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Test Bank for Fundamentals of Management , 10th Edition

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    1 Fundamentals of Management, 10e (Robbins) Chapter 1 Managers and Management 1) Which of the following is a common myth about the study of management? A) Management is just common sense. B) Managers need to be well disciplined in all of the business areas. C) Managers are found in all types of organizations, large and small. D) Many of today's managers are minorities. Answer: A Explanation: Students might be surprised to know that the academic study of management is filled with insights, based on extensive research, which often run counter to what seems to be common sense. That's why we decided to tackle head-on this common-sense perception by opening each chapter with a particular "management myth" and then "debunking" this myth by explaining how it is just a common-sense myth. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 2) An organization is ________. A) the physical location where people work B) any collection of people who perform similar tasks C) a deliberate arrangement of people to accomplish some specific purpose D) a group of individuals focused on profit-making for their shareholders Answer: C Explanation: By definition, an organization is a deliberate arrangement of people who have a common purpose or goal. An organization may or may not exist in a discrete physical location. For example, many of today's political advocacy organizations exist largely as online entities without a primary physical location. Though some people in an organization may perform similar tasks, many do not. For example, doctors and administrators may both work for the same hospital organization but perform very different tasks. Finally, focus on profit does not determine an organization. Many organizations, such as a bird-watching club, do not include profit as a goal. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    2 3) All organizations have ________ that define(s) the organization's purpose and reason for existing. A) limits B) rules C) structure D) goals Answer: D Explanation: An organization's goals define its purpose and reason for existing. For example, the goals of a bank might be to make money, while the goals of a church choir might to be to create beautiful music. Rules can help an organization achieve its goals, but rules do not explicitly define those goals. Organizational structure defines and limits how people within an organization interact, but structure on its own is not something that serves to define an organization's purpose. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 4) One of the common characteristics of all organizations is ________ that define(s) rules, regulations, and values of the organization. A) a set of written bylaws B) an explicit goal C) a systematic structure D) a stated purpose Answer: C Explanation: An organization's structure identifies organizational values that include behavioral standards, customs, ethical mores, and conventions that delineate relationships between organization members. The structure of an organization need not be formally written as bylaws. The goals and purpose of an organization can influence its values, but neither of these items can be said to define an organization's values. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 5) A fraternity is an example of an organization because it is comprised of people who ________. A) share the same values, traditions, and customs B) share the same goals and values C) share goals and function within a common structure D) function under the same set of rules and regulations Answer: C Explanation: Members of an organization must not only share the same goals, they must all work within a common structure to attain those goals. To grasp this distinction, compare two baseball players on different teams: both may share the same goal of winning the World Series, but they belong to different organizations. Similarly, simply sharing values or rules is not sufficient to identify or differentiate an organization. To make up an organization, people need to belong to a shared structure or institution and have common goals. Diff: 2 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    3 6) Which of the following is a key difference between managerial and nonmanagerial employees? A) Managerial employees receive higher pay compensation. B) Nonmanagerial employees have less formal education. C) Nonmanagerial employees do not oversee the work of others. D) Managerial employees work longer hours. Answer: C Explanation: The distinction between managerial and nonmanagerial employees resides solely in overseeing work. Managers have the responsibility of supervising and directing work of others. Nonmanagerial employees do not have this responsibility. Managers may or may not receive better compensation, have more education, or work longer hours than nonmanagers–so none of these criteria can serve to distinguish between the two. Diff: 1 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 7) The primary job of a manager is to ________. A) make decisions that help an organization grow B) tackle tasks that are too difficult for nonmanagerial employees C) coordinate between organization leaders and ordinary employees D) direct and oversee the work of others Answer: D Explanation: Though managers may make important decisions, tackle difficult tasks, or coordinate between leaders and lower-level employees, a manager's primary job is to supervise the work of others. The supervisory role is what distinguishes managers from nonmanagers. Diff: 1 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 8) The work of a manager ________. A) is strictly limited to overseeing and monitoring the work of others B) may involve performing tasks that are not related to overseeing others C) involves only high-level tasks that require a sophisticated skill set D) does not involve interaction with nonmanagerial employees Answer: B Explanation: The primary job of a manager is to oversee work of others. However, this does not preclude a manager from performing tasks on his or her own that do not involve supervision of others. An example of a manager not being limited to supervising would be an art director at a book company who supervises work of others but also creates artworks on her own. Tasks performed by managers are not necessarily high level and may involve interaction with nonmanagerial workers, so neither of these choices is correct. