Chapter 1: Process Models of Change

1. Open systems provides a framework for thinking about organizations (and parts of organizations) as a system of ___________

distinct components that are embedded in, and strongly influenced by, a larger system interrelated components that are part of, but not influenced by, a larger system interrelated components that are embedded in a series of small systems interrelated components that are embedded in, and strongly influenced by, a larger system

2. According to Schneider et al. (2003, p.125), what makes an effective leader?

Someone who can set a direction for change and influence others to achieve goals that improve internal and external alignment Someone who works independently to improve internal and external alignment Someone who doesn’t try to influence others to achieve goals that improve internal and external alignment Someone who has the respect of their colleagues

3. Which four ideal types of process theories did Van de Ven and Poole (1995) identify?

Evolutionary, developmental, binary, teleological Teleological, dialectical, life cycle, evolutionary Life cycle, dialectical, teleological, productive Teleological, dual process, evolutionary, life cycle

4. Teleological theories are ________ prescriptive about the ordering of stages in the change process than life cycle theories.

less more

5. What happens when conflicts give rise to a reactive sequence?

Subsequent events challenge rather than reinforce each other Subsequent events challenge rather than reinforce earlier events Earlier events reinforce subsequent events

6. What are the main three drivers of self-reinforcing sequences?

Increasing returns, psychological commitment to past decisions, cognitive biases Increasing returns, positive feedback, unbiased decision-making Cognitive biases, psychological commitment to past decisions, supportive atmosphere Psychological commitment to past decisions, cognitive biases, diminishing returns

7. Which of the following is an example of one of the four conditions that can promote increasing returns (according to Arthur, 1994)?

Good leadership Ongoing costs Coordination Inventiveness

8. Which of the following is one of two factors which can lead to decision makers’ escalation of commitment to past decisions?

The need to demonstrate their own competence The need to be seen as flexible The desire for someone else to step in and make decisions for them The desire to be seen as logical

9. Edwards (2001) suggests that leaders have a tendency to classify decisions into categories by comparing immediate decisions with __________________________

completely different past decision scenarios those decisions made by other people similar past decision scenarios similar decisions being made at the same time

10. Sydow et al. (2009) conceptualize path dependence as a three-phase process. Which of the following are the three phases they propose?

Freezing, unfreezing and refreezing Planning, implementation and evaluation Preformatin, path formation and lock-in Observe, take action, reflect

11. According to Mangham (1978), leaders can minimize the impact of reactive sequences by:

simulating several stages into a number of alternative futures simulating how a particular stage would play out in a number of alternative futures imagining a future where everyone involved in the change process is in agreement playing chess

12. What do patterns of punctuated equilibrium involve?

An alternation between self-reinforcing sequences and reactive sequences A series of similar self-reinforcing sequences An alternation of reactive sequences A series of similar reactive sequences

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