Leading and Managing People/PMAN102/Managing vs. Leading/Quiz

The questions which follow provide a basic knowledge test of selected concepts covered in this learning pathway: Managing versus leading.

The questions published at the end of each learning pathway are re-used for the knowledge test for learners interested in earning a digital badge or certificate of participation for the Leading and Managing People (PMAN102) micro-course. Please consult the Certify participation page for more information.

True - false questions

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:

• The principles of management are drawn from three specific areas: leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic management.
  • True
    • Correct.
  • False
    • No. Leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic management work together to move an organization forward by maximising its potential.
• Leadership has only been around a little over a hundred years whereas management as an area of study has been around since the dawn of civilization.
  • True
    • No. Management has only been around a little over a hundred years and leadership has been around since the dawn of civilization.
  • False
    • Correct.
• Managers deploy human, financial and other assets to achieve an organization’s objectives.
  • True
    • Correct.
  • False
    • No. Managers make day-to-day operational decisions about employees and resources to achieve organization’s long-term goals.
• Leadership mainly involves the use of formal sources of authority and power, such as position or ownership.
  • True
    • No. Great leaders usually use informal sources of power and authority, and understand when, where, and how to use formal sources.
  • False
    • Correct.

Multiple choice questions

• Which THREE of the following are primary managerial roles/tasks? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
  • Allocate resources
    • Yes. One of the key roles of managers is to allocate resources efficiently to support and meet the goals of the organization.
  • Monitor
    • Yes. A large part of the manager's role is to monitor the progress towards the achievement of the organization's goals.
  • Inspire
    • Incorrect. Inspiration is associated with the leadership role.
  • Training
    • Yes. Training is an important part of the manager's role.
• Which THREE of the following are characteristics great leaders possess? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
  • Vision
    • Yes. They must know where they want the organization to go.
  • Ability to direct
    • Incorrect. Managers, not leaders, direct day-to-day work efforts, review resources needed, and anticipate needs along the way.
  • Ability to challenge
    • Yes. They must not be afraid to challenge the status quo, do things differently, and have the courage to think outside the box.
  • Good communication skills
    • Yes. They must keep the team informed of where they are heading and share any roadblocks that may be encountered along the way.
• Which TWO of the following statements are correct? (Select all that apply - there are two correct answers)
  • Entrepreneurship is the recognition of opportunities and the use or creation of resources to implement innovative ideas.
    • Yes. It also involves constant problem solving.
  • Entrepreneurship is a coherent plan of action that provides leaders and employees with a clear set of guidelines for their daily actions.
    • Incorrect. This is one of the roles of strategy, not entrepreneurship.
  • Strategic management aims to make sure that an organization’s goals and objectives are translated into daily action.
    • Yes. It also ensures that the right choices are made to exploit existing opportunities.
  • Strategy answers big questions about what an organization’s purpose might be.
    • Incorrect. Big questions about organizational purpose is entrepreneurship, not strategy.
• In the context of the PMAN102 micro-course, which THREE of the following statements about Google’s work environment are correct? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
  • It takes a long time for ideas to be traded, tested, and put into practice.
    • Incorrect. Ideas are traded, tested, and put into practice with swiftness.
  • Emphasis is placed on teamwork and team achievements.
    • Yes. Teamwork and team achievements are valued.
  • A highly communicative environment fosters a productivity and camaraderie.
    • Yes. Workers often interact with each other throughout the work day.
  • Individual accomplishments are valued.
    • Yes. In addition to team successes, individual accomplishments are also valued.