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    4 9) Supervisor is another name for which of the following? A) team leader B) middle manager C) first-line manager D) top manager Answer: C Explanation: An organization's management hierarchy typically follows this progression: first- line manager, middle manager or team leader, and top manager. This sequence usually reflects the degree to which managers are involved in planning and making higher-order decisions. The lowest position in the sequence, the first-line manager, is generally more involved in supervising others than making higher-order decisions, so this individual is often termed a supervisor . Managers higher in the chain of command do less supervising than first-line managers so they are less likely to be called a supervisor . Diff: 1 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 10) Which of the following types of managers is responsible for making organization-wide decisions and establishing the plans and goals that affect the entire organization? A) team leader B) top manager C) department head D) project leader Answer: B Explanation: In a typical management hierarchy, the individuals responsible for making higher- order decisions that involve planning, goals, policy, and philosophy are the top managers. Team leaders are generally first-line managers at the bottom of the hierarchy who are least involved with higher-order goals. Department heads and project leaders are titles for middle managers who are more involved with the implementation rather than the making of goals and policy. Diff: 1 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 11) Which is an important job responsibility for a middle manager? A) defining the organization's long-term goals B) translating goals defined by top managers into action C) helping top managers define goals D) performing tasks that are not related to long-term goals Answer: B Explanation: In an organization, top management typically defines long-term goals, then enlists middle managers to find ways to achieve those goals. Thus, middle managers are not involved in identifying long-term goals in any way. The job of a middle manager is very involved with long- term goals, it just doesn't involve defining those goals. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    5 12) Which of the following identifies a manager who does NOT typically supervise other managers? A) unit chief B) shift manager C) vice president D) division manager Answer: B Explanation: All but first-line managers are responsible at least in part for overseeing the work of other managers. The shift manager is the only first-line manager in this group. A unit chief and division manager are both titles for middle managers who oversee other managers. A vice president is a top management position that is usually heavily involved with the management of other managers. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 13) Of the following, which is the lowest level of management? A) a nonmanagerial employee B) an individual involved in defining the organization's philosophy C) a vice president D) a middle manager Answer: D Explanation: The middle manager represents the lowest managerial position among the choices given here, but it is not the lowest position in the managerial hierarchy. Individuals who rank above a middle manager include a vice president and an individual who defines organizational philosophy, both of whom would qualify as top managers. Finally, a nonmanagerial employee is lowest in the hierarchy among these choices, but this individual is not a part of management. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 14) All levels of management between the supervisory level and the top level of the organization are termed ________. A) middle managers B) first-line managers C) supervisors D) team leaders Answer: A Explanation: Middle management is defined as those individuals who are between top management and the team leaders, supervisors, and other first-line managers who make up the supervisory level of management. Any manager who is (1) not a part of top management and (2) not primarily a supervisor of nonmanagerial employees is classified as a middle manager. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    6 15) Which of the following levels of management is associated with positions such as executive vice president, chief operating officer, chief executive officer, and chairperson of the board? A) team leaders B) middle managers C) first-line managers D) top managers Answer: D Explanation: All of the titles listed above–executive vice president, chief operating officer, chief executive officer, and chairperson of the board–are executive positions that are typically part of an organization's top management. Team leaders are types of first-line managers and are not part of top management. Any positions that include executive as part of the title would eliminate middle managers as a choice. Diff: 1 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. The Perfect Manager (Scenario) Brenda Kraft has proven herself to be an able manager. Her section has a high project completion rate with the highest-quality product and the lowest defects in her division. In addition, she accomplishes this with fewer full-time people than other managers. Co-workers say that the secret of her success is in her ability to determine what needs to be done and by whom, and her understanding of the basic "management processes." 16) Brenda's high project completion rate indicates that she is ________. A) an efficient manager B) an effective manager C) a good spokesperson D) a good resource allocator Answer: B Explanation: Completing a high number of projects is accomplishing a goal. Goal- accomplishment is a measure of the effectiveness of a manager. "An efficient manager" is incorrect because completing projects says nothing about how efficient Brenda is. In a similar way, "a good spokesperson" and "a good resource allocator" are not correct as there is no indication in the paragraph of Brenda's skill as an information provider (spokesperson) or decision-maker (resource allocator). Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    7 17) If Brenda accomplished her projects on time with high-quality results, but she took more time than other managers in the process, you could say that as a manager she was ________. A) efficient, but not effective B) a leader, but not a top manager C) project oriented, but not effective D) effective, but not efficient Answer: D Explanation: Accomplishing goals makes Brenda effective. Taking too much time makes Brenda inefficient. These two qualities–high quality results coupled with longer than normal delivery times–say nothing about Brenda's ability to be a leader. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 18) Part of what defines an organization is its purpose. Answer: TRUE Explanation: The goals or purpose of an organization define the organization's reason for existing. Without a common purpose, a group of individuals does not qualify as an organization. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 19) All organizations have a structure that in some ways serves to define and limit the behavior of members of the organization. Answer: TRUE Explanation: The structure of an organization, whether formal or informal, defines how organization members interact. For example, a school's informal guidelines might determine how teachers fraternize. A school's formal guidelines might set up rules for interaction between students and teachers. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 20) In order to be considered a manager, an individual must direct or oversee the work of others. Answer: TRUE Explanation: Directing and overseeing work distinguishes managers from nonmanagerial employees. Managers direct and oversee work of others. Nonmanagerial employees have no supervisory responsibilities. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 21) A manager does not work directly on tasks for the organization. Answer: FALSE Explanation: Managers may work on tasks in addition to their supervisory duties. For example, a manager of a shop that designs clothing may also create designs on his or her own. Diff: 2 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work.

