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Beyond the Book:Testing Your Tolerance for Ambiguity
Read each of the following statements carefully. Then rate each of them in terms of the extent to which you either agree or disagree with the statement using the following scale:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Completely Disagree
Completely Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
1. An expert who doesn’t come up with a definite answer probably doesn’t know much.2. I would like to live in a foreign country for a while.3. The sooner we all acquire similar values and ideals, the better.4. A good teacher is one who makes you wonder about your way of looking at things.5. I like parties where I know most of the people more than ones where all or most of the people are complete strangers.
Beyond the Book:Testing Your Tolerance for Ambiguity
6. Teachers or supervisors who hand out vague assignments give a chance for one to show initiative and originality.7. A person who leads an even, regular life in which few surprises or unexpected happenings arise really has a lot to be grateful for.8. Many of our most important decisions are based upon insufficient information.9. There is really no such thing as a problem that can’t be solved.10. People who fit their lives to a schedule probably miss most of the joy of living.11. A good job is one where what is to be done and how it is to be done are always clear.12. It is more fun to tackle a complicated problem than to solve a simple one.13. In the long run, it is possible to get more done by tackling small, simple problems rather than large and complicated ones.14. Often the most interesting and stimulating people are those who don’t mind being different and original.15. What we are used to is always preferable to what is unfamiliar.
Beyond the Book:Testing Your Tolerance for Ambiguity
Scoring: For even-numbered questions, add the total points. For odd-numbered questions, use reverse scoring and add the total points. (1 becomes 7, 2 becomes 6, etc.)
Interpreting Your Results:
A score of 15 would indicate perfect ambiguity tolerance, while perfect intolerance would yield a score of 105. Typical scores between 20 and 80 are reported, with means of 45. Tested private-sector managers scored 44.6 ± 8.5, while public- and third-sector managers scored 43 ± 20.
Questions to ask:• What are the forces for change?• What are the forces preserving the status quo?• What are the most likely sources of resistance?• What are the goals to be accomplished by
Match individual’s career aspirations with organizational opportunities
Health and Career
Career Planning
Beyond the Book:When the Perks Are Gone
Because of the global recession, many organizations are removing organizational perks and benefits in order to save money.
No more free lunches, no co-pay health insurance, subsidized child care, etc.
In light of these changes, what can be done to make sure employees stay content and motivated?
• Remember that perks are not essential to the job; i.e., lose the sense of entitlement• Be fair in cutbacks.• Continue gathering with co-workers, even at your own expense. • You are part of the solution – ask yourself “What does my work offer that I can be happy about?”
1. Describe the type of change that Holden’s leaders are managing.
2. What resistance is Holden encountering, especially as the company seeks to design and manufacture highly innovative outerwear garments?
3. Using Kurt Lewin’s change model, give a force field analysis for Holden’s challenges in delivering innovative products. Suggest how the company might overcome resistance and foster permanent change.