Chapter 16: Systems and Sustainability

Test Bank

Multiple Choice

1. Sustainable, effective leadership is less about having the answers, and much more about a leader’s ability to ______.

A. articulate a vision

B. build a financially sound business model

C. develop a charismatic persona

D. see wider, deeper, and into the future

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Introduction

Difficulty Level: Medium

2. It is more likely that ______ will lead to a sustainable organization versus ______.

A. a system of interventions; a single solution

B. long-term consistent leadership; a succession of leaders

C. traditional organizational structures; egalitarian structures

D. centralized structures; a learning organization

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Introduction

Difficulty Level: Medium

3. A(n) ______ comprises a group of interconnected, interdependent parts that make up a complex whole.

A. person

B. system

C. organization

D. dyad

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Systems and Systems Thinking

Difficulty Level: Easy

4. ______ is a habit of mind (disposition) used to examine and understand the connections and interactions between individual parts making up a complex whole.

A. Convergent thinking

B. Dialectical thinking

C. Systems thinking

D. Divergent thinking

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Systems and Systems Thinking

Difficulty Level: Easy

5. Only seeing or addressing ______ can lead to unintended consequences or failed efforts.

A. the parts of a problem

B. the vision

C. the organizational culture

D. problems

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Systems and Systems Thinking

Difficulty Level: Medium

6. Solutions that often tackle a symptom of the problem versus the root cause(s) is characteristic of an archetype of systems thinking called ______.

A. Fixes That Fail

B. Limits to Growth.

C. Drifting Goals

D. Escalation

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Systems and Systems Thinking

Difficulty Level: Medium

7. When resource constraints eventually limit progress, quality, and service, you have likely encountered the systems thinking archetype called ______.

A. Fixes That Fail

B. Escalation

C. Drifting Goals

D. Limits to Growth

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Systems and Systems Thinking

Difficulty Level: Medium

8. A ______ is one in which “people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to see the whole together.”

A. powerful organization

B. learning organization

C. dominant organization

D. thoughtful organization

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Easy

9. Which of the following is not one of Senge’s five disciplines for developing a learning organization?

A. integrated strategy

B. personal mastery

C. mental models

D. systems thinking

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Medium

10. Senge defines ______ as living in a state of continuous learning, exploration, and sensemaking.

A. mental models

B. personal mastery

C. building a shared vision

D. team learning

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Easy

11. Senge defines ______ as exploring (and at times challenging) the assumptions, biases, generalization, and mental pictures that shape and inform our world.

A. mental models

B. personal mastery

C. building a shared vision

D. team learning

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Easy

12. Senge defines ______ as unleashing energy in others to work above and beyond toward a desired future.

A. mental models

B. personal mastery

C. building a shared vision

D. team learning

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Easy

13. Senge defines ______ as a habit of dialogue that fostered an environment where individuals are engaged in shared learning and collective meaning making.

A. mental models

B. personal mastery

C. building a shared vision

D. team learning

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Easy

14. An organization that facilitates regular opportunities for its constituents to engage in learning, reflection, and play would be said to be engaging in which of Senge’s five disciplines for creating a learning organization?

A. mental models

B. systems thinking

C. team learning

D. personal mastery

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Medium

15. An organization that encourages its constituents to regularly challenge “the way we do things around here” would be said to be engaging in which of Senge’s five disciplines for creating a learning organization?

A. mental models

B. systems thinking

C. team learning

D. personal mastery

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Medium

16. A supervisor that looks for ways in which employees may be able to work above and beyond normal performance toward a desired future would be said to be engaging in which of Senge’s five disciplines for creating a learning organization?

A. building shared vision

B. systems thinking

C. team learning

D. personal mastery

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Medium

17. An organization that develops a habit of learning and growing together would be said to be engaging in which of Senge’s five disciplines for creating a learning organization?

A. building shared vision

B. systems thinking

C. team learning

D. personal mastery

Learning Objective: 16.1: Explore how systems thinking is critical to the success of leaders.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: The Learning Organization

Difficulty Level: Medium

18. Developing ______ is a method of developing your systems thinking because it enables you to better see the whole system.

A. a concept map

B. a cognitive map

C. self-monitoring

D. authentic leadership

Learning Objective: 16.2: Identify systems thinking as a key part of a learning organization.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Chapter Summary

Difficulty Level: Medium

19. ______ is defined as the ability to endure, specifically the process of using the resources of the present to ensure success in the future.

A. Achievement

B. Realization

C. Attainment

D. Sustainability

Learning Objective: 16.3: Summarize the concept of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Design for Sustainability

Difficulty Level: Medium

20. Creating a sustainable culture means ______.

A. prioritizing long-term economic health of the organization

B. maintaining what is good and healthy about organizational culture

C. maintaining a small carbon footprint

D. prioritizing environmental sustainability

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: The Sustainable Culture

Difficulty Level: Medium

21. One definition of ______ is the degree to which organizations can minimize their impact on the environment.

A. biomimicry

B. adaptive cycles

C. environmental sustainability

D. large-scale change

Learning Objective: 16.3: Summarize the concept of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: The Sustainable Culture

Difficulty Level: Easy

22. ______ means creating a culture where people with different values, viewpoints, knowledge, and life experiences can search for solutions, discuss ideas, and passionately explore new directions.

