MGMT 310 EXAM 2 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. The phrase "the idea that motivation depends on beliefs that effort can produce performance,
performance will lead to outcomes, and those outcomes are valued" most directly refers to which
concept?
A. Job characteristics model
B. Extrinsic motivation
C. Expectancy theory
D. Procedural justice
Correct Answer: C. Expectancy theory
Explanation: Expectancy theory refers to the idea that motivation depends on beliefs that effort can produce
performance, performance will lead to outcomes, and those outcomes are valued. That meaning matches the
description in the stem more closely than the other management concepts listed.
2. Which option correctly differentiates selection validity and retention management?
A. Selection validity and retention management are interchangeable terms for an interview in which
candidates receive standardized, job-related questions and are evaluated using consistent criteria.
B. Selection validity focuses on the extent to which a selection method meaningfully predicts or relates to
job performance or another relevant criterion, whereas retention management focuses on systematic
efforts to understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued employees.
C. Selection validity focuses on systematic efforts to understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued
employees, whereas retention management focuses on the extent to which a selection method
meaningfully predicts or relates to job performance or another relevant criterion.
D. Both concepts primarily focus on attracting a qualified pool of applicants for an available position.
Correct Answer: B. Selection validity focuses on the extent to which a selection method meaningfully
predicts or relates to job performance or another relevant criterion, whereas retention management focuses
on systematic efforts to understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued employees.
Explanation: Selection validity concerns the extent to which a selection method meaningfully predicts or
relates to job performance or another relevant criterion; retention management concerns systematic efforts to
understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued employees. The correct option preserves that distinction
instead of reversing or conflating the two concepts.
, 3. Which response would best address the following situation at Elm Ridge Bank: two employees
contribute similar effort and results but one discovers a large unexplained reward difference?
A. Examine whether rewards and workload are fair, explain legitimate differences, and correct unjustified
disparities
B. Provide appropriate choice, mastery opportunities, and meaningful connection with others and the work
C. Expand meaningful responsibility, decision authority, and complete work ownership rather than merely
adding more similar tasks
D. Set a specific, challenging but attainable target and provide timely performance feedback
Correct Answer: A. Examine whether rewards and workload are fair, explain legitimate differences, and
correct unjustified disparities
Explanation: The best action is to examine whether rewards and workload are fair, explain legitimate
differences, and correct unjustified disparities. That response applies equity theory, which refers to the idea
that people compare their input-outcome ratio with relevant others and react to perceived unfairness, and
therefore addresses the underlying problem more directly than the alternatives.
4. A manager is reviewing chain of command and organic structure. Which distinction is accurate?
A. Chain of command focuses on a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral
communication suited to changing conditions, whereas organic structure focuses on the formal line of
authority that clarifies who reports to whom.
B. Both concepts primarily focus on a design in which employees typically report along two dimensions,
such as function and product or project.
C. Chain of command and organic structure are interchangeable terms for the number of direct reports for
whom a manager is responsible.
D. Chain of command focuses on the formal line of authority that clarifies who reports to whom, whereas
organic structure focuses on a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral communication
suited to changing conditions.
Correct Answer: D. Chain of command focuses on the formal line of authority that clarifies who reports to
whom, whereas organic structure focuses on a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral
communication suited to changing conditions.
Explanation: Chain of command concerns the formal line of authority that clarifies who reports to whom;
organic structure concerns a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral communication suited
to changing conditions. The correct option preserves that distinction instead of reversing or conflating the
two concepts.
5. Which term best matches this description: an interview in which candidates receive standardized,
job-related questions and are evaluated using consistent criteria?
A. Behaviorally specific feedback
B. Selection validity
C. Structured interview
D. Realistic job preview
Correct Answer: C. Structured interview
Explanation: Structured interview refers to an interview in which candidates receive standardized,
job-related questions and are evaluated using consistent criteria. That meaning matches the description in the
stem more closely than the other management concepts listed.
