Chapter 14: Decision-Making Choices for the Manager
ANSWERS TO TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. T
ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. c
SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. Students will likely have quite varied experiences in response to this question. When guiding
discussion, it is important that students identify as best as possible the type of participative
2. Students may have varied opinions in response to this question. In general, although absolute
3. Responses to this question will vary depending on students’ experiences as employees when
working with managers whose style is more directive than consultative or collaborative.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CASE FROM THE TEXT
Case: Deciding what to do
Starting tips: Be sure that the students have a full understanding of the three basic styles of
participative decision making before assigning them to groups. In addition, you may want to
Desired outcomes: Each of the three groups should have reached clearly different outcomes. It
is possible in fact that the group assigned the directive decision-making process will not achieve
a satisfactory outcome based on the level of control that the student portraying Joe exercises over
Suggested summary: Reinforce the importance of choosing carefully the appropriate group
decision-making process based on variables such as the situation and issue involved, the context
TEST QUESTIONS
True or False questions (each worth 1 or 2 points)
__F__ 1. When a manager engages in a consensus decision-making process with his team, he
intends to direct the process and retain ultimate authority over the decision made by
the group.
__T__ 5. A manager is more likely to choose a directive decision-making process than a
consultative decision-making process when the employees he manages lack maturity
or competence in their jobs.
Multiple Choice (worth 2 or 3 points each)
and implements a decision is engaging in which decision-making process?
d. Consultative
limit the amount of participation and input she will allow, she will:
a. Engage in a process that closely resembles consensus decision making
opportunities except:
a. Each party presents his or her view of the situation that led to conflict.
Short Answer essay questions (each worth up to 10 points)
1. Describe the basic process that a manager goes through when conducting a consultative
decision-making process in which he allows significant input and participation from the
group members.
Answer:
The manager presents the problem and encourages the group to engage in a
problem-solving process similar to consensus decision-making processes. When contrary
Upon considering the group’s suggestions, the manager states the decision that he is
inclined to make and that he believes comes closest to what the group has suggested. He
members, he implements the decision.
2. List the options a group can take when working with a dissenter during a consensus
decision-making process.
Answer:
The dissenter can agree to “stand down.” The dissenter voices his or her disagreement
but states that he or she will abide by and support the decision made by the group.
3. List some of the key considerations you should keep in mind when engaging in a directive
decision making process to ensure that you are being fair and consistent in your decision making.
Answer:
The text provides the following list:
Ask questions focused on obtaining facts and concrete information—who, what,
Encourage the parties to be concrete and objective. They should support their
Consider the parties’ credibility, demeanor, motives, and prejudices. You must be
Check for biases that may unduly influence your decision. Has a party “pushed your
When all relevant information has been gathered, weigh it to arrive at a balanced
decision and, where possible, help doubtful parties work through any reservations. Be
Set clear expectations regarding new understandings, actions to be taken, and
Remain unconditionally constructive and instill a belief that renewal, restored