Decision Making Quiz :Managing Social and Human Capital (Business Foundations Specialization) Answers 2026

Question 1

What profound lesson can be learned from Cisco’s CEO John Chambers about good and timely decision making?

✅ Decision-making processes are not always rational and analytical as we tend to think
❌ Seeking external advice is crucial for good and timely decision making
❌ None of the other options are correct
❌ A manager needs to independently decide crucial organizational decisions

Explanation:
John Chambers emphasized that real-life managerial decisions are often intuitive and time-pressured, not purely rational or analytical.

Question 2

According to the Stanford University study, one salient factor distinguishing fast vs. slow organizations in decision making is:

❌ Not spending enough time on establishing alternatives
❌ Gathering narrow information
✅ Seeking the advice of an outside, experienced counselor
❌ Focusing on planning

Explanation:
Fast decision-making organizations consult experienced outsiders who provide perspective without slowing the process.

Question 3

According to the U.S. Marine Corps doctrine, the key element to good and timely decision making is:

❌ First-time mistakes are tolerated
❌ Reaching 70% solution, not 100% consensus
❌ Indecisiveness is a fatal flaw
✅ All of the options are correct

Explanation:
The Marine Corps doctrine stresses speed, tolerance for mistakes, and avoiding paralysis by over-analysis.

Question 4

Which key element of good decision making is illustrated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) case?

❌ Seeking a 70% solution, not a 100% consensus
✅ The crucial role of experienced, outside counselors’ advice
❌ Indecisiveness is a fatal flaw
❌ First-time mistakes are tolerated

Explanation:
The JPL case highlights the value of external expert review in preventing costly decision errors.

Question 5

According to research, what factor increases the potential for sub-optimal decision making?

❌ High optimism
❌ High confidence
❌ Seeking confirming evidence
✅ All of the options are correct

Explanation:
Optimism bias, overconfidence, and confirmation bias all contribute to poor decision outcomes.

Question 6

To minimize sub-optimal decision making, it is recommended to:

❌ Narrow collection of information to maintain focus
❌ Seek confirming evidence
✅ Seek conflicting data
❌ Rely on early information in inexperienced areas

Explanation:
Seeking disconfirming or conflicting data reduces bias and improves decision quality.

Question 7

What key lesson can managers learn from the Mann Gulch Fire case about behavior under stress?

✅ Continuously share and explain your decision making
❌ Do not express hesitation in front of subordinates
❌ Make decisions independently
❌ Continuously seek other suggestions and opinions

Explanation:
Clear and continuous communication is critical for leadership effectiveness during crises.

Question 8

According to research, a cohesive team performs better:

❌ In any organizational situation
❌ Under stress conditions, only
❌ In normal organizational situations, only
✅ None of the other options are correct

Explanation:
Cohesive teams are not universally better; their effectiveness depends on context, task, and leadership.

Question 9

What is the key recommendation for managers to reach good and timely decisions?

❌ Empower others to make decisions
❌ Build a cohesive team
❌ Develop allies and build credibility
✅ All of the other options are correct

Explanation:
Effective decision-making requires delegation, trust, teamwork, and credibility.

Question 10

What key lesson can be taken from the jewelry store exercise about decision making?

❌ A collective decision is more accurate than an individual one
❌ Broad knowledge always generates accurate decision-making
✅ Time pressure narrows the accuracy of decision-making
❌ An individual decision is more accurate than a collective one

Explanation:
The exercise demonstrates how time pressure reduces information processing, leading to poorer decisions.

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