COOP Organizational Dynamics & Behavior 3

Question 1

An employee describes a manager who claims credit for team successes but blames others for failures. This behavior pattern is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Self-serving attribution bias

Answer

Self-serving attribution bias leads individuals to attribute successes internally and failures externally to protect their self-image.

Question 2

Which organizational model describes layers of management with clear lines of authority and standardized rules?

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic hierarchy

Answer

Bureaucratic hierarchies feature vertical authority chains, formalized rules, and specialized roles as described by Max Weber.

Question 3

An ombuds is approached by someone who feels they were passed over for promotion due to their gender. Understanding this requires knowledge of:

Accepted Answer

Equity theory and structural bias

Answer

Equity theory addresses perceived fairness in outcomes, and structural bias explains how systemic factors can disadvantage protected groups.

Question 4

Which phenomenon occurs when a highly cohesive group prioritizes consensus over critical evaluation of alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Groupthink, identified by Irving Janis, occurs when cohesive groups suppress dissent to maintain harmony, leading to poor decisions.

Question 5

A visitor complains that their performance goals change frequently without explanation. This relates to which organizational issue?

Accepted Answer

Role ambiguity due to shifting priorities

Answer

Frequently changing goals without clear rationale create role ambiguity, making it impossible for employees to prioritize effectively.

(COOP) Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner Practice Test