CPLP Organizational Development and Change Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'organizational culture' in the context of OD?
- The formal hierarchy depicted on an org chart
- The shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape behavior in an organization (Correct answer)
- The documented policies and standard operating procedures
- The physical layout and design of the workplace
Correct answer: The shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape behavior in an organization
Organizational culture refers to the underlying shared values, beliefs, assumptions, and norms that guide how members of an organization behave.
Question 2: When using force field analysis during a change initiative, what does a practitioner examine?
- The financial cost versus benefit of the change
- The driving forces promoting change and restraining forces opposing it (Correct answer)
- The technical skills required for the new system
- The timeline and milestones of the project plan
Correct answer: The driving forces promoting change and restraining forces opposing it
Force field analysis, developed by Lewin, maps driving forces that support a change against restraining forces that oppose it to identify leverage points.
Question 3: Which organizational development approach focuses on identifying and building upon an organization's strengths and positive experiences rather than fixing problems?
- Gap analysis
- Appreciative Inquiry (Correct answer)
- Root cause analysis
- Benchmarking
Correct answer: Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a strengths-based OD approach that leverages what is working well to envision and build a positive future.
Question 4: A learning and performance professional is supporting a large-scale ERP implementation. Which change management activity is MOST critical during the 'sustaining the change' phase?
- Conducting a needs assessment
- Communicating the vision for change
- Providing ongoing coaching and reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Identifying key stakeholders
Correct answer: Providing ongoing coaching and reinforcement
During the sustaining phase, ongoing coaching and reinforcement are critical to prevent regression and embed new behaviors permanently.
Question 5: Which stakeholder analysis technique maps individuals based on their level of influence and their level of support or opposition to a change?
- RACI matrix
- Power/interest grid (Correct answer)
- SWOT analysis
- Balanced scorecard
Correct answer: Power/interest grid
A power/interest grid (stakeholder map) plots stakeholders by their power/influence and their interest/stance toward the change to prioritize engagement strategies.
Question 6: In Prosci's ADKAR model, which element must be achieved BEFORE an employee can successfully develop the Ability to change?
- Reinforcement
- Awareness
- Desire
- Knowledge (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Knowledge
ADKAR is sequential; Knowledge (understanding how to change) must precede Ability (practicing the new skills or behaviors).
Question 7: Which term describes the degree to which individuals within an organization are willing to accept uncertainty, ambiguity, and risk during a change initiative?
- Change velocity
- Change readiness (Correct answer)
- Organizational resilience
- Risk tolerance
Correct answer: Change readiness
Change readiness reflects an organization's and individuals' preparedness and willingness to accept and engage with upcoming changes.
CPLP Organizational Development and Change Management 2
Which of the following best describes 'organizational culture' in the context of OD?