WGU C715 Objective Assessment: Organizational
Behavior (Latest 2026/2027) – OA Prep, Practice
Test & Study Guide | Guaranteed Pass
SECTION 1 – INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR & MOTIVATION (Q1-20)
Q1 Which theory states that employees compare their input/outcome ratio to a referent
other?
A) Equity Theory
B) Expectancy Theory
C) Reinforcement Theory
D) McClelland’s Theory of Needs
Correct: A
Rationale: Adams’ Equity Theory (A) posits that individuals assess fairness by
comparing their input/outcome ratio to that of a referent other. Inequity creates tension
that motivates behavioral change. Expectancy (B) focuses on E→P→V linkages,
Reinforcement (C) on consequences, McClelland (D) on acquired needs.
Q2 Under Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which of the following is considered a
MOTIVATOR?
A) Company policy
,B) Salary
C) Achievement
D) Supervision
Correct: C
Rationale: Achievement (C) is a motivator factor that leads to satisfaction and
motivation. Company policy, salary, and supervision (A,B,D) are hygiene factors; their
absence causes dissatisfaction, but their presence does not motivate.
Q3 (Multiple Select – Choose 2) Which two outcomes are most directly related to high
job satisfaction according to meta-analytic OB research?
A) Higher organizational commitment
B) Reduced turnover intentions
C) Increased cognitive ability
D) Higher core self-evaluations
Correct: A, B
Rationale: Job satisfaction correlates most strongly with organizational commitment
(A) and lower turnover intentions (B). Cognitive ability (C) is a stable trait, not an
outcome of satisfaction, and core self-evaluations (D) are a dispositional predictor, not
a result.
Q4 (Drag and Drop) Match the Big Five personality trait to its description.
1. Conscientiousness
, 2. Agreeableness
3. Neuroticism
4. Openness to Experience
Descriptions:
A) Tendency to be responsible, organized, and dependable
B) Tendency to experience emotional instability and anxiety
C) Imagination, curiosity, and preference for variety
D) Tendency to be cooperative, compassionate, and good-natured
Correct Answer: 1-A, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C
Rationale: These are the standard definitions of the Big Five traits widely used in OB
research and assessment.
Q5 According to McClelland’s Theory of Needs, a person who consistently seeks
advancement to positions of influence and enjoys coaching others likely has a high
need for:
A) Achievement (nAch)
B) Affiliation (nAff)
C) Power (nPow)
D) Autonomy
Correct: C
Rationale: Need for Power (nPow) (C) is characterized by a desire to influence others,
seek advancement, and enjoy coaching/leading. Achievement (A) focuses on
, excellence standards, Affiliation (B) on relationships, and Autonomy is not one of
McClelland’s three needs.
Q6 In Expectancy Theory, the belief that “high performance will result in a specific
outcome” is termed:
A) Valence
B) Instrumentality
C) Expectancy
D) Equity
Correct: B
Rationale: Instrumentality (B) is the performance→outcome linkage. Expectancy =
effort→performance belief, Valence = value of outcome, Equity = fairness comparison.
Q7 (Multiple Select – Choose 2) Which two actions can a manager take to reduce an
employee’s feelings of inequity under Equity Theory?
A) Increase the employee’s outcomes (e.g., bonus)
B) Decrease the employee’s inputs (e.g., reduce workload)
C) Increase the referent other’s outcomes
D) Convince the employee that the referent is not relevant
Correct: A, B
Behavior (Latest 2026/2027) – OA Prep, Practice
Test & Study Guide | Guaranteed Pass
SECTION 1 – INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR & MOTIVATION (Q1-20)
Q1 Which theory states that employees compare their input/outcome ratio to a referent
other?
A) Equity Theory
B) Expectancy Theory
C) Reinforcement Theory
D) McClelland’s Theory of Needs
Correct: A
Rationale: Adams’ Equity Theory (A) posits that individuals assess fairness by
comparing their input/outcome ratio to that of a referent other. Inequity creates tension
that motivates behavioral change. Expectancy (B) focuses on E→P→V linkages,
Reinforcement (C) on consequences, McClelland (D) on acquired needs.
Q2 Under Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which of the following is considered a
MOTIVATOR?
A) Company policy
,B) Salary
C) Achievement
D) Supervision
Correct: C
Rationale: Achievement (C) is a motivator factor that leads to satisfaction and
motivation. Company policy, salary, and supervision (A,B,D) are hygiene factors; their
absence causes dissatisfaction, but their presence does not motivate.
Q3 (Multiple Select – Choose 2) Which two outcomes are most directly related to high
job satisfaction according to meta-analytic OB research?
A) Higher organizational commitment
B) Reduced turnover intentions
C) Increased cognitive ability
D) Higher core self-evaluations
Correct: A, B
Rationale: Job satisfaction correlates most strongly with organizational commitment
(A) and lower turnover intentions (B). Cognitive ability (C) is a stable trait, not an
outcome of satisfaction, and core self-evaluations (D) are a dispositional predictor, not
a result.
Q4 (Drag and Drop) Match the Big Five personality trait to its description.
1. Conscientiousness
, 2. Agreeableness
3. Neuroticism
4. Openness to Experience
Descriptions:
A) Tendency to be responsible, organized, and dependable
B) Tendency to experience emotional instability and anxiety
C) Imagination, curiosity, and preference for variety
D) Tendency to be cooperative, compassionate, and good-natured
Correct Answer: 1-A, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C
Rationale: These are the standard definitions of the Big Five traits widely used in OB
research and assessment.
Q5 According to McClelland’s Theory of Needs, a person who consistently seeks
advancement to positions of influence and enjoys coaching others likely has a high
need for:
A) Achievement (nAch)
B) Affiliation (nAff)
C) Power (nPow)
D) Autonomy
Correct: C
Rationale: Need for Power (nPow) (C) is characterized by a desire to influence others,
seek advancement, and enjoy coaching/leading. Achievement (A) focuses on
, excellence standards, Affiliation (B) on relationships, and Autonomy is not one of
McClelland’s three needs.
Q6 In Expectancy Theory, the belief that “high performance will result in a specific
outcome” is termed:
A) Valence
B) Instrumentality
C) Expectancy
D) Equity
Correct: B
Rationale: Instrumentality (B) is the performance→outcome linkage. Expectancy =
effort→performance belief, Valence = value of outcome, Equity = fairness comparison.
Q7 (Multiple Select – Choose 2) Which two actions can a manager take to reduce an
employee’s feelings of inequity under Equity Theory?
A) Increase the employee’s outcomes (e.g., bonus)
B) Decrease the employee’s inputs (e.g., reduce workload)
C) Increase the referent other’s outcomes
D) Convince the employee that the referent is not relevant
Correct: A, B
