MSN NA – NSG 557 Organizational Dynamics &
Systems Thinking
Complete Final Exam (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Scenario: A hospital undergoing a major restructuring seeks
to break down long-standing silos and improve interdepartmental
communication. The nurse administrator proposes a redesign of
the organizational structure. Which model most effectively
promotes collaborative decision-making and cross-functional
integration?
Options:
A) A rigid, hierarchical structure
B) A matrix organizational structure
C) A vertically decentralized assembly line
D) A functionally isolated departmental model
ANS: B) A matrix organizational structure
©2025
, Rationale: A matrix structure allows for shared decision-
making and team-based collaboration across functional areas.
This design supports systems thinking by highlighting
interdependencies while encouraging communication and
problem solving among departments.
2. Scenario: In addressing recurring operational challenges, a
nurse administrator uses a tool that visually maps the feedback
loops and delays between various organizational components.
Which tool is being used?
Options:
A) SWOT analysis
B) Gantt chart
C) Causal loop diagram
D) Pareto chart
ANS: C) Causal loop diagram
Rationale: A causal loop diagram is a key systems thinking
tool that identifies feedback loops (both reinforcing and
balancing), delays, and the causal relationships between variables
within an organization.
3. Scenario: A nurse administrator observes persistent high
turnover rates in a busy hospital. The investigation reveals that
departments operate in silos, limiting collaboration and
contributing to staff dissatisfaction. Which term best describes
this phenomenon?
©2025
, Options:
A) Organizational inertia
B) Silo mentality
C) Vertical integration
D) System redundancy
ANS: B) Silo mentality
Rationale: A silo mentality occurs when departments or
teams function independently with little communication or
collaboration with others, resulting in inefficiencies and decreased
employee engagement.
4. Scenario: Despite implementing several cost‐cutting
measures, a healthcare organization continues to experience
budget deficits. This pattern—where quick fixes fail to address
deeper issues—is most consistent with which systems archetype?
Options:
A) Shifting the burden
B) Fixes that fail
C) Limits to growth
D) Success to the successful
ANS: B) Fixes that fail
Rationale: The “fixes that fail” archetype describes situations
in which short-term remedies temporarily alleviate a problem but
©2025
, inadvertently worsen it over time, a common scenario when
underlying systemic issues are not addressed.
5. Scenario: A nurse administrator implements an integrated
performance dashboard that consolidates feedback and metrics
from various departments. This tool supports what key systems
thinking concept?
Options:
A) Data isolation
B) Systems integration
C) Hierarchical oversight
D) Decentralized autonomy
ANS: B) Systems integration
Rationale: Systems integration involves bringing together
disparate data and processes to provide a comprehensive view of
organizational performance. This approach enhances decision
making by revealing interdependencies and feedback loops within
the system.
6. Scenario: To determine the root causes of chronic delays in
patient admissions, a nurse administrator organizes a workshop
and employs a diagnostic tool that categorizes contributing factors
such as process issues, communication gaps, and resource
constraints. Which tool best fits this description?
Options:
©2025
Systems Thinking
Complete Final Exam (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Scenario: A hospital undergoing a major restructuring seeks
to break down long-standing silos and improve interdepartmental
communication. The nurse administrator proposes a redesign of
the organizational structure. Which model most effectively
promotes collaborative decision-making and cross-functional
integration?
Options:
A) A rigid, hierarchical structure
B) A matrix organizational structure
C) A vertically decentralized assembly line
D) A functionally isolated departmental model
ANS: B) A matrix organizational structure
©2025
, Rationale: A matrix structure allows for shared decision-
making and team-based collaboration across functional areas.
This design supports systems thinking by highlighting
interdependencies while encouraging communication and
problem solving among departments.
2. Scenario: In addressing recurring operational challenges, a
nurse administrator uses a tool that visually maps the feedback
loops and delays between various organizational components.
Which tool is being used?
Options:
A) SWOT analysis
B) Gantt chart
C) Causal loop diagram
D) Pareto chart
ANS: C) Causal loop diagram
Rationale: A causal loop diagram is a key systems thinking
tool that identifies feedback loops (both reinforcing and
balancing), delays, and the causal relationships between variables
within an organization.
3. Scenario: A nurse administrator observes persistent high
turnover rates in a busy hospital. The investigation reveals that
departments operate in silos, limiting collaboration and
contributing to staff dissatisfaction. Which term best describes
this phenomenon?
©2025
, Options:
A) Organizational inertia
B) Silo mentality
C) Vertical integration
D) System redundancy
ANS: B) Silo mentality
Rationale: A silo mentality occurs when departments or
teams function independently with little communication or
collaboration with others, resulting in inefficiencies and decreased
employee engagement.
4. Scenario: Despite implementing several cost‐cutting
measures, a healthcare organization continues to experience
budget deficits. This pattern—where quick fixes fail to address
deeper issues—is most consistent with which systems archetype?
Options:
A) Shifting the burden
B) Fixes that fail
C) Limits to growth
D) Success to the successful
ANS: B) Fixes that fail
Rationale: The “fixes that fail” archetype describes situations
in which short-term remedies temporarily alleviate a problem but
©2025
, inadvertently worsen it over time, a common scenario when
underlying systemic issues are not addressed.
5. Scenario: A nurse administrator implements an integrated
performance dashboard that consolidates feedback and metrics
from various departments. This tool supports what key systems
thinking concept?
Options:
A) Data isolation
B) Systems integration
C) Hierarchical oversight
D) Decentralized autonomy
ANS: B) Systems integration
Rationale: Systems integration involves bringing together
disparate data and processes to provide a comprehensive view of
organizational performance. This approach enhances decision
making by revealing interdependencies and feedback loops within
the system.
6. Scenario: To determine the root causes of chronic delays in
patient admissions, a nurse administrator organizes a workshop
and employs a diagnostic tool that categorizes contributing factors
such as process issues, communication gaps, and resource
constraints. Which tool best fits this description?
Options:
©2025
