CELC Organizational Systems and Culture 2

Question 1

A newly merged organization struggles with conflicting cultural norms. Which systems-thinking approach best helps an executive coach navigate this?

Accepted Answer

Map interdependencies between both cultures to find integration leverage points

Answer

Focus on eliminating the weaker culture immediately

Answer

Instruct leadership to mandate one culture company-wide

Answer

Delay cultural integration until financial synergies are achieved

Question 2

An executive notices that high performers consistently leave within 18 months. Using organizational systems theory, what is the most likely root cause to investigate?

Accepted Answer

A reinforcing feedback loop that inadvertently punishes top talent

Answer

Individual performance expectations are too low

Answer

Competitors are offering slightly higher salaries

Answer

The onboarding process lacks sufficient documentation

Question 3

Which cultural archetype, as described by Deal and Kennedy, is characterized by high risk and slow feedback, often found in large corporations?

Accepted Answer

Bet-Your-Company culture

Answer

Tough-Guy Macho culture

Answer

Work Hard/Play Hard culture

Answer

Process culture

Question 4

A coach is working with a leadership team where espoused values and enacted values are misaligned. What is the most effective first intervention?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate a session surfacing the gap between stated and observed behaviors

Answer

Rewrite the company's mission statement

Answer

Replace leaders who do not model the espoused values

Answer

Commission an employee satisfaction survey

Question 5

In Schein's organizational culture model, which layer is most difficult to change and most resistant to coaching interventions?

Accepted Answer

Basic underlying assumptions

Answer

Artifacts

Answer

Espoused values

Answer

Behavioral norms

Question 6

An executive coach is helping an organization shift from a hierarchical to a collaborative decision-making structure. Which systemic barrier is most likely to emerge first?

Accepted Answer

Middle managers experiencing loss of control and identity

Answer

Lack of sufficient meeting rooms

Answer

Junior employees refusing new responsibilities

Answer

Technology infrastructure limitations

Question 7

What does 'organizational homeostasis' mean in the context of culture change coaching?

Accepted Answer

The system's drive to maintain equilibrium by resisting change

Answer

The alignment between strategy and culture

Answer

The process of benchmarking cultural health annually

Answer

The tendency of leaders to promote cultural clones