MEM Leadership And Organizational Behavior 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An engineering manager notices that a high-performing team member has become disengaged after being passed over for promotion. Which leadership approach best addresses this situation?
- Issue a formal performance improvement plan
- Have a private coaching conversation to understand concerns and realign development goals (Correct answer)
- Reassign the employee to a different team immediately
- Offer a one-time bonus to restore motivation
Correct answer: Have a private coaching conversation to understand concerns and realign development goals
A private coaching conversation allows the leader to diagnose root causes and co-create a path forward, addressing both emotional and career development needs.
Question 2: In Tuckman's model of group development, which stage is characterized by conflict over roles, goals, and leadership authority?
- Forming
- Norming
- Storming (Correct answer)
- Performing
Correct answer: Storming
The Storming stage involves interpersonal conflicts and power struggles as team members assert their perspectives and negotiate roles.
Question 3: A transformational leader primarily motivates followers by:
- Offering contingent rewards tied to specific performance metrics
- Appealing to higher ideals and inspiring a shared vision (Correct answer)
- Closely monitoring task completion and correcting deviations
- Delegating all decisions to subordinates without guidance
Correct answer: Appealing to higher ideals and inspiring a shared vision
Transformational leadership elevates followers' motivations by connecting work to a compelling vision and appealing to intrinsic values.
Question 4: Which organizational structure gives engineers dual reporting lines — one to a functional manager and one to a project manager?
- Flat organization
- Matrix organization (Correct answer)
- Divisional organization
- Hierarchical organization
Correct answer: Matrix organization
A matrix structure creates dual authority so that functional expertise and project accountability coexist, which is common in engineering-intensive firms.
Question 5: According to Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, which of the following is a hygiene factor rather than a motivator?
- Recognition for achievement
- Opportunities for advancement
- Company policy and administration (Correct answer)
- The work itself
Correct answer: Company policy and administration
Hygiene factors like company policy prevent dissatisfaction but do not actively motivate employees when present.
Question 6: An engineering team is resistant to adopting a new project management tool mandated by corporate. The most effective change management approach is to:
- Mandate use immediately and discipline non-compliers
- Explain the 'why,' involve team members in rollout planning, and provide training (Correct answer)
- Delay implementation until resistance subsides
- Let each engineer choose their own tool instead
Correct answer: Explain the 'why,' involve team members in rollout planning, and provide training
Communicating rationale, involving stakeholders, and building capability reduces resistance and increases buy-in for organizational change.
Question 7: In the context of organizational behavior, psychological safety is best defined as:
- The absence of workplace hazards and physical risks
- A team climate where members feel safe to speak up, take risks, and admit mistakes without fear of punishment (Correct answer)
- Confidentiality of employee performance data
- Compliance with OSHA safety regulations
Correct answer: A team climate where members feel safe to speak up, take risks, and admit mistakes without fear of punishment
Amy Edmondson's research defines psychological safety as the shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.
MEM Leadership And Organizational Behavior 2
An engineering manager notices that a high-performing team member has become disengaged after being passed over for promotion.
Which leadership approach best addresses this situation?