correct answer: Team members feel safe to take interpersonal risks — speak up, share ideas, admit mistakes — without fear of punishment
Psychological safety enables the candid communication, experimentation, and learning from failure that high-performing teams require.
Question 6: A force field analysis in change management is used to:
- Measure the physical forces acting on machinery in a manufacturing plant
- Identify and weigh the driving forces supporting change against the restraining forces resisting it (Correct answer)
- Analyze the financial return on training investments
- Evaluate trainer performance after a workshop
Correct answer: Identify and weigh the driving forces supporting change against the restraining forces resisting it
Force field analysis visually maps the forces for and against a proposed change, helping practitioners strengthen drivers and reduce barriers.
CCT Organizational Development and Change Management 2
Action research in organizational development involves: