Principles of Management
Principles of Management
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: c
3. In a management context, “doing things right” is a focus on ______, whereas “doing the right things” is
a focus on ______.
a. Efficiency; Effectiveness
b. Effectiveness; Efficiency
c. Strategy; Tactics
d. Management; Leadership
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
5. Who is known as the “father of scientific management” for his contributions to improving industrial
efficiency?
a. Frederick W. Taylor
b. Henri Fayol
c. Elton Mayo
d. Peter Drucker
Correct Answer: a
6. Henri Fayol proposed 14 principles of management. Which of the following is NOT one of Fayol’s
principles?
a. Unity of command
b. Division of work
c. Time and motion study
d. Esprit de corps
Correct Answer: c
7. The Hawthorne studies (conducted by Elton Mayo) highlighted the importance of ______ in the workplace.
a. monetary incentives
b. job specialization
c. social and psychological factors
d. strict enforcement of rules
Correct Answer: c
8. According to Douglas McGregor, a manager who assumes that employees are lazy, dislike work, and must
be coerced to perform is following ____.
a. Theory X assumptions
b. Theory Y assumptions
c. Herzberg’s motivation factors
d. the Hawthorne effect
Correct Answer: a
9. Which management thinker introduced the concept of bureaucracy with a focus on a formal hierarchy and
impersonal rules?
a. Max Weber
b. F.W. Taylor
c. Abraham Maslow
d. Henri Fayol
Correct Answer: a
10. Management by Objectives (MBO), a process of joint goal-setting between managers and subordinates, is
most closely associated with:
a. Peter Drucker
b. Henry Mintzberg
c. Frederick Herzberg
d. W. Edwards Deming
Correct Answer: a
Planning
11. Which of the following is generally the first step in the planning process?
a. Setting objectives (defining goals)
b. Developing alternative courses of action
c. Implementing the plan
d. Evaluating and monitoring results
Correct Answer: a
12. In planning, making assumptions about future conditions (such as market trends or the economy) is known
as:
a. Developing premises
b. Setting performance standards
c. Implementing strategies
d. Formulating policies
Correct Answer: a
13. A plan that covers a period of five or more years and defines the long-term vision and goals of an
organization is a:
a. Strategic plan
b. Operational plan
c. Standing plan
d. Contingency plan
Correct Answer: a
14. Which of the following is an example of a single-use plan (used for a specific one-time project or event)?
a. A project or program plan
b. A policy
c. A procedure
d. A rule
Correct Answer: a
15. Policies, procedures, and rules that guide recurring situations in an organization are all examples of ____
plans.
a. Standing
b. Single-use
c. Tactical
d. Contingency
Correct Answer: a
16. Management by Objectives (MBO) can best be described as:
a. A process where managers and employees jointly set specific goals and use those goals to evaluate
performance.
b. A planning approach used only for crisis management and unforeseen events.
c. Top management setting objectives without input from subordinates.
d. A process of continuous improvement of product quality.
Correct Answer: a
17. SWOT analysis – examining Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats – is a planning tool used
to:
a. Assess an organization’s internal capabilities and external environment.
b. Evaluate employee performance against goals.
c. Identify the best communication channels in a company.
d. Develop financial budgets for projects.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Organizing
21. Organizing as a function of management primarily involves:
a. Arranging and structuring work and resources to accomplish organizational goals.
b. Motivating and leading employees through rewards and punishments.
c. Setting the organization’s long-term objectives and vision.
d. Measuring performance and correcting deviations.
Correct Answer: a
22. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a formal organization structure?
a. Clearly defined hierarchy of authority and reporting relationships.
b. Established rules, procedures, and job descriptions.
c. Informal social interactions and grapevine networks determining work roles.
d. Coordinated efforts focused on achieving official objectives.
Correct Answer: c
23. The principle of unity of command states that each employee should:
a. Receive orders from one and only one direct supervisor.
b. Report to multiple managers to ensure multitasking.
c. Have authority over their own supervisor.
d. Communicate only through the informal organization.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
25. Grouping jobs and activities into logical units (departments) – for example, by function, product, or region
– is known as:
a. Departmentalization
b. Decentralization
c. Specialization
d. Formalization
Correct Answer: a
26. An organizational structure that groups positions into departments based on similar functions or activities
(such as marketing, finance, operations) is called a:
a. Functional structure
b. Divisional structure
c. Matrix structure
d. Network structure
Correct Answer: a
27. A company that organizes its divisions by product lines (e.g., separate divisions for electronics, clothing,
and furniture) is using a:
a. Divisional structure
b. Functional structure
c. Matrix structure
d. Flat structure
Correct Answer: a
28. In a matrix organization:
a. Employees have dual reporting relationships (for example, to both a functional manager and a project or
product manager).
b. All authority is centralized in a single manager for each employee.
c. Departments are grouped solely by geographic region.
d. There is no formal chain of command.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
30. Which of the following is NOT one of the three key elements of delegation?
a. Authority
b. Responsibility
c. Accountability
d. Hierarchy
Correct Answer: d
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
34. Which of the following is a step in the organizing process?
a. Departmentalizing and grouping related work tasks.
b. Motivating employees through financial incentives.
c. Setting performance standards for goals.
d. Developing a marketing strategy for a new product.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Staffing
36. The management function of staffing involves:
a. Recruiting, selecting, training, and developing employees to fill organizational roles.
b. Deciding the organization’s long-term strategic goals.
c. Grouping similar activities into departments.
d. Directing and motivating employees in their daily tasks.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
38. The process of attracting a pool of qualified applicants for open positions is called:
a. Recruitment
b. Selection
c. Orientation
d. Performance appraisal
Correct Answer: a
39. Which of the following statements best describes the difference between recruitment and selection?
a. Recruitment is about attracting potential candidates, whereas selection is about choosing the best
candidate from the pool.
b. Recruitment is a negative process of weeding out applicants, while selection is a positive process of
encouraging candidates.
c. Recruitment happens after the selection process.
d. Selection focuses on generating a large number of applicants, whereas recruitment is about detailed
evaluation.
Correct Answer: a
40. Typically, the first step in a formal selection process (after attracting applicants) is:
a. Preliminary screening of applications/resumes to shortlist candidates.
b. Conducting final round interviews with top management.
c. Providing on-the-job training to new hires.
d. Making a job offer to the best candidate.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
42. Promotions, transfers, and internal job postings are all examples of:
a. Internal recruitment methods (sourcing candidates from within the organization)
b. External recruitment methods
c. Selection tools used in interviews
d. On-the-job training techniques
Correct Answer: a
43. Which of the following is an off-the-job training method (training away from the immediate workplace)?
a. Vestibule training (simulated work environment training)
b. Job rotation
c. Coaching by a supervisor
d. Mentoring on the job
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
47. Which of the following is NOT an element typically associated with the directing function of
management?
a. Motivation
b. Communication
c. Planning
d. Leadership
Correct Answer: c
48. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of these needs is at the highest level of the hierarchy?
a. Self-actualization needs (fulfillment of personal potential)
b. Esteem needs (recognition and respect)
c. Safety needs (security and stability)
d. Physiological needs (food, water, shelter)
Correct Answer: a
49. Expanding the content of a job by increasing an employee’s authority, responsibilities, and the challenge in
their work (to make it more rewarding and motivating) is known as:
a. Job enrichment
b. Job enlargement
c. Job rotation
d. Outsourcing
Correct Answer: a
50. According to Frederick Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which of the following would be considered a
motivator (satisfier) that can increase job satisfaction?
a. Achievement and recognition for doing a good job
b. Salary and job security
c. Comfortable working conditions
d. Company policies and administration
Correct Answer: a
51. Theory Y (in McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y) assumes that employees:
a. View work as natural, can be self-directed, and seek responsibility if committed to objectives.
b. Are inherently lazy and will avoid work if not closely supervised.
c. Are motivated only by external control and threats of punishment.
d. Do not value work and only care about financial rewards.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
53. According to Victor Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, motivation is a function of expectancy, instrumentality,
and ______.
a. Valence (the value an individual places on the expected outcome)
b. Variety (having different tasks to do)
c. Victory (the need to win in all tasks)
d. Vitality (the energy a person brings to work)
Correct Answer: a
54. Communication that flows from a subordinate to a superior (e.g., from an employee up to their manager)
is known as:
a. Upward communication
b. Downward communication
c. Horizontal communication
d. Grapevine communication
Correct Answer: a
55. The informal communication network in organizations, often based on social relationships and rumor, is
called the:
a. Grapevine
b. Vertical network
c. Formal chain
d. Feedback loop
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
57. Which of the following is a common barrier to effective communication in organizations?
a. Noise or physical distractions interfering with the message
b. Using clear and simple language
c. Active feedback from the receiver
d. Trust between the sender and receiver
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
59. According to McClelland’s Acquired Needs Theory, the three important needs that motivate people are
the need for power, the need for affiliation, and the need for ______.
a. Achievement
b. Security
c. Survival
d. Equity
Correct Answer: a
60. Which of the following actions by a manager would most likely improve employee motivation?
a. Recognizing and praising employees for excellent performance and contributions.
b. Micromanaging every task and decision the employees make.
c. Ignoring employees’ ideas when making decisions.
d. Keeping all information about company performance secret from staff.
Correct Answer: a
Leadership
61. Which statement best distinguishes leadership from management?
a. Leadership is about inspiring and influencing people to follow, whereas management is about planning,
organizing, and coordinating tasks.
b. Leadership only happens at upper levels of an organization, while management happens at lower levels.
c. Management focuses on people, and leadership focuses on systems and structure.
d. Leaders always hold formal positions of authority, whereas managers do not.
Correct Answer: a
62. A leader who makes decisions unilaterally, gives orders, and expects obedience is demonstrating a(n) ____
leadership style.
a. Autocratic
b. Democratic
c. Laissez-faire
d. Participative
Correct Answer: a
63. A leader who encourages subordinates to participate in decision-making, consults team members, and
values their input is using a ____ leadership style.
a. Democratic (participative)
b. Autocratic
c. Laissez-faire
d. Authoritarian
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
65. Fiedler’s Contingency Model of leadership suggests that leadership effectiveness depends on:
a. A proper match between the leader’s style and the favorability of the situational context.
b. The leader’s ability to adapt his or her style to any situation fluidly.
c. The personal charisma and traits of the leader alone.
d. How much training and experience the leader has.
Correct Answer: a
66. According to Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory, the most appropriate leadership
style is determined primarily by the ______ of the followers.
a. Readiness or maturity (ability and willingness to perform the task)
b. Number of years of work experience
c. Personal relationship with the leader
d. Department or function they belong to
Correct Answer: a
67. The Path-Goal Theory of leadership (House) proposes that an effective leader:
a. Clears the path to help subordinates achieve their goals by providing direction, support, and removing
obstacles as needed.
b. Should always set extremely challenging goals for followers to push them.
c. Focuses on establishing a strict hierarchy and chain of command.
d. Uses a single leadership style in all situations for consistency.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
72. In Blake and Mouton’s Managerial (Leadership) Grid, the “team leader” (9,9) style is characterized by:
a. High concern for both people (relationships) and production (tasks).
b. High concern for production and low concern for people.
c. High concern for people and low concern for production.
d. Low concern for both people and production.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
74. In the context of leadership, emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to a leader’s ability to:
a. Understand and manage their own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others.
b. Use emotions instead of logic when making decisions.
c. Keep all personal feelings entirely separate from work interactions.
d. Have a very high IQ or intellectual capability.
Correct Answer: a
75. The Ohio State studies on leadership identified two key dimensions of leader behavior. These two
dimensions are:
a. Initiating structure and consideration (task-oriented behavior and people-oriented behavior).
b. Autocratic and democratic behavior.
c. Transformational and transactional behavior.
d. Legitimate power and referent power.
Correct Answer: a
Controlling
76. Controlling, as a function of management, involves:
a. Monitoring actual performance, comparing it with planned goals/standards, and taking corrective action
when necessary.
b. Directing employees and motivating them to achieve goals.
c. Establishing the company’s mission and high-level strategy.
d. Structuring the organization’s departments and hierarchy.
Correct Answer: a
77. What is the correct sequence of steps in the basic control process?
a. Establish standards → Measure actual performance → Compare actual performance with standards →
Take corrective action if necessary.
b. Measure performance → Establish standards → Compare with standards → Take corrective action →
Reward employees.
c. Establish objectives → Organize tasks → Lead people → Evaluate performance.
d. Set a goal → Assign a task → Get feedback → Start over.
Correct Answer: a
78. A control method that focuses on preventing problems before they occur, by monitoring inputs and
anticipating challenges, is called:
a. Feedforward control
b. Concurrent control
c. Feedback control
d. Reactive control
Correct Answer: a
79. When a manager monitors ongoing operations and corrects problems as they happen in real time, this is
an example of:
a. Concurrent control
b. Feedforward control
c. Feedback control
d. Strategic control
Correct Answer: a
80. Reviewing financial statements at the end of the quarter to compare actual results against the budget and
then making adjustments is an example of:
a. Feedback control
b. Feedforward control
c. Concurrent control
d. Decentralized control
Correct Answer: a
81. The principle of management by exception suggests that managers should:
a. Concentrate on significant deviations from expected results and let routine performance continue without
interference.
b. Examine every minor detail of performance continuously.
c. Only manage when there are exceptions and otherwise stay completely uninvolved.
d. Delegate all control functions to automated systems.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
85. If actual performance falls below the standards set in the planning phase, management should:
a. Take corrective action to address the deviation and get performance back on track (after investigating the
cause).
b. Lower the performance standards to match the actual performance.
c. Ignore the variance and continue to operate as usual.
d. Punish employees regardless of the reasons for the shortfall.
Correct Answer: a
Decision Making
86. In decision-making, the process usually begins with:
a. Identifying and defining the problem or opportunity that requires a decision.
b. Generating a list of alternative solutions.
c. Evaluating the potential consequences of options.
d. Implementing the chosen alternative.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
89. The concept of bounded rationality, developed by Herbert Simon, suggests that decision-makers:
a. Have limitations on their information, time, and cognitive capacity, so they often settle for a satisfactory
solution rather than an optimal one.
b. Have access to all information and can always make fully rational, optimal decisions.
c. Make decisions solely based on emotional instincts, ignoring rational analysis.
d. Are bounded by upper management’s directives and cannot make independent choices.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
91. Which of the following is an advantage of group decision-making compared to individual decision-
making?
a. Group decisions can draw from a broader range of knowledge, experience, and perspectives, potentially
leading to better solutions.
b. Group decisions always take less time and are more efficient.
c. Group decisions are free from biases or conflicts.
d. Group decisions guarantee acceptance and implementation of the decision.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
97. The tendency for managers to continue investing in a failing project or decision despite clear evidence that
it is not working (often due to sunk costs or reluctance to admit error) is known as:
a. Escalation of commitment
b. Prospect theory
c. Bounded rationality
d. The Hawthorne effect
Correct Answer: a
98. A decision tree is a useful tool in decision-making because it:
a. Graphically maps out decisions and their possible consequences, including chance events, outcomes, and
risks, helping managers analyze complex choices.
b. Lays out the organizational hierarchy for who is allowed to make decisions.
c. Lists decisions in a tree structure based on priority without showing outcomes.
d. Organizes brainstorming ideas into categories.
Correct Answer: a
Correct Answer: a
100. Which of the following practices can improve the quality of decisions in an organization?
a. Using a structured decision-making process and encouraging open discussion and critique of alternatives
before choosing.
b. Limiting input to one or two top executives to avoid conflicting opinions.
c. Relying solely on gut feeling or intuition for all major decisions.
d. Postponing decisions until absolute certainty is achieved, even if opportunities are lost.
Correct Answer: a