Question

Scenario: Paul has been tasked with purchasing a new accounting software for the firm. He has his choices narrowed to two options, but the products are so much alike that he cannot decide. He called consulted three colleagues that he knows from the National Accounting Association for advice. After talking with his friends, Paul is ready to make his purchase.
Did Paul demonstrate characteristics of effective problem-solving and decision making? Select all that apply.

Select one or more:

a. Yes, Paul put aside personal feelings, bias, and prejudice

b. Yes, Paul gathered all the information

c. Yes, Paul analyzed the information

d. Yes, Paul accepted input from others

e. No, Paul was indecisive

Question text

Scenario: Jennifer has plans to go hear a band with two friends. An hour before she was to meet her friends, Andy, a male friend that Jennifer has a crush on called and invited her out for the evening. Jennifer knows her friends are expecting her and they will be upset if she cancels, but Andy is so handsome, and she has been wanting to go out with him for a long time. Her friends will get over it. She calls her friends and tells them she is not feeling well and can't make it through the concert. She meets Andy for dinner.
Did Jennifer demonstrate characteristics of effective problem-solving and decision making? Select all that apply.

Select one:

a. Yes, Jennifer aside personal feelings, bias, and prejudice

b. Yes, Jennifer considered all the possible solutions

c. Yes, Jennifer was accountable for the decision

d. No, Jennifer was self-serving

e. No, Jennifer was indecisive

Scenario: Helen has been tasked with negotiating a new contract with the office's internet carrier. She contacted three internet providers, gathered bids, researched reviews, and did a comparison chart. She decided to sign with a new internet provider.
Did Helen demonstrate characteristics of effective problem-solving and decision making? Select all that apply.

Select one or more:

a. Yes, Helen was able to remain neutral

b. Yes, Helen gathered all the information

c. Yes, Helen analyzed the information

d. Yes, Helen considered all the possible solutions

e. No, Helen was emotionally attached

Question text

Identify and Define Problems. Amanda has a co-worker, Sherry, who is vocal about political opinions. Amanda does not agree with Sherry's views. Amanda likes Sherry but some of her recent comments have upset Amanda and made her feel uncomfortable. Amanda puts her energy into telling their co-workers about Sherry's annoying comments. The gossip has gotten back to the boss, Mel. Mel agrees with Sherry's political views. Mel gave Amanda a written reprimand for violating the company's zero tolerance policy. Mel cited that Amanda was bullying Sherry because she was mocking her political views.
Is the problem in the scenario a work-place problem or is it a personal problem between friends?

Select one:

a. It is a personal problem, Amanda and Sherry are friends.

b. It is a personal problem, Amanda and Sherry are friends and the political conversations are of personal content and do not involve talk about work.

c. It is a work problem because Amanda's gossiping is distracting employees from completing their daily tasks.

d. It is a work problem because an employee feels uncomfortable in the workplace and Amanda's gossip is toxic to the work climate.

Answer 1

Scenario: 1 - Answer:

a. Yes, Paul put aside personal feelings, bias, and prejudice

b. Yes, Paul gathered all the information

c. Yes, Paul analyzed the information

d. Yes, Paul accepted input from others

Paul demonstrated the characteristics of effective problem-solving and decision making, because a problem-solving and decision making can only be done through reviewing the problem, gathering informations, and analyzing the input effectively. In this case, Paul's response and decision making style is very effective.

Scenario: 2 Answer:

d. No, Jennifer was self-serving

e. No, Jennifer was indecisive

Jennifer could not demonstrate the characteristics of effective problem solving and decision making. She put her personal interest and bias into the case. She was not accountable to the decision. She didn't even try to make a sincere reason to take the decision and didn't considered other possible solutions.

Scenario: 3 Answer:

a. Yes, Helen was able to remain neutral

b. Yes, Helen gathered all the information

c. Yes, Helen analyzed the information

Helen could demonstrated the characteristics of effective problem-solving and decision making. Even though while selecting the 3 internet providers, she doesn't seemed as a rationale decision maker.But, she choosed a better one after analyzing the informations gathered. She could remained neutral and she was not emotionally attached.

Scenario: 4 Answer:

d. It is a work problem because an employee feels uncomfortable in the workplace and Amanda's gossip is toxic to the work climate.

The case may be considered as a work-place problem because the origin of the issue is work-place. Gossips are toxic to the office and that should be kept out of the work-place. Gossips will make disturbance to the other employees and distract them from work. The higher authority should stand neutral while admonishing the sinner. Here the boss conveyed a partiality while making her decision of giving reprimend to Amanda. Sherry also deserves the reprimend as the office is not the place for making her political and personal views.