Merrill Lynch and Thompson Financial Had a Three-Year, $1 Billion

question 34

Multiple Choice

Merrill Lynch and Thompson Financial had a three-year, $1 billion project that put workstations on the desks of 25,000 of Merrill Lynch's brokers. These machines put the world of investing information at brokers' fingertips. Thompson, the supplier, was obliged to not only deliver technology and services on time and on budget, but also constantly improve customer-satisfaction levels among Merrill's brokers and customers. This is an example of

• A)a reciprocity agreement.
• B)exclusive dealing.
• C)supplier alliance.
• D)a buyer-seller relationship.
• E)a tying arrangement.

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Definitions:

Reaction Formation

A defense mechanism where an individual behaves in a manner opposite to their actual feelings or desires, often to hide those feelings.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism in which controversial behaviors or feelings are justified and explained in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation.

Projection

A defense mechanism in psychology where an individual attributes their own unwanted emotions, desires, or impulses onto someone else.

Displacement

A psychological defense mechanism where emotional impulses are redirected from a real object to a safer substitute target.