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    8 22) Supervisors and team leaders may both be considered first-line managers. Answer: TRUE Explanation: First-line managers are managers who oversee workers directly and are involved in day-to-day operations. For example, a team manager in an auto assembly plant might oversee and help solve everyday problems that arise on the assembly line. Higher-level managers typically would not spend time helping to solve assembly line problems directly. Diff: 1 LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 23) In a short essay, compare the tasks, priorities, and responsibilities of first-line, middle, and top managers. Answer: First-line managers are the lowest level of management and manage the work of nonmanagerial individuals who are directly involved with the production or creation of the organization's products. First-line managers are often called supervisors but may also be called line managers, office managers, or even foremen. First-line managers spend more time leading than other managers and less time planning. Middle managers include all levels of management between the first-line level and the top level of the organization. These managers manage the work of first-line managers and may have titles such as department head, project leader, plant manager, or division manager. Middle managers spend considerably less time leading than first-line managers and considerably more time organizing. Top managers are responsible for making organization-wide decisions and establishing the plans and goals that affect the entire organization. These individuals typically have titles such as executive vice president, president, managing director, chief operating officer, chief executive officer, or chairman of the board. Top managers spend more time planning and organizing than other managers and less time leading. Diff: 2 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.1: Tell who managers are and where they work. 24) Another term for efficiency is ________. A) doing the right things B) doing things right C) making sure things get done D) doing things at the right time Answer: B Explanation: Efficiency is often termed doing things right because the phrase denotes the manner in which tasks are carried out. The "right" way or efficient way correlates with a minimum of wasted time, money, energy, and resources. "Doing the right things," on the other hand, refers to effectiveness, not efficiency. Making sure that things get done and doing things at the right time are both often part of an efficient undertaking, but neither effort could be said to define efficiency. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    9 25) Which of the following might be an example of increased efficiency in manufacturing? A) cutting the amount of labor required to make the product B) cutting the price of the product C) increasing sales of the product D) increasing advertising for the product Answer: A Explanation: Efficiency must involve reducing the input-to-output ratio in some way. Cutting the amount of labor reduces the amount of input and so marks an increase in efficiency. Cutting the price does not affect the amount of resources and labor that go into the product, nor does it improve the product itself, so it is not an efficiency measure. Increasing sales and advertising similarly do not change the input-output ratio so they do not increase efficiency. Diff: 3 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.2: Define management. 26) Another term for effectiveness is ________. A) doing the right things B) doing things right C) doing things intelligently D) doing things when necessary Answer: A Explanation: Effectiveness is said to be "doing the right things" because effectiveness is concerned with obtaining results and reaching goals. Doing things "in the right way" results in efficiency rather than effectiveness. Note that an enterprise can be effective–i.e., it can attain goals–without being efficient in such areas as keeping costs and resources down. Doing things intelligently is clearly part of an effective effort without being critical to it. The same can be said of doing things when necessary–it is not a critical part of an effective effort. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 27) Effectiveness is synonymous with ________. A) cost minimization B) smart management C) goal attainment D) efficiency Answer: C Explanation: Effectiveness is concerned with ends as opposed to means. Being effective means "getting the job done" (attaining goals), while being efficient is concerned with "how the job got done" and such things as cost minimization. While effective operations usually feature smart management, the two are not necessarily synonymous. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    10 28) Efficiency refers to ________. A) the relationship between inputs and outputs B) the additive relationship between inputs and outputs C) the inverse relationship between inputs and outputs D) decreasing inputs only Answer: A Explanation: Mathematically, efficiency is measured as a ratio of inputs to outputs. For example, in physics the ratio of input energy to output energy defines a machine's efficiency. The same principles apply to management. Efficiency is measured as the ratio of input energy, or other resources such as costs or labor, to the amount of product or output created. The input- output ratio is neither additive nor inverse but rather directly proportional in some way. Finally, though decreasing inputs can increase efficiency, it is not the only way to increase efficiency. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 29) Good management strives for ________. A) low efficiency and high effectiveness B) high efficiency and low effectiveness C) high efficiency and high effectiveness D) moderate efficiency and moderate effectiveness Answer: C Explanation: High efficiency and high effectiveness are both things that managers seek to obtain. High efficiency is associated with minimal waste and a maximum of production. High effectiveness is associated with success in achieving goals. Low or moderate measures of efficiency or effectiveness are clearly inferior to a high amount of each quality. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 30) A candy manufacturer would increase both efficiency and effectiveness by making ________. A) better candy at the same cost B) better candy at a lower cost C) the same candy at a lower cost D) the same candy at the same cost Answer: B Explanation: Increasing efficiency involves making the product at lower cost. Increasing effectiveness means making a better product. So increasing efficiency and effectiveness would entail making a better product at a lower cost. Any other combination of the two variables–not improving the cost or the quality of the candy–would not be an improvement in both efficiency and effectiveness. Diff: 3 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    11 31) A candy manufacturer that made candy at a lower cost without improving the quality of the candy could be said to ________. A) increase effectiveness without increasing efficiency B) increase efficiency without increasing effectiveness C) increase both effectiveness and efficiency D) decrease both effectiveness and efficiency Answer: B Explanation: Lowering cost is a measure of increased efficiency. Making better candy is a measure of increased effectiveness. So lowering cost for unimproved candy shows an increase in efficiency but not effectiveness. Diff: 3 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.2: Define management. 