Test bank performance management 3rd edition by aguinis chapter 04

Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

Chapter 4—Defining Performance and Choosing a Measurement Approach
True/False Questions
4.1

Behaviors that we label as performance can be judged as
negative, neutral, or positive for individual and
organizational effectiveness.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.1])

4.2

Typically, there is only one type of behavior that has the
capacity to advance organizational goals.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.2])

4.3

When the behaviors that contribute to success in a particular
job are not observable, one can include measures of results
that we infer to be the direct result of an employee’s
behavior.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.2])

4.4

Declarative knowledge is information about facts and things,
including an understanding of a given task’s requirements,
information on labels, facts, principles, and goals.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.5

The three determinants of performance have an additive
relationship.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.6

Performance management systems need to not only measure
performance but also provide information on the source of
any performance deficiencies.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.4])

4.7

Contextual performance is also known as organizational
citizenship or pro-social behavior.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])
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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

4.8

Many organizations now realize that there is no need to focus
on both task and contextual performance.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.9

Task performance varies across jobs and is likely to be role
prescribed.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.10

The fact that there are many ways to deliver effective results
in a job is an indication that a results approach to
performance measurement might be appropriate for the job.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.6])

4.11

The behavior approach to measuring performance
emphasizes the use of tools to assess relatively stable
individual attributes such as cognitive abilities and
personality.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.9])

4.12

The behavior approach is a process-oriented approach that
emphasizes how an employee does the job.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.7])

4.13

When workers are skilled in the needed behaviors, behaviors

and results are related, and results show consistent
improvement over time, it is best to use the results approach
to measuring performance.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.10])

4.14

Contextual factors, such as voice behavior and cultural
differences, should be considered when organizations choose
to define and measure performance.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.6])
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Chapter 4

Multiple-Choice Questions
4.15

The combination of each of the following factors allows
some individuals to perform at higher levels than others
EXCEPT:
A. Declarative knowledge
B. Procedural knowledge
C. Biases
D. Motivation
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.16

Procedural knowledge is:
A. Information about facts and things
B. Knowing what to do and how to do it
C. Choosing to expend effort
D. None of the above
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.17

Motivation involves which of the following behaviors?
A. Choice to expend effort
B. Choice of level of effort
C. Choice to persist in the expenditure of that level of effort
D. All of the above
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.18

In addition to procedural knowledge, declarative knowledge,
and motivation, ________________ also affect performance.
A. HR practices
B. work environments
C. A and B
D. None of the above
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

4.19

Which of the following performance facets must be
considered to understand performance?
A. Task performance and results
B. Declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge
C. Contextual performance and results
D. Task performance and contextual performance
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.20

Task performance is defined as:
A. Activities that transform raw materials into the goods and
services that are produced by the organization.
B. Activities that help with the transformation process by
replenishing the supply of raw materials.
C. Offering help and cooperating with others.
D. A and B
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.21

____________________ is defined as those behaviors that
contribute to the organization’s effectiveness by providing a
good environment in which task performance can occur.
A. Contextual performance
B. Results
C. Declarative knowledge

D. Procedural knowledge
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.22

_________________ performance is fairly similar across
jobs and is not likely to be role prescribed.
A. Task
B. Contextual
C. Exceptional
D. None of the above
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

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Chapter 4

4.23

Which of the following factors are causing organizations to
focus on contextual as well as task performance:
A. Increased amount of teamwork
B. Global competition
C. Customer service
D. Employee perceptions of performance management
E. Supervisors’ views
F. All of the above
G. A, B, and C
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.24

The __________ approach to measuring performance
emphasizes cognitive abilities and personality.
A. trait
B. results
C. behavior
D. objective
(Suggested points: 2, [4.9)

4.25

The technical definition of performance includes:
A. The employee’s behaviors and the results of the
employee’s behaviors
B. Only the results of the employee’s behaviors
C. Only the employee’s behaviors
D. None of the above
(Suggested points: 2, [4.1])

4.26

Declarative knowledge is:
A. Information that an employee can be tested on
B. Information about facts and things
C. Information that is included in the employee handbook
D. All of the above
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.27

Procedural knowledge is:
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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

A. Knowing what the boss wants done
B. Knowing how well the job has to be done to “get by”
C. Knowing what to do and how to do it
D. Knowing where all the required equipment are located
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])
4.28

Declarative knowledge includes which of the following?
A. Facts
B. Psychomotor skill
C. Persistence of effort
D. Cognitive skill
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.29

Contextual performance and task performance should:
A. Only be considered in higher level employees
B. Be considered as one and the same
C. Be listed in the employee manual
D. Be considered separately
(Suggested points: 3, [4.5])

4.30

The traits approach emphasizes ______________ and ignores
_______________.
A. financial gain; financial loss
B. employee traits; financial loss
C. the individual performer; specific situations, behaviors,
and results
D. specific situations, behaviors, and results; employee traits
(Suggested points: 2, [4.9])

4.31

The behavior approach emphasizes ______________ rather
than _____________.
A. what employees do; employee traits or results
B. employee traits; results
C. results; employee traits
D. None of these are correct
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Chapter 4

(Suggested points: 2, [4.7])
4.32

Under which of the following conditions would a behavior
approach be most appropriate?

A. Behaviors and results are obviously related.
B. There are many ways to do the job correctly.
C. Results show consistent improvement over time.
D. Outcomes are distant in the future.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.10])

4.33

The results approach emphasizes ______________ rather
than _______________.
A. employee behaviors; results and employee traits
B. outcomes; financial gain
C. employee traits; results and employee behaviors
D. outcomes; employee traits or employee behaviors
(Suggested points: 2, [4.8])

4.34

When results and behaviors are obviously related, which
approach to measuring performance is most appropriate?
A. Trait approach
B. Results approach
C. Behavior approach
D. Orthodox approach
(Suggested points: 2, [4.10])

4.35

When poor results are due to causes beyond the performer’s
control, which approach to measuring performance is most

appropriate?
A. Trait approach
B. Results approach
C. Behavior approach
D. Orthodox approach
(Suggested points: 2, [4.10])

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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

4.36

When employees challenge the status quo in a positive way
and make innovative suggestions for change, they are
exhibiting:
A. Cultural differences
B. Declarative knowledge
C. Psychomotor skills
D. Voice behavior
(Suggested points: 2, [4.6])
Essay-Type Questions

4.37 What are the five steps of deliberate practice that lead to
excellence?
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])
4.38 Performance consists of both task and contextual dimensions.
Please define each type of performance, and explain whether
companies should focus on task performance, contextual

performance, or a combination of both.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])
4.39 Using your current work situation, or one of someone you
know well, describe whether performance is measured using
a trait, behavior, or results approach. Use the checklist below
to identify whether or not your company should measure
performance using the trait, behavior, or results method.
Adopting a Traits Approach to Measuring Performance
Is Most Appropriate When …

The organization is undertaking a drastic structural
change
Adopting a Behavior Approach to Measuring
Performance Is Most Appropriate When …

Employees will take a long time to achieve the
desired outcomes

The link between behaviors and results is not
obvious
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Chapter 4


Outcomes are distant in the future

Poor results are due to causes beyond the
performer’s control

Adopting a Results Approach to Measuring Performance
Is Most Appropriate When …

Workers are skilled in the needed behaviors

Behaviors and results are obviously related

Results show consistent improvement over time

There are many ways to do the job right

Is this approach appropriate given your job responsibilities
and the climate of the organization? Explain whether or
not you think that the system could be improved using a
different approach to measuring performance.
(Suggested points: 3, [4.10])
4.40 What are the three determinants of performance that allow
some people to perform at higher levels than others?
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])
4.41

Motivation involves three types of choice behaviors. What are they?
(Suggested points: 2, [4.3])

4.42

What is the expected outcome if any of the determinants of performance
are lacking?
(Suggested points: 5, [4.3])

4.43

The factors that influence determinants of performance are influenced by
what three things?
(Suggested points: 5, [4.3])

4.44

Activities that transform raw materials into goods and services that are
produced by an organization are called …
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.45

Activities that help with the transformation process by replenishing the
supply of raw materials, distributing its finished products, or providing important
planning, coordination, or supervision are called …
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

4.46

Behaviors that contribute to the organization’s effectiveness by providing
a good working environment are called …
(Suggested points: 2, [4.5])

4.47

List the differences between task performance and contextual
performance.
(Suggested points: 5, [4.5])

4.48

Contextual performance should be carefully defined because …
(Suggested points: 5, [4.5])

