WGU C218 Organizational Behavior Week 5 Midterm Exam –
Verified Solutions & Rationales
Comprehensive Practice Examination – 135 Questions with
Answers and Rationales
1. Which of the following best defines organizational behavior?
A) The study of how individuals and groups act within organizations
B) The study of financial management in organizations
C) The study of marketing strategies in organizations
D) The study of production processes in organizations
Correct Answer: A) The study of how individuals and groups act within organizations
Rationale: Organizational behavior (OB) is the systematic study and application of knowledge
about how individuals and groups act within organizations. It draws from psychology, sociology,
anthropology, and other behavioral sciences. The other options describe finance, marketing, and
operations management, respectively.
2. What are the three levels of analysis in organizational behavior?
A) Individual, group, and organizational
B) Micro, macro, and global
C) Internal, external, and hybrid
D) Strategic, tactical, and operational
Correct Answer: A) Individual, group, and organizational
Rationale: OB examines behavior at three levels: individual (micro), group (meso), and
organizational (macro). Understanding these levels helps explain how behavior at one level
influences outcomes at other levels. The other options do not represent the standard framework
of OB.
3. Which discipline contributes most to the study of individual behavior in organizations?
A) Sociology
B) Psychology
C) Anthropology
D) Economics
Correct Answer: B) Psychology
,Rationale: Psychology contributes to the understanding of individual behavior, including
personality, learning, motivation, and emotions. Sociology contributes to group behavior.
Anthropology contributes to cultural understanding. Economics contributes to organizational
strategy and structure.
4. Which of the following is a dependent variable in organizational behavior?
A) Personality
B) Job satisfaction
C) Work team structure
D) Leadership style
Correct Answer: B) Job satisfaction
Rationale: Dependent variables in OB are the outcomes being explained or predicted, such as
job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. Independent variables are the
presumed causes, such as personality, leadership style, and work team structure.
5. What is the primary focus of the systematic study in organizational behavior?
A) Relying on intuition to explain behavior
B) Using evidence-based data to explain behavior
C) Ignoring cultural differences in behavior
D) Applying common sense to organizational issues
Correct Answer: B) Using evidence-based data to explain behavior
Rationale: The systematic study in OB means examining relationships and attempting to
attribute causes and effects based on scientific evidence. It supplements intuition and common
sense with data-driven analysis. Ignoring cultural differences contradicts the global perspective
of OB.
6. Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in organizational behavior research?
A) A proven fact
B) A tentative explanation of a relationship
C) A random guess
D) A final conclusion
Correct Answer: B) A tentative explanation of a relationship
Rationale: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation of the relationship between two or more
variables. It is testable and can be supported or refuted by evidence. It is not a proven fact,
random guess, or final conclusion.
,7. What is the difference between a correlation and causation in OB research?
A) Correlation implies causation
B) Causation implies correlation
C) They are the same thing
D) Neither is useful in research
Correct Answer: B) Causation implies correlation
Rationale: Correlation means two variables are related, but it does not prove that one causes
the other. Causation means one variable directly influences another, which implies there is also
a correlation. Correlation does not imply causation. Both are useful in research.
8. Which of the following is an example of a meta-analysis in organizational behavior?
A) A single case study of one company
B) A statistical combination of results from multiple studies
C) An opinion piece by an executive
D) A survey of one department
Correct Answer: B) A statistical combination of results from multiple studies
Rationale: A meta-analysis statistically combines the results of multiple studies to draw broader
conclusions. It is considered a high level of evidence. A single case study, opinion piece, or single-
department survey does not have the same breadth or statistical power.
9. What is the primary goal of evidence-based management (EBM)?
A) To rely solely on intuition
B) To make decisions based on the best available evidence
C) To ignore research findings
D) To follow tradition
Correct Answer: B) To make decisions based on the best available evidence
Rationale: Evidence-based management involves making organizational decisions based on the
best available scientific evidence, combined with professional expertise and stakeholder values.
It does not rely solely on intuition, ignore research, or follow tradition blindly.
10. Which of the following best describes a theory in organizational behavior?
A) A guess about behavior
B) A set of propositions that explains a phenomenon
, C) A single observation
D) A personal opinion
Correct Answer: B) A set of propositions that explains a phenomenon
Rationale: A theory is a collection of assertions (propositions) that specify how variables are
related and why. It provides a framework for understanding and predicting behavior. It is not a
mere guess, single observation, or personal opinion.
11. What is the difference between a formal organization and an informal organization?
A) Formal is written, informal is unwritten
B) Formal has no structure, informal has structure
C) Formal is temporary, informal is permanent
D) They are identical
Correct Answer: A) Formal is written, informal is unwritten
Rationale: A formal organization is defined by written rules, policies, and structures. An informal
organization consists of unwritten norms, relationships, and networks that emerge among
employees. Both exist simultaneously in most workplaces.
12. Which of the following is a key characteristic of the contingency approach in OB?
A) One best way to manage
B) No single best way to manage
C) Ignoring situational factors
D) Universal principles
Correct Answer: B) No single best way to manage
Rationale: The contingency approach argues that there is no single best way to manage; the
most effective approach depends on the situation. This contrasts with universalistic approaches
that seek one best way. Ignoring situational factors contradicts the contingency approach.
