Organizational Behavior Exam Questions
2026/2027 | 95 Power, Culture, Leadership &
Change Management Test Bank with
Answers
Description:
Master OB with 95 exam questions on power bases, influence tactics, organizational culture,
Lewin's change model & remote work trends. Complete answer key & explanations included.
Download the ultimate 2026/2027 test bank now and ace your exam!
,OB Exam Bank 2026/2027: 95 Power, Culture & Change Questions
SECTION A: POWER AND INFLUENCE IN ORGANIZATIONS
Topic 1: Foundations of Power
Question 1
Which of the following best defines power in an organizational context?
A. The formal authority granted by an organizational position
B. The capacity to influence the behavior of another person
C. The ability to reward or punish subordinates
D. The expertise and knowledge possessed by an individual
Answer: B
Explanation: Power is fundamentally defined as the capacity to influence the behavior of
another person. This definition encompasses both formal and informal sources of influence and
recognizes that power may exist independently of its actual use. While options A, C, and D
describe specific sources or manifestations of power, they represent only subsets of the broader
concept of power as influence capacity.
Question 2
The most important aspect of power is that:
A. It must be exercised to be meaningful
B. It is a function of dependence
C. It requires formal organizational authority
D. It always leads to positive outcomes
Answer: B
Explanation: The dependence relationship is central to understanding power dynamics. When
one party controls resources that another party desires, the dependent party becomes subject to
,the power holder's influence. This fundamental principle explains why power exists even in the
absence of formal authority and why power relationships can exist at all organizational levels.
Question 3
According to contemporary organizational behavior research, which statement about power is
most accurate?
A. Power is always accompanied by formal authority
B. Power can exist but remain unused
C. Power only manifests through coercive means
D. Power and authority are synonymous concepts
Answer: B
Explanation: A critical distinction in power dynamics is that power may exist as potential
influence without being exercised. This latent power can shape behavior through anticipation and
perceived threat of use. Recognizing this aspect of power helps explain organizational behavior
where individuals modify their actions based on perceived power differentials even when no
explicit influence attempts occur.
Topic 2: Bases of Power
Question 4
Which of the following is classified as a formal power base?
A. Expert power
B. Referent power
C. Coercive power
D. Personal power
Answer: C
Explanation: Coercive power is one of the three formal power bases, alongside reward power
and legitimate power. These bases derive from an individual's organizational position rather than
personal characteristics. Coercive power specifically involves the ability to force compliance
, through threats or punishment. Expert and referent powers are classified as personal power bases
because they derive from individual attributes.
Question 5
A manager who withholds a scheduled pay increase due to poor performance is exercising which
type of power?
A. Coercive power
B. Reward power
C. Legitimate power
D. Expert power
Answer: A
Explanation: While this scenario involves a financial consequence, it represents coercive power
because the action involves punishment or threat of punishment. Coercive power operates
through fear of negative consequences, whereas reward power operates through the provision of
positive outcomes. The withholding of an expected benefit functions as a punitive measure rather
than an incentive.
Question 6
Legitimate power derives from:
A. An individual's expertise and knowledge
B. Interpersonal attraction and admiration
C. Formal authority to control organizational resources
D. The ability to provide benefits to others
Answer: C
Explanation: Legitimate power stems from formal organizational authority and the position one
holds within the organizational hierarchy. This power base enables individuals to control
resources, make decisions, and direct others based on their recognized position. Unlike expert or
referent power, legitimate power exists independently of personal characteristics and is granted
by organizational structures.
2026/2027 | 95 Power, Culture, Leadership &
Change Management Test Bank with
Answers
Description:
Master OB with 95 exam questions on power bases, influence tactics, organizational culture,
Lewin's change model & remote work trends. Complete answer key & explanations included.
Download the ultimate 2026/2027 test bank now and ace your exam!
,OB Exam Bank 2026/2027: 95 Power, Culture & Change Questions
SECTION A: POWER AND INFLUENCE IN ORGANIZATIONS
Topic 1: Foundations of Power
Question 1
Which of the following best defines power in an organizational context?
A. The formal authority granted by an organizational position
B. The capacity to influence the behavior of another person
C. The ability to reward or punish subordinates
D. The expertise and knowledge possessed by an individual
Answer: B
Explanation: Power is fundamentally defined as the capacity to influence the behavior of
another person. This definition encompasses both formal and informal sources of influence and
recognizes that power may exist independently of its actual use. While options A, C, and D
describe specific sources or manifestations of power, they represent only subsets of the broader
concept of power as influence capacity.
Question 2
The most important aspect of power is that:
A. It must be exercised to be meaningful
B. It is a function of dependence
C. It requires formal organizational authority
D. It always leads to positive outcomes
Answer: B
Explanation: The dependence relationship is central to understanding power dynamics. When
one party controls resources that another party desires, the dependent party becomes subject to
,the power holder's influence. This fundamental principle explains why power exists even in the
absence of formal authority and why power relationships can exist at all organizational levels.
Question 3
According to contemporary organizational behavior research, which statement about power is
most accurate?
A. Power is always accompanied by formal authority
B. Power can exist but remain unused
C. Power only manifests through coercive means
D. Power and authority are synonymous concepts
Answer: B
Explanation: A critical distinction in power dynamics is that power may exist as potential
influence without being exercised. This latent power can shape behavior through anticipation and
perceived threat of use. Recognizing this aspect of power helps explain organizational behavior
where individuals modify their actions based on perceived power differentials even when no
explicit influence attempts occur.
Topic 2: Bases of Power
Question 4
Which of the following is classified as a formal power base?
A. Expert power
B. Referent power
C. Coercive power
D. Personal power
Answer: C
Explanation: Coercive power is one of the three formal power bases, alongside reward power
and legitimate power. These bases derive from an individual's organizational position rather than
personal characteristics. Coercive power specifically involves the ability to force compliance
, through threats or punishment. Expert and referent powers are classified as personal power bases
because they derive from individual attributes.
Question 5
A manager who withholds a scheduled pay increase due to poor performance is exercising which
type of power?
A. Coercive power
B. Reward power
C. Legitimate power
D. Expert power
Answer: A
Explanation: While this scenario involves a financial consequence, it represents coercive power
because the action involves punishment or threat of punishment. Coercive power operates
through fear of negative consequences, whereas reward power operates through the provision of
positive outcomes. The withholding of an expected benefit functions as a punitive measure rather
than an incentive.
Question 6
Legitimate power derives from:
A. An individual's expertise and knowledge
B. Interpersonal attraction and admiration
C. Formal authority to control organizational resources
D. The ability to provide benefits to others
Answer: C
Explanation: Legitimate power stems from formal organizational authority and the position one
holds within the organizational hierarchy. This power base enables individuals to control
resources, make decisions, and direct others based on their recognized position. Unlike expert or
referent power, legitimate power exists independently of personal characteristics and is granted
by organizational structures.