32) The "father" of scientific management was ________. A) Henri Fayol B) Robert L. Katz C) Henry Mintzberg D) Frederick Winslow Taylor Answer: D Explanation: Fayol worked about the same time period as Taylor and was also fairly "scientific" in his approach. However, Taylor was the person who stressed being "scientific" and coined the term scientific management in his 1911 book. Mintzberg and Katz also contributed to ideas about scientific management, but both of these thinkers came later. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 33) Taylor began to develop his theory of ________ after a result of viewing workers in steel companies. A) the functions of management B) ethics-based management C) management skills D) scientific management Answer: D Explanation: Taylor's scientific management theory posited that efficiency in organizations could be improved by studying organizations objectively and systematically. The functions of management were developed by Fayol. Management skills were identified by Katz. Ethics-based management is not a known theory of management. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    12 34) A major contribution that Taylor made to the study of management was ________. A) to measure efficiency on a 4-star scale B) to identify the one best way to get a job done C) to identify the three best ways to get a job done D) to measure inefficiency on a 4-star scale Answer: B Explanation: Taylor measured efficiency and inefficiency, but he did not rank them on a star scale. What Taylor did do was collect data to identify the "one best way" to do a job; that is, the most efficient and effective way to complete a task. Taylor focused on only a single best way. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 35) Which of the following did Taylor NOT find "appalling" in his study of workers in steel companies? A) Workers "took it easy" on the job. B) Workers employed different techniques for the same job. C) Workers would only attempt to perform a job if they were shown to have aptitude for it. D) Worker output was only about one-third of what was possible. Answer: C Explanation: Taylor indeed discovered that workers did not work hard on the job, did not have standardized methods and techniques for completing a task, and only accomplished a fraction of their theoretical work potential. All of the above dismayed Taylor greatly, convincing him that the situation could be greatly improved with the application of standardized work rules and task methodology. The one thing in the list that Taylor did not discover was workers who refused to work at jobs they did not have aptitude for. In fact, he found that the reverse situation existed– workers performed jobs that they had no aptitude for–this constituted yet another practice that was appalling to Taylor. Diff: 3 LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    13 The Perfect Manager (Scenario) Brenda Kraft has proven herself to be an able manager. Her section has a high project completion rate with the highest-quality product and the lowest defects in her division. In addition, she accomplishes this with fewer full-time people than other managers. Co-workers say that the secret of her success is in her ability to determine what needs to be done and by whom, and her understanding of the basic "management processes." 36) Brenda's ability to determine what needs to be done and by whom is evidence that she excels at which management function? A) planning B) controlling C) leading D) organizing Answer: D Explanation: Good organizers excel at determining the right job for the right person. Planning may include a minor element of delegating, as a planner must map out future tasks. Leading includes an element of directing, which also involves delegating. However, neither planning nor leading is as directly involved in delegating as organizing is. Finally, controlling, largely a monitoring activity, has little to do with delegating. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.2: Define management. Joe, the Manager (Scenario) As a production supervisor, Joe determines the number of output units his department will produce each week. On Monday, he informs his team that the schedule is going to be difficult this week due to the increased number of output units. He goes on to tell them that he is confident that they can fulfill the schedule because they are tough, talented, and "when the going gets tough, they are the ones who get going." Each day during the week, Joe checks the amount of output that the employees have completed and the number of units that have been rejected. 37) When Joe decides the number of output units his team will be able to produce this week, which management process is he performing? A) controlling B) leading C) planning D) organizing Answer: C Explanation: Planning involves foreseeing the future and making accommodations to deal with what is likely to occur. Joe is performing both of these functions, so he is planning. None of the other choices involve specifically preparing for future occurrences, so planning is the only category that fits here. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    14 38) Effectiveness refers to the relationship between inputs and outputs. Answer: FALSE Explanation: Efficiency is concerned with maximizing the output-to-input ratio. Effectiveness, on the other hand, refers not to how well resources are used but to which resources to use, and whether or not those resources help the organization attain its goals. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 39) A goal of efficiency is to minimize output costs while maximizing input costs. Answer: FALSE Explanation: The goal of efficiency is the opposite–to maximize outputs while minimizing inputs. An efficient operation uses the fewest resources to generate the greatest amount of product. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 40) Effectiveness refers to the attainment of the organization's goals. Answer: TRUE Explanation: Effectiveness is concerned with "doing the right things"–choosing the tasks that will help the organization achieve its goals. Efficiency, on the other hand, refers to "doing things right," that is, once tasks are chosen they are done with a minimum of waste. Diff: 2 LO: 1.2: Define management. 41) Managers who are effective at meeting organizational goals always act efficiently. Answer: FALSE Explanation: A manager may be effective but not efficient. For example, a manager may excel at achieving goals but waste a lot of money, energy, and resources in achieving them. Diff: 3 LO: 1.2: Define management. 42) The four contemporary management processes are planning, organizing, leading, and commanding. Answer: FALSE Explanation: Leading is a term that replaced commanding and coordinating. So commanding is considered to be part of leading and not distinct from it. Diff: 1 LO: 1.2: Define management.

