Claus Manages a Large Business Unit in a Global Corporation

question 31

Multiple Choice

Claus manages a large business unit in a global corporation. Recently, the business unit has experienced recruiting failures. Claus needs to change the long-standing recruiting process, although many staff will resist any changes, including Nick, a tremendous talent but a "loose cannon." Nick has been vocal in his criticism of the recruiting program. What is a covert tactic that Claus might successfully employ to change his recruiting program and gain the staff's acceptance of the changes?

• A)Design the new program over a weekend, and announce it on Monday, to be effective immediately.
• B)Use "new blood" to design and implement the change, not the key stakeholders who are affected by the change.
• C)Withhold communication about the nature of the change or its logic.
• D)Use co-optation by asking Nick to serve a significant role in the change process.
• E)Announce that incentives (promotions and bonuses)will be withheld until all resistance to change ceases.

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Definitions:

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior, thereby influencing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Negative Consequences

Unfavorable results or outcomes that arise as a result of an action, decision, or behavior, potentially causing harm or disadvantage.

Negative Reinforcement

A behavioral principle where the removal of an unfavorable event or outcome following a desired behavior increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.

Intermittent Reinforcement

A conditioning schedule where a response is sometimes reinforced, leading to more robust behavioral responses.