13. What is the primary focus of the open systems perspective in OB?
A) Internal processes only
B) Interaction with the external environment
C) Ignoring external influences
D) Focusing only on profits
Correct Answer: B) Interaction with the external environment
Verified Solutions & Rationales
Comprehensive Practice Examination – 135 Questions with
Answers and Rationales
1. Which of the following best defines organizational behavior?
A) The study of how individuals and groups act within organizations
B) The study of financial management in organizations
C) The study of marketing strategies in organizations
D) The study of production processes in organizations
Correct Answer: A) The study of how individuals and groups act within organizations
Rationale: Organizational behavior (OB) is the systematic study and application of knowledge
about how individuals and groups act within organizations. It draws from psychology, sociology,
anthropology, and other behavioral sciences. The other options describe finance, marketing, and
operations management, respectively.
2. What are the three levels of analysis in organizational behavior?
A) Individual, group, and organizational
B) Micro, macro, and global
C) Internal, external, and hybrid
D) Strategic, tactical, and operational
Correct Answer: A) Individual, group, and organizational
Rationale: OB examines behavior at three levels: individual (micro), group (meso), and
organizational (macro). Understanding these levels helps explain how behavior at one level
influences outcomes at other levels. The other options do not represent the standard framework
of OB.
3. Which discipline contributes most to the study of individual behavior in organizations?
A) Sociology
B) Psychology
C) Anthropology
D) Economics
Correct Answer: B) Psychology
,Rationale: Psychology contributes to the understanding of individual behavior, including
personality, learning, motivation, and emotions. Sociology contributes to group behavior.
Anthropology contributes to cultural understanding. Economics contributes to organizational
strategy and structure.
4. Which of the following is a dependent variable in organizational behavior?
A) Personality
B) Job satisfaction
C) Work team structure
D) Leadership style
Correct Answer: B) Job satisfaction
Rationale: Dependent variables in OB are the outcomes being explained or predicted, such as
job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. Independent variables are the
presumed causes, such as personality, leadership style, and work team structure.
5. What is the primary focus of the systematic study in organizational behavior?
A) Relying on intuition to explain behavior
B) Using evidence-based data to explain behavior
C) Ignoring cultural differences in behavior
D) Applying common sense to organizational issues
Correct Answer: B) Using evidence-based data to explain behavior
Rationale: The systematic study in OB means examining relationships and attempting to
attribute causes and effects based on scientific evidence. It supplements intuition and common
sense with data-driven analysis. Ignoring cultural differences contradicts the global perspective
of OB.
6. Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in organizational behavior research?
A) A proven fact
B) A tentative explanation of a relationship
C) A random guess
D) A final conclusion
Correct Answer: B) A tentative explanation of a relationship
Rationale: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation of the relationship between two or more
variables. It is testable and can be supported or refuted by evidence. It is not a proven fact,
random guess, or final conclusion.
,7. What is the difference between a correlation and causation in OB research?
A) Correlation implies causation
B) Causation implies correlation
C) They are the same thing
D) Neither is useful in research
Correct Answer: B) Causation implies correlation
Rationale: Correlation means two variables are related, but it does not prove that one causes
the other. Causation means one variable directly influences another, which implies there is also
a correlation. Correlation does not imply causation. Both are useful in research.
8. Which of the following is an example of a meta-analysis in organizational behavior?
A) A single case study of one company
B) A statistical combination of results from multiple studies
C) An opinion piece by an executive
D) A survey of one department
Correct Answer: B) A statistical combination of results from multiple studies
Rationale: A meta-analysis statistically combines the results of multiple studies to draw broader
conclusions. It is considered a high level of evidence. A single case study, opinion piece, or single-
department survey does not have the same breadth or statistical power.
9. What is the primary goal of evidence-based management (EBM)?
A) To rely solely on intuition
B) To make decisions based on the best available evidence
C) To ignore research findings
D) To follow tradition
Correct Answer: B) To make decisions based on the best available evidence
Rationale: Evidence-based management involves making organizational decisions based on the
best available scientific evidence, combined with professional expertise and stakeholder values.
It does not rely solely on intuition, ignore research, or follow tradition blindly.
10. Which of the following best describes a theory in organizational behavior?
A) A guess about behavior
B) A set of propositions that explains a phenomenon
, C) A single observation
D) A personal opinion
Correct Answer: B) A set of propositions that explains a phenomenon
Rationale: A theory is a collection of assertions (propositions) that specify how variables are
related and why. It provides a framework for understanding and predicting behavior. It is not a
mere guess, single observation, or personal opinion.
11. What is the difference between a formal organization and an informal organization?
A) Formal is written, informal is unwritten
B) Formal has no structure, informal has structure
C) Formal is temporary, informal is permanent
D) They are identical
Correct Answer: A) Formal is written, informal is unwritten
Rationale: A formal organization is defined by written rules, policies, and structures. An informal
organization consists of unwritten norms, relationships, and networks that emerge among
employees. Both exist simultaneously in most workplaces.
12. Which of the following is a key characteristic of the contingency approach in OB?
A) One best way to manage
B) No single best way to manage
C) Ignoring situational factors
D) Universal principles
Correct Answer: B) No single best way to manage
Rationale: The contingency approach argues that there is no single best way to manage; the
most effective approach depends on the situation. This contrasts with universalistic approaches
that seek one best way. Ignoring situational factors contradicts the contingency approach.
13. What is the primary focus of the open systems perspective in OB?
A) Internal processes only
B) Interaction with the external environment
C) Ignoring external influences
D) Focusing only on profits
Correct Answer: B) Interaction with the external environment