A. Creative agility

B. Creative conflict

C. Creative resolution

D. Creative abrasion

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustaining Creativity and Innovation

Difficulty Level: Medium

23. When you have developed shared norms that the team or organization is committed to living, this means that you have achieved a degree of ______.

A. ethical sustainability

B. group excellence

C. group vision

D. strategic direction

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Ethical Sustainability

Difficulty Level: Easy

24. Which of the following is not one of the five key steps to installing a winning culture?

A. manage the drivers of culture

B. create independent teams

C. focus on results and build accountability

D. communicate and celebrate

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Easy

25. Asking yourself “What aspects of the culture are healthy, core to the business, and critical drivers?” is an example of which of the following steps to instilling a winning culture?

A. focus on results and build accountability

B. perform a culture audit and set new expectations

C. align the team

D. manage the drivers of culture

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Medium

26. Asking yourself “Is the senior team aligned with the vision and ready to adjust systems, old habits, and build enthusiasm?” is an example of which of the following steps to instilling a winning culture?

A. focus on results and build accountability

B. perform a culture audit and set new expectations

C. align the team

D. manage the drivers of culture

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Medium

27. Asking yourself “Are key metrics clear, aligned and is everyone driving toward the same vision?” is an example of which of the following steps to instilling a winning culture?

A. focus on results and build accountability

B. communicate and celebrate

C. align the team

D. manage the drivers of culture

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Medium

28. Asking yourself “Are systems such as hiring, training, performance management, and incentives/rewards aligned with objectives?” is an example of which of the following steps to instilling a winning culture?

A. focus on results and build accountability

B. communicate and celebrate

C. align the team

D. manage the drivers of culture

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Medium

29. Asking yourself “Are organizational leaders communicating progress and celebrating wins?” is an example of which of the following steps to instilling a winning culture?

A. focus on results and build accountability

B. communicate and celebrate

C. align the team

D. manage the drivers of culture

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Medium

30. ______ means the mental state of being in the present and in tune with all that is happening in your immediate environment.

A. Mindfulness

B. Self-monitoring

C. Circumspection

D. Diligence

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustainable Personal Growth and Development

Difficulty Level: Easy

31. ______ means the act of observing your actions--the good, the bad, and the ugly.

A. Circumspection

B. Self-monitoring

C. Mindfulness

D. Reflection

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustainable Personal Growth and Development

Difficulty Level: Easy

32. ______ is the mental act of considering and modifying information and understanding, often replaying interactions to understand your behavior and the behavior of others.

A. Reflection

B. Mindfulness

C. Diligence

D. Self-monitoring

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustainable Personal Growth and Development

Difficulty Level: Easy

33. Building the habit of maintaining a diary, reflecting on your behavior and thinking throughout the day, is an example of which method of sustainable personal growth and development?

A. self-monitoring

B. mindfulness

C. reflection

D. circumspection

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Sustainable Personal Growth and Development

Difficulty Level: Medium

34. Actively attending to your emotions, energy level, motivations, and self-talk is an example of which method of sustainable personal growth and development?

A. self-monitoring

B. mindfulness

C. reflection

D. circumspection

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Sustainable Personal Growth and Development

Difficulty Level: Medium

35. Actively attending to the nonverbal communication of others and noticing what is not being said is an example of which method of sustainable personal growth and development?

A. self-monitoring

B. mindfulness

C. reflection

D. circumspection

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Sustainable Personal Growth and Development

Difficulty Level: Medium

36. ______ is your unique, ethical, and honest way to help the work of the group move forward.

A. Transformative leadership

B. Charismatic leadership

C. Authentic leadership

D. Natural leadership

Learning Objective: 16.5: Personalize the concept of authentic leadership.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustainable Leadership--Authentic Leadership

Difficulty Level: Easy

37. Having an awareness of ______ means being mindful of mental models and dispositions.

A. ethos

B. attitudes

C. emotions

D. default mindsets

Learning Objective: 16.5: Personalize the concept of authentic leadership.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustainable Leadership--Authentic Leadership

Difficulty Level: Easy

38. A for-profit company that decides to donate 10% of all profits to reforestation initiatives is an example of what type of corporate approach to environmental sustainability?

A. commitment

B. compliance

C. core

D. congruence

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Environmental Sustainability

Difficulty Level: Medium

Essay

1. List four of the seven facets of sustainability.

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Design for Sustainability

Difficulty Level: Easy

2. Name three of the steps toward building sustainable results.

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Sustainable Results

Difficulty Level: Medium

3. Organizations tend to take three distinct approaches to environmental sustainability. What are they?

Learning Objective: 16.4: Describe several dimensions of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Environmental Sustainability

Difficulty Level: Medium

4. Name three capabilities your organization needs to sustain innovation.

Learning Objective: 16.3: Summarize the concept of sustainability.

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Sustaining Creativity and Innovation

Difficulty Level: Medium