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. The phrase "the idea that motivation depends on beliefs that effort can produce performance,
performance will lead to outcomes, and those outcomes are valued" most directly refers to which
concept?
A. Job characteristics model
B. Extrinsic motivation
C. Expectancy theory
D. Procedural justice
Correct Answer: C. Expectancy theory
Explanation: Expectancy theory refers to the idea that motivation depends on beliefs that effort can produce
performance, performance will lead to outcomes, and those outcomes are valued. That meaning matches the
description in the stem more closely than the other management concepts listed.
2. Which option correctly differentiates selection validity and retention management?
A. Selection validity and retention management are interchangeable terms for an interview in which
candidates receive standardized, job-related questions and are evaluated using consistent criteria.
B. Selection validity focuses on the extent to which a selection method meaningfully predicts or relates to
job performance or another relevant criterion, whereas retention management focuses on systematic
efforts to understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued employees.
C. Selection validity focuses on systematic efforts to understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued
employees, whereas retention management focuses on the extent to which a selection method
meaningfully predicts or relates to job performance or another relevant criterion.
D. Both concepts primarily focus on attracting a qualified pool of applicants for an available position.
Correct Answer: B. Selection validity focuses on the extent to which a selection method meaningfully
predicts or relates to job performance or another relevant criterion, whereas retention management focuses
on systematic efforts to understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued employees.
Explanation: Selection validity concerns the extent to which a selection method meaningfully predicts or
relates to job performance or another relevant criterion; retention management concerns systematic efforts to
understand and reduce avoidable loss of valued employees. The correct option preserves that distinction
instead of reversing or conflating the two concepts.
, 3. Which response would best address the following situation at Elm Ridge Bank: two employees
contribute similar effort and results but one discovers a large unexplained reward difference?
A. Examine whether rewards and workload are fair, explain legitimate differences, and correct unjustified
disparities
B. Provide appropriate choice, mastery opportunities, and meaningful connection with others and the work
C. Expand meaningful responsibility, decision authority, and complete work ownership rather than merely
adding more similar tasks
D. Set a specific, challenging but attainable target and provide timely performance feedback
Correct Answer: A. Examine whether rewards and workload are fair, explain legitimate differences, and
correct unjustified disparities
Explanation: The best action is to examine whether rewards and workload are fair, explain legitimate
differences, and correct unjustified disparities. That response applies equity theory, which refers to the idea
that people compare their input-outcome ratio with relevant others and react to perceived unfairness, and
therefore addresses the underlying problem more directly than the alternatives.
4. A manager is reviewing chain of command and organic structure. Which distinction is accurate?
A. Chain of command focuses on a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral
communication suited to changing conditions, whereas organic structure focuses on the formal line of
authority that clarifies who reports to whom.
B. Both concepts primarily focus on a design in which employees typically report along two dimensions,
such as function and product or project.
C. Chain of command and organic structure are interchangeable terms for the number of direct reports for
whom a manager is responsible.
D. Chain of command focuses on the formal line of authority that clarifies who reports to whom, whereas
organic structure focuses on a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral communication
suited to changing conditions.
Correct Answer: D. Chain of command focuses on the formal line of authority that clarifies who reports to
whom, whereas organic structure focuses on a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral
communication suited to changing conditions.
Explanation: Chain of command concerns the formal line of authority that clarifies who reports to whom;
organic structure concerns a flexible, decentralized design with broad roles and lateral communication suited
to changing conditions. The correct option preserves that distinction instead of reversing or conflating the
two concepts.
5. Which term best matches this description: an interview in which candidates receive standardized,
job-related questions and are evaluated using consistent criteria?
A. Behaviorally specific feedback
B. Selection validity
C. Structured interview
D. Realistic job preview
Correct Answer: C. Structured interview
Explanation: Structured interview refers to an interview in which candidates receive standardized,
job-related questions and are evaluated using consistent criteria. That meaning matches the description in the
stem more closely than the other management concepts listed.