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    15 43) In a short essay, discuss the difference between efficiency and effectiveness. Answer: Efficiency refers to getting the most output from the least amount of input. Efficiency is often referred to as "doing things–that is, performing a task with a minimum of wasted time, energy, labor, and resources and a maximum of the product being created. A mathematical measure of efficiency is given by the ratio of input to output. The smaller the input-to-output ratio, the greater the efficiency of the process. Effectiveness is often described as "doing the right things"–that is, those work activities that will help the organization reach its goals. Where efficiency is concerned with the means of getting things done, effectiveness is concerned with the ends, or attainment of organizational goals. Diff: 2 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.2: Define management. 44) In a short essay, explain through examples how a process can be (a) efficient but not effective and (b) effective but not efficient. Answer: (a) Efficient but not effective: A craftsman building a wooden table may be highly efficient in the way he uses his time, energy, and wood in producing his product. However, despite this efficiency, the craftsman may still end up with a rickety table, thereby not fulfilling his goal of building a strong, sturdy table and failing to be effective. (b) Effective but not efficient: A craftsman may be inefficient and waste a great deal of time, energy, and wood in building a table. However, the table itself can turn out to be strong, sturdy, and beautiful, thereby fulfilling the goal of the process and qualifying the craftsman as effective. Diff: 2 AACSB: Analytical thinking LO: 1.2: Define management. 45) Today, the basic management functions are considered to be ________. A) planning, coordinating, leading, and monitoring B) planning, organizing, leading, and motivating C) commanding, organizing, leading, and decision making D) planning, organizing, leading, and controlling Answer: D Explanation: The four functions are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The other choices include part of these functions (coordinating is a part of planning; monitoring is a part of controlling; motivating is a part of leading; and decision making is a key part of all managerial functions). Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    16 46) How many management functions were originally proposed by Henri Fayol? A) three: plan, organize, lead B) four: plan, organize, lead, control C) five: plan, organize, command, coordinate, control D) ten: 3 interpersonal, 3 informational, 4 decisional Answer: C Explanation: Fayol originally proposed five management functions: plan, organize, command, coordinate, and control. Two of the five, command and coordinate, were later condensed into a single function, "lead"–so leadership was clearly not one of Fayol's original functions. Later, Henry Mintzberg proposed a different scheme with ten roles. Diff: 1 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 47) Which of the following is NOT considered to be a part of the planning function of a manager? A) defining goals B) motivating C) mapping out strategy D) making decisions Answer: B Explanation: Defining goals and mapping out strategy are both fundamental parts of the planning function. Making decisions is not explicitly identified as being part of the planning function, but it is clearly part of all managerial functions and so must be ruled out as a correct answer here. This leaves motivating which is a part of the leading function rather than the planning function. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 48) The controlling management function is largely a matter of ________. A) resolving conflicts B) determining what needs to be done C) monitoring to see that tasks are accomplished D) enforcing rules for employees Answer: C Explanation: Resolving conflicts falls under the category of leading, while determining what needs to be done is an organizing task. A minor part of controlling may involve enforcing of employee rules, but monitoring represents a much better choice, as the main goal of controlling is to make sure that tasks are being accomplished as planned. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    17 49) Organizing includes ________. A) defining organizational goals B) resolving conflicts C) motivating organizational members D) determining who does what tasks Answer: D Explanation: The key part of the organizing function requires the manager to assign tasks to different organization members. For example, a bicycle racing team's manager will assign roles for each rider to cover during a race. Defining goals is a planning function, while resolving conflicts and motivating are both part of the leadership function. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 50) Resolving a conflict would be considered to fall under which managerial function? A) controlling B) planning C) directing D) leading Answer: D Explanation: Conflict resolution is thought to fall under the leading function. Controlling is defined largely as a monitoring function and does not include resolving conflicts. Resolving conflicts is also not a subfunction of planning. Finally, directing is not one of the four major functions and is actually part of leading itself. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 51) An important part of the controlling function is ________. A) evaluating B) structuring C) coordinating D) punishing Answer: A Explanation: Once tasks are assigned and work is ongoing, a manager must assess the performance of organization members to see if the work is being carried out successfully. Structuring and coordinating are subfunctions of the organizing function. In extreme cases, punishment might be considered a part of controlling, but evaluating is clearly a much more common part of the controlling function. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    18 52) ________ developed a categorization scheme for defining what managers do, consisting of 10 different but highly interrelated roles. A) Henri Fayol B) Robert L. Katz C) Henry Mintzberg D) Henry Ford Answer: C Explanation: Henry Mintzberg's scheme was developed after careful observations of managers in action and includes three interpersonal roles, three informational roles, and four decisional roles for a manager. Fayol developed the five (later changed to four) functions for a manager. Katz focused on managerial skills, not activities, while Henry Ford was, of course, a famed industrialist who did not contribute to management theory. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 53) Giving a speech at an organization banquet would fall into which Mintzberg category? A) informational B) interpersonal C) decisional D) entrepreneurial Answer: B Explanation: Speechmaking sounds like it fits Mintzberg's "spokesperson" category, which is an informational role. However, a banquet speech would be likely to be more inspirational than informational, so it would better fit the interpersonal role of leader and figurehead. The decisional category does not describe the largely social function of making a speech. The entrepreneurial role is a subcategory of the decisional role, so it is incorrect here also. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 54) Mintzberg developed his ten managerial roles by ________. A) sending out questionnaires to thousands of managers B) observing hundreds of managers over several years C) closely monitoring the work activities of five chief executives D) using common sense to analyze the situation Answer: C Explanation: Mintzberg's conclusions were not the result of observing hundreds of managers or sending out thousands of questionnaires. Instead, Mintzberg developed his roles after closely observing five executives in action while they were on the job. Mintzberg undoubtedly used common sense to draw some of his conclusions, but common sense was clearly not the primary means by which he created his categories. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    19 55) According to Mintzberg, which of the following fit into the category of interpersonal roles? A) figurehead, leader, and liaison B) negotiator, liaison, and figurehead C) monitor, leader, and resource allocator D) disturbance handler, liaison, and negotiator Answer: A Explanation: The three roles that make up the interpersonal roles are figurehead, leader and liaison. The roles that make up informational roles are monitor, disseminator, and spokesperson. The roles that make up decisional roles are entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, and negotiator. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 56) A pharmaceutical company manager attending a meeting of academic scientists would be functioning in which role? A) informational B) figurehead C) liaison D) decisional Answer: C Explanation: A liaison functions as a link from one organization to another. In this case, the manager would be linking her for-profit organization to an organization that might provide it with valuable expertise or information. The other choices here are all somewhat valid as the manager would need to procure information, represent her company, and make decisions. However, the liaison role is a much better fit for this situation. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 57) A finance manager who reads the Wall Street Journal on a regular basis would be performing which role? A) leader B) monitor C) disseminator D) liaison Answer: B Explanation: One of the responsibilities of a finance manager would be to keep track or monitor important events taking place in the business world. Reading the Wall Street Journal would be a good way to do this. After reading, the manager might disseminate some of the information he learned, but this would be secondary to the information monitoring function. A leader or liaison may indeed read a newspaper but only in the function of being an information monitor. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    20 58) The emphasis that managers give to various activities is generally based on their ________. A) organizational level B) tenure with the organization C) experience in their field D) skill specialty Answer: A Explanation: Studies show that all managers carry out the four basic functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. However, the proportion of time they spend on these activities usually correlates with organizational level. Top managers, for example, tend to do more planning while first-line managers do more leading and supervising. Organizational tenure, experience, and skill specialty may contribute only in minor ways to how managers spend their time. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 59) The current research on managerial skill points to four general management skills. Which of the following is NOT one of the four skills? A) Political B) Interpersonal C) Conceptual D) Scientific Answer: D Explanation: The current research by Katz and others point out four management skills which include, conceptual skills, interpersonal skills, technical skills and political skills. Diff: 1 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 60) The four managerial functions first described by Fayol are considered the "best" because ________. A) they were devised a long time ago B) most sources still use them C) they date back to ancient Greece and Rome D) they are no longer popular today Answer: B Explanation: Fayol's functions are considered to be the "best" because of their usefulness and popularity. Most texts and authorities on managerial matters use the four functions because they are simple, elegant, and powerful in insight. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    21 61) All of the following are examples of informational roles according to Mintzberg EXCEPT ________. A) entrepreneur B) monitor C) disseminator D) spokesperson Answer: A Explanation: The role of an entrepreneur in an organization is typically to identify and procure new business opportunities. In Mintzberg's scheme, an entrepreneur takes on a decisional role in deciding where to look for opportunities and which ones to invest in. The other three choices here–monitor, disseminator, and spokesperson–are informational in nature. A monitor keeps track of information. Both a disseminator and spokesperson distribute information. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 62) Which of the following is NOT an example of a decisional role according to Mintzberg? A) spokesperson B) entrepreneur C) disturbance handler D) resource allocator Answer: A Explanation: Mintzberg sees entrepreneur, disturbance handler, and resource allocator as decisional roles. The entrepreneur must decide which opportunity to select. A disturbance handler must stand in judgment of individuals in a conflict. A resource allocator must decide how to divide resources. Mintzberg sees a spokesperson having a primary function of communicating what has already been decided. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 63) One managerial function that is identical in both Fayol's and Mintzberg's systems is ________. A) leader B) resource allocator C) monitor D) negotiator Answer: A Explanation: There is a great deal of overlap in the schemes of Fayol and Mintzberg, but only one category is identical in each system–that of leadership. The resource allocator role of Mintzberg corresponds to the organizing category of Fayol. Mintzberg's monitor category is taken by Fayol's controlling category. Finally, Mintzberg's negotiator role falls under Fayol's leading category. Diff: 2 AACSB: Reflective thinking LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    22 64) The managerial role that changes the most between middle and top managers is ________. A) planning B) organizing C) controlling D) leading Answer: A Explanation: According to Exhibit 1-6, as managers move up in the organization, they do more planning and less direct overseeing of others. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 65) Non-profit organizations are different from for-profit organizations primarily ________. A) in the way make decisions B) in the way they measure success C) in the way they motivate employees D) in how they hire employees Answer: B Explanation: The big difference between for-profit and non-profit organizations is the way they "keep score" or measure success. For-profit organizations usually look at the "bottom line"–how much profit they make–as a way to measure success. Non-profits look at more varied metrics: a school may look at how well students test; a soup kitchen may look at how many people they help, and so on. The way organizations make decisions, motivate employees, and hire employees is virtually the same for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 66) The role of ________ is more important for managers of small organizations than for managers working in large corporations. A) disseminator B) spokesperson C) entrepreneur D) resource allocator Answer: B Explanation: A manager of a small organization must wear more than one hat at a time. In a small organization, a manager must frequently take on a role of spokesperson, the embodiment of the organization to the outside world. Less important for the small organization manager is the role of official disseminator of information, as that function is usually carried out in a more personal, informal manner in a small firm than in a large firm. Small firm managers must take on entrepreneurial duties but not to the extent that their spokesperson role takes. Finally, though resource allocator is a major part of a manager's job for a large firm, it plays almost no part in the priorities of a manager of a small firm. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    23 67) In a small organization, which of the following is NOT likely to be true? A) Planning is not likely to be an orchestrated ritual. B) Relationships are more likely to be informal. C) Workers are likely to be observed by computerized monitoring systems. D) The design of the organization is likely to be less structured and complex. Answer: C Explanation: A small firm is typically more flexible, less formal, less structured, and less complex than a large firm. Planning in a small firm is likely to be a freewheeling affair rather than follow a rigid protocol. One thing you would not see in a small firm would be computerized monitoring systems. Instead, you would expect monitoring to be done on a more personal basis, with plenty of opportunity for employees to rectify any mistakes they make. Diff: 2 AACSB: Reflective thinking LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 68) Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a small business? A) has more formal managers than a large business B) has about 200 employees C) is not a "player" with impact within its industry D) has a relatively small market share of its product Answer: A Explanation: A small business as defined has 500 or fewer employees, a small impact on its industry, and a fairly small market share of its product. However, the structure and formality that characterize a manager's job in a large organization tend to give way to informality in small firms. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 69) Why might a manager for a non-profit organization seem as concerned with his or her organization's financial well-being as a for-profit manager? A) Non-profit managers are evaluated on financial performance only. B) Non-profit managers try to give the illusion that they care about the "bottom line." C) Not-for-profit organizations need to make money to continue operating. D) Non-profit organizations have an obligation to turn a profit. Answer: C Explanation: Not-for-profit organizations still need money if they are to operate and though performance is never evaluated solely on finances, budgetary health is often critically important in helping the organization achieve its goals. Being concerned about the "bottom line" is never an illusion to these organizations. Diff: 2 AACSB: Reflective thinking LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    24 70) Which of the following is NOT considered an interpersonal skill for a manager as suggested by Katz? A) communicating B) mentoring C) delegating D) decisiveness Answer: D Explanation: Working well with other people both individually and in groups by communicating, motivating, mentoring, and delegating. Decisiveness is classified as another important managerial competency. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 71) Compared to the manager of a large organization, a small business manager is more likely to be a(n) ________. A) specialist B) figurehead C) generalist D) information monitor Answer: C Explanation: The nature of a small business requires its managers to be generalists and take on multiple roles that would be assumed by separate individuals in larger firms. For example, the manager of a bike shop might need to function as a long-range planner, salesperson, spokesperson, and task supervisor all at the same time. This requirement of versatility would rule out being a specialist. Though a small firm manager may function exclusively as a figurehead and information monitor from time to time, a more accurate description of his or her job would be as a generalist. Diff: 1 AACSB: Reflective thinking LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 72) Unlike the manager of a small business, the most important concerns of a manager in a large organization are focused ________. A) externally, particularly on entrepreneurial tasks B) internally, particularly on the allocation of resources C) on setting goals D) on planning ways to improve organizational structure Answer: B Explanation: Resource allocation is typically the most important concern for a manager in a large organization. For example, goals and structural issues in a large car company are likely to be well worked out, causing the manager to focus on apportioning the organization's ample resources wisely with respect to commitments of time, funds, manpower, and creative energy. Creation of new business opportunities are much less likely to be needed in a large firm than in a small one as the large firm may have entire departments devoted to that task. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    25 73) Which of the following statements regarding management and national culture is the most correct? A) The basic principles of management are universal. B) Research shows that managerial practices across all countries are not consistent. C) There are major differences in the way that most English speaking countries view management. D) The route of the differences between how countries practice management is based on their economic principles solely. Answer: B Explanation: If managerial concepts were completely generic, they would also apply universally in any country in the world, regardless of economic, social, political, or cultural differences. Studies that have compared managerial practices between countries have not generally supported the universality of management concepts. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 74) Which of the following would political skills be most likely to help a manager accomplish? A) increasing communication B) mentoring C) defining goals D) building a power base Answer: D Explanation: Political skills help managers in building a power base and establishing the right connections so they can get needed resources for their groups. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 75) Almost all managerial tasks involve ________. A) decision making B) technical skills C) long-term planning D) superb political skills Answer: A Explanation: Some managerial tasks, such as motivating store employees, require little or no technical skill or long-term planning. Employee motivation employs a modicum of political skill–e.g., to enlist people to your cause–but a high-level political skill is generally not required. What can't be avoided at all levels of management is the necessity of making decisions. The manager trying to motivate employees, for example, must decide on the appropriate "carrots and sticks" to get his or her people to perform successfully. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    26 76) According to Katz, the four critical managerial skills can be classified as ________. A) technical, political, conceptual, and empirical B) interpersonal, political, empirical, and technical C) technical, interpersonal, political, and controlling D) technical, political, interpersonal, and conceptual Answer: D Explanation: Empirical skills are not a part of Katz's scheme. Controlling is a Fayol category for managerial function, not a Katz skill category. Diff: 1 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 77) Understanding building codes would be considered a(n) ________ skill for a building contractor. A) interpersonal B) technical C) conceptual D) political Answer: B Explanation: Building codes have little to do with understanding and relating to people, so interpersonal skills and political skills can be ruled out for this question. Interpreting a building code would require a contractor to analyze a complex situation, so it would entail a measure of conceptual skill. However, the difficulty of dealing with a building code is largely a technical matter of understanding and interpreting the terms and various highly specialized conventions of the code itself. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 78) Under which category would you classify skill in motivating subordinates? A) interpersonal skills B) conceptual skills C) technical skills D) political skills Answer: A Explanation: Conceptual and technical skills are too abstract and impersonal to qualify as a classification for motivational skill. Motivating people can feature a considerable amount of political skill. However, motivation is less about manipulating a power base within an organization than it is in simply relating well to other people, so interpersonal skills is the best choice for this question. Diff: 2 AACSB: Written and oral communication LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    27 79) Designing a series of interview questions to provide information about possible customers for a company would primarily require ________. A) technical skills B) interpersonal skills C) conceptual skills D) political skills Answer: C Explanation: Designing interview questions would certainly require some degree of both interpersonal and political skills. However, the main challenge of the problem is to think through the complex situation of who would make a likely customer for a product. Therefore, conceptual skills would be of the highest priority for this task. The task would require little, if any, technical skills as writing the questions could be easily accomplished with a simple word-processing program or pencil and paper. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 80) Technical skills might include ________. A) excellent verbal skills B) proficiency in computer programming C) exceptional writing ability D) decision-making ability Answer: B Explanation: Technical skills typically involve the mastery of some kind of specialized technology or technique that is helpful for a job. Verbal skills and writing ability are too general to qualify as "technical." Decision-making ability does not involve a special technology or technique. Computer programming, though more common today than it was in previous decades, best qualifies as a technical skill. Diff: 2 LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 81) Which level of management would be more concerned with designing the overall structure of an organization? A) Middle management B) Supervisory management C) Top management D) First line management Answer: C Explanation: Top managers are concerned with designing the overall organization's structure, whereas middle and ower-level managers focus on designing the jobs of individuals and work groups. Diff: 2 AACSB: Reflective thinking LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    28 82) Which set of skills would you expect the President of the United States to be least in need of? A) interpersonal B) political C) conceptual D) technical Answer: D Explanation: A president undoubtedly needs all four skills, but not in equal quantities. Political skills are obviously required for a politician to get elected and mobilize alliances once elected. Interpersonal skills would be critical to persuading people to support one's point of view. Conceptual skills would be required for analyzing difficult situations and navigating through dangerous political waters. If any skill would be less needed, it would be technical, as technical matters for a president would likely be covered by subordinates. Diff: 2 AACSB: Reflective thinking LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. Joe, the Manager (Scenario) As a production supervisor, Joe determines the number of output units his department will produce each week. On Monday, he informs his team that the schedule is going to be difficult this week due to the increased number of output units. He goes on to tell them that he is confident that they can fulfill the schedule because they are tough, talented, and "when the going gets tough, they are the ones who get going." Each day during the week, Joe checks the amount of output that the employees have completed and the number of units that have been rejected. 83) When Joe checks the amount of output units that the team has completed and the number of units that have been rejected, he is performing which management process? A) controlling B) leading C) planning D) organizing Answer: A Explanation: Controlling involves monitoring ongoing tasks and evaluating them to see if they are proceeding as planned. Since Joe is both monitoring and evaluating, the function he is performing is controlling. Leading, planning, and organizing do not have an explicit monitoring component, so controlling is the only function that fits here. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    29 84) When Joe tells the employees that he is sure they can fulfill the schedule because they are the ones "who get going when the going gets tough," he is performing which management process? A) controlling B) leading C) planning D) organizing Answer: B Explanation: Leading involves motivating employees and getting them to the point where they take "ownership" of their task and are internally driven to do a good job. Since Joe is appealing to these impulses, he is demonstrating leadership. Leading is the only function that specifically involves motivating workers, so it is the only choice that fits for this question. Motivation is not a critical component of controlling, planning, or organizing. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. The Busy Day (Scenario) Don Sakaguchi, manager at Control Systems, Inc., sighs as he sips his coffee at 5 A.M. and reads his agenda for the day. Don's first duty is to preside over a retirement party for a beloved employee and say a few words on her behalf. Next, he will give a tour to a news reporter who is writing a story on the new plant expansion. Don then has a meeting with the unit manager, Phil Johnson, to discuss Phil's recent performance drop (a task Don always hates). Finally, in the late afternoon, Don will be reviewing the recent equipment malfunction and deciding whether to deploy extra people to get the equipment running as soon as possible. What a day! 85) What role will Don be performing when he gives the plant tour to the newspaper reporter? A) monitor B) entrepreneur C) spokesperson D) resource allocator Answer: C Explanation: Giving a tour to a newspaper reporter is an informational role. Don will be showcasing the features of the new plant expansion. This role of speaking for the company fits that of a spokesperson. Giving a tour is not a way of procuring new business opportunities, so it is not an entrepreneurial role. Don is not checking on ongoing tasks, so he is not functioning as a monitor. Finally, Don is speaking rather than making decisions, so he is not functioning in the role of resource allocator. Diff: 2 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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    30 86) When Don attends the retirement party, he will be operating in which of the management roles? A) leader B) liaison C) monitor D) figurehead Answer: D Explanation: Don's appearance at the party is largely a ceremonial role–he is representing the organization during an important event–so he is performing the role of a figurehead. Don is not specifically providing motivation for employees, so he is not functioning as a leader. He is not linking to the outside world, so his role does not fit that of a liaison. Finally, he is not evaluating or keeping track of tasks, so he is not functioning in the role of a monitor. Diff: 3 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 87) When Don meets with Phil to discuss Phil's output decline, in which management role will Don be operating? A) leader B) figurehead C) disseminator D) spokesperson Answer: A Explanation: A person who resolves conflicts and "fixes" tricky situations that involve people is being a leader. Don's ability to point out Phil's failings while at the same time exhorting Phil to do better in the future is evidence of Don's leadership talent. Since both disseminator and spokesperson focus on informational rather than motivational issues, neither matches Don's role in this task. Being a figurehead is an interpersonal role, but it does not involve ironing out interpersonal problems, so it is not the correct choice here. Diff: 3 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do. 88) What kind of a manager is Don likely to be? A) first-line manager B) CEO of a major corporation C) low-level middle manager D) plant manager Answer: D Explanation: Don's appearance at the party and role as host to the reporter suggest that he is clearly above the level of first-line manager and low-level middle manager. Don is too involved with everyday activities (Phil's problem and equipment malfunction) to be a top CEO. All of this evidence suggests that Don is a fairly high-level middle manager–a plant manager. Diff: 3 AACSB: Application of knowledge LO: 1.3: Describe what managers do.

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