The questions which follow provide a basic knowledge test of selected concepts covered in this learning pathway:
Culture and Ethics in Management.
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 Introduction to Management (PMAN101) micro-course. Please consult the Certify participation page for more information.
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:
- An ethical decision entails a “right-versus-wrong” decision.
- True
- False
- No. It helps to follow ethical guidelines, laws and regulations when making these complex right-versus-wrong decisions.
- Signs of a company's culture include the organization's mission statement, stories, physical layout, rules and policies, and rituals.
- True
- False
- No. Culture is widespread and represented in everything.
- Meeting business needs and protecting the environment are mutually exclusive.
- True
- No. Both can be done at the same time.
- False
- Correct. Both can be done at the same time.
- Managers and employees from diverse backgrounds bring new talents and fresh perspectives to an organization.
- True
- False
- Diversity can benefit heterogenous workforce and customers.
Multiple choice questions
- Which THREE statements are correct with respect to organizational cultures? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
- Multiple cultures may coexist in a single organization in the form of subcultures and countercultures
- Yes. This is especially true for large organizations.
- Innovative cultures are flexible, adaptable, and experiment with new ideas
- Yes. The description is correct.
- Stable cultures are predictable, rule-oriented, and bureaucratic
- Yes. The description is correct.
- Interior design of the corporation mainly determines company culture
- Incorrect. People, not things, make a strong company culture.
- Which THREE of the following can help to maintain an organization's culture? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
- Hire the most skilled people even if their values are incompatible with those of the company
- Incorrect. Compatible values are very important so company vision is met.
- Ensure new employee on-boarding and mentoring
- That's right. Help new employees learn required knowledge, skills, and behaviors.
- The manager exerts a strong influence on employees
- Yes. A manager's positive behaviors and attitudes can greatly help to influence the culture of the organization.
- Implement reward systems that honor employees' contributions to a company
- Yes. Reward systems help to maintain an organization's culture.
- Which THREE of the following are benefits that good corporate citizens enjoy? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
- It's easier to recruit and retain talented employees
- Yes. People want to work for companies that are socially responsible.
- Sustainability programs will ultimately decrease the cost of doing business
- Yes. In the long run, they decrease cost and result in efficiencies.
- It's more difficult to attract new capital
- Incorrect. It's easier to attract new capital.
- Consumers respond positively to the company
- Yes. A company's brand and image are strengthened in a positive way.
- Which THREE of the following are likely rationalizations for unethical behavior? (Select all that apply - there are three correct answers)
- My behavior isn't really illegal or immoral
- Yes. This is a common rationalization.
- My action is in everyone's best interests
- Yes. This is a common rationalization.
- People will find out what I've done
- Incorrect. This might actually prevent someone from behaving unethically.
- The company will condone my action and protect me
- Yes. This belief actually emboldens some people to act unethically.
