om june 2010

QUESTION 1

(a) Discuss the major concepts of management as described by the Systems Theory
Approach.

(b) Briefly explain “participative management” and “quality circle” as examples of employee
involvement programs.

(c) Based on Douglas McGregor’s views of human beings, identify any TWO (2)
assumptions each that underlie “Theory X” and “Theory Y”.

(d) What are job ‘enlargement’ and ‘job enrichment’?

(e) Explain any TWO (2) formal communications networks.

(f) Identify any FOUR (4) leadership behaviours based on the path-goal leadership theory.

(g) Briefly discuss any TWO (2) advantages of cross-functional teams.

(h) Describe any TWO (2) bases of formal power.


3(i) Describe any TWO (2) primary characteristics that, in aggregate, capture the essence of
an organisation’s culture.

(j) Briefly describe ‘centralisation’ and ‘decentralisation’ in decision making.


SECTION B
QUESTION 2
(a) Explain Fiedler’s Contingency Model of Leadership and state what are the implications
for manager.

(b) Discuss the Least-Preferred Co-worker (LPC) questionnaire and the THREE (3) key
situational factors for determining leader effectiveness.

QUESTION 3
GoFast is a jet engine manufacturer that practices work teams concept in its daily operation. At
GoFast, each team “owns” the engines it builds – from the beginning of the assembly process to
getting the engine loaded on a truck for delivery. Instead of relying on a supervisor or support
staff to order tools and parts, the team does all. The team also schedules vacations and overtime
assignments and monitors work quality. In fact, decisions about almost anything related to
building the engine are made by the team itself.
Identify the appropriate type of team that best describes the nature of work team being practiced
at GoFast. Based on the type of team identified, discuss the nature, roles and potential benefits of
such team.


QUESTION 4
(a) Contrast the functional and divisional types of departmentalisation. Highlight their
respective advantages and disadvantages.

(b) Describe the hybrid type of departmentalisation. How does this type of structure help
incorporate some of the advantages of both the functional and divisional types?

QUESTION 5
What is organisational politics? Explain how individual and organisational factors encourage
organisational politics.

QUESTION 6
When Johan became general manager of the local civic recreation centre, he realised that many
changes would be necessary to make the facility a true community resource. Having the benefit
of a new bond issue, the centre had the funds for new equipment and expanded programming.
All he needed to do now was getting the staff committed to new initiatives. Unfortunately, his
efforts to raise performance have been met with considerable resistance to change. A typical staff
comment is, “Why do all these extras? Everything is fine as it is.”

Based on the above scenario, discuss how organisational development (OD) interventions may
help Johan in successfully introducing change and getting the staff committed to new initiatives.