Hierarchy
The flow of authority within an organization is formally known as the
a. power unit. c. pyramid scheme.
b. chain of command. d. employee chart.
b. chain of command
A chain of command is especially helpful during a company emergency because chains of command:
a. facilitate the timely release of information and maintain order.
b. alert employees they should immediately leave the premises.
c. help reduce efficiency and productivity during the workday.
d. foster a sense of organizational unity among employees.
a. facilitate the timely release of information and maintain order
One of the first things an employee should do after being hired is:
a. learn about the company’s organizational structure.
b. research how frequently employees get raises.
c. provide reasons for their planned vacation days.
d. arrange for a meeting with the CEO of the company.
a. learn about the company’s organizational structure
Cadence’s boss recently asked her to do some research on a coworker’s personal life. Cadence doesn’t feel comfortable snooping on her friend—but her boss asked her to. What should she do?
a. Pretend to research her coworker
b. Listen to her boss and do as they say
c. Alert her coworker immediately
d. Report the request to human resources
d. Report the request to human resources
What state did Mrs. Bowen travel to yesterday?
New Hampshire
The chain of command helps employees understand:
a. how the economy operates.
b. why they work for the organization.
c. where they fit within the hierarchy.
d. how competitors operate.
c. where they fit within the hierarchy
When you follow your organization’s chain of command, you:
a. reveal your lack of leadership potential.
b. cause unnecessary chaos in the workplace.
c. demonstrate respect for your organization.
d. harm your professional relationships at work.
c. demonstrate respect for your organization
What should you do if you don’t understand something about your company’s chain of command?
a. Nothing—you should wait until your supervisor brings it up.
b. Go to your supervisor’s boss and ask them.
c. Send out a company-wide email asking for clarification.
d. Ask your supervisor or a human resources professional.
d. Ask your supervisor or a human resources professional
Which of the following is an example of a situation in which it would be OK to bypass the chain of command:
a. You need help with software that your boss doesn’t understand
b. You witness your boss stealing from the company
c. Your supervisor is busy training a new employee
d. You’re confused about a specific company policy
b. You witness your boss stealing from the company
Who are the Red Sox playing this Sunday?
No One!
In general, authority flows from __________ to __________ in a chain of command.
a. bottom; top c. employee; manager
b. department; department d. top; bottom
d. top; bottom
Which of the following is a likely result of all employees following the chain of command:
a. Less chaotic work environment
b. Complicated work processes
c. Company-wide promotions
d. More chaotic work environment
a. Less chaotic work environment
The most important part of following the chain of command is:
a. avoiding your supervisor unless absolutely necessary.
b. interacting with your colleagues as much as possible.
c. reporting to the person directly above you in the chain.
d. checking in with your manager once a month.
c. reporting to the person directly above you in the chain
If your supervisor asks you to participate in illegal or unethical activity, you:
a. must follow their instructions.
b. should ask about potential consequences.
c. should not feel obliged to listen to them.
d. need to quit your job and find other work.
c. should not feel obliged to listen to them
Who are the New England Patriots playing this Sunday?
Las Vegas Raiders
Which of the following statements regarding the chain of command is true:
a. Chains of command are only useful for retail businesses.
b. Most employees dislike working within a chain of command.
c. Chains of command are rarely used by modern companies.
d. Businesses of all shapes, sizes, and industries have chains of command.
d. Businesses of all shapes, sizes, and industries have chains of command.
When you fail to follow your organization’s chain of command, you:
a. lessen your supervisor’s workload.
b. may be reprimanded by your boss.
c. are less likely to get laid off or fired.
d. contribute to a peaceful environment.
b. may be reprimanded by your boss
Which of the following statements regarding the chain of command is true:
a. If you know your boss can’t help you with something, you shouldn’t bother asking them.
b. It’s typically inappropriate to report to anyone else in the chain of command besides your direct supervisor.
c. You should always report to the person with the most expertise on the topic you need help with.
d. It’s OK to ask for help from someone below you in the chain of command, rather than asking your boss.
b. It’s typically inappropriate to report to anyone else in the chain of command besides your direct supervisor
Which of the following statements best describes a strong chain of command:
a. An unnecessary organizational system
b. Nothing more than business jargon
c. An outdated method for keeping workers in line
d. An integral component of the workplace
d. An integral component of the workplace
What is the capital of New York state?
Albany
Organizations with effective chains of command tend to have less:
a. efficiency. c. conflict.
b. redundancy. d. negotiation.
b. redundancy
An employee who rarely follows the chain of command is less likely to:
a. experience job satisfaction.
b. argue with their boss.
c. be considered for a raise.
d. be invited to company parties.
c. be considered for a raise
Part of reporting to your supervisor means:
a. following their instructions.
b. standing up for yourself at work.
c. picking and choosing what you work on.
d. taking on their extra work.
a. following their instructions
When navigated properly, your company’s chain of command can:
a. be your personal map for career success.
b. help you discern your true purpose in life.
c. guide you toward better financial health.
d. reveal to you your hidden talents.
a. be your personal map for career success
What is the name of the Hurricane in the Gulf?
Hurricane Isaias (ee-sah-EE-ahs)