4.49

List some challenges associated with a system that emphasizes only the
measurement of traits.
(Suggested points: 2, [4.10])

4.50

Voice behavior is a type of behavior that emphasizes what three things?
(Suggested points: 2, [4.6])

4.51 Why is it important to consider cultural differences when defining and measuring
performance?
(Suggested points: 5, [4.5])
4.52

The behavior approach is most appropriate under what three conditions?
(Suggested points: 2, [4.7])

4.53

Give three examples of jobs in which the results approach would be the most
appropriate approach to performance measurement.
(Suggested points: 5, [4.10])

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Chapter 4

Answers
4.1
4.2

4.12
4.13
4.14

T
F: There are many different kinds of behaviors that have the capacity to advance
(or hinder) organizational goals.
T
T
F: The three determinants have a multiplicative relationship.
T
T
F: Many organizations now realize that there is a need to focus on both task and
contextual performance because organizations cannot function properly with a
minimum dose of contextual behaviors on the part of all employees.

T
T
F: The trait approach emphasizes the use of tools to measure stable traits such as
personality and cognitive abilities.
T
T
T

4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
4.27
4.28
4.29
4.30
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36

C
B
D
C
D
D
A
B
F
A
C
B
C
A
D
C
A
D
D
B
C
D

4.37

The five steps of deliberate practice that lead to excellence are:
1. Approach performance with the goal of getting better and better.

4.3

4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11

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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

4.38

4.39

2. As you are performing, focus on what is happening and why you are doing
things the way you do them.
3. Once your task is finished, seek feedback on your performance from
expert sources, and the more the sources, the better.
4. Build mental models of your job, your situation, and your organization.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 continually.
Task performance is defined as activities that transform raw materials into the
goods and services that are produced by the organization and activities that help
with the transformation process by replenishing the supply of raw materials,
distributing its finished products, or providing important planning, coordination,
supervising, or staff functions that enable the organization to function effectively
and efficiently. Contextual performance is defined as those behaviors that

contribute to the organization’s effectiveness by providing a good environment in
which task performance can occur.
Both task and contextual performance are important dimensions to take
into account in performance management systems. First, global competition is
raising the effort levels required of employees. Second, many organizations are
organizing based on teams. Although some teams may not be permanent and are
formed to complete specific tasks only, the reality of today’s world of work is that
teams are here to stay. Third, contextual performance behaviors can make a
profound impact on customer satisfaction. Finally, when supervisors evaluate
performance, it is difficult for them to ignore the contextual performance
dimension, although it may not be part of the formal evaluation process. In short,
performance includes both a task and a contextual dimension.
(Answers will vary but should be aligned with the definitions of each type of
performance measure.)
The trait approach emphasizes the individual performer and ignores the
specific situation, behaviors, and results. It is best used when the organization is
undergoing a drastic restructuring, so that the organization can best allocate its
human resources across the new organizational units.
The behavior approach emphasizes what employees do on the job and
does not consider employees’ traits or the outcomes resulting from their
behaviors. This is basically a process-oriented approach that emphasizes how an
employee does the job.
The results approach emphasizes the outcomes and results produced by the
employees. It does not consider the traits that employees may possess or how
employees do the job and focuses on what is produced (e.g., sales, number of
accounts acquired, time spent with clients on the telephone, number of errors,
etc.). A results approach to measuring performance usually takes less time
because defining and measuring results usually takes less time than defining and
measuring behaviors needed to achieve these results. In fact, measuring both
behavior and results is the approach adopted by many organizations.

For example, assume an organization measures performance using results
through the management by objectives methodology. This would be appropriate if
the organization employs a highly skilled workforce, and there are several

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Chapter 4

different ways to do a job successfully. Usually, the better you do your particular
job, the better your results will be. This organization may be a metric-oriented
organization, so results are seen immediately. However, there are some elements
of performance such as a supervisor’s ability to manage that would be better
measured through the behavior method. Using behaviors would draw attention to
managers’ behaviors and put more focus on walking the talk, rather than just
fulfilling the relevant metrics.
4.40

The three determinants of performance that allow some people to perform at
higher levels than others are:
A. Declarative knowledge
B. Procedural knowledge
C. Motivation

4.41

Motivation involves the following types of choice behaviors:
A. Choice to expend effort
B. Choice of level of effort
C. Choice to persist in the expenditure of that level of effort

4.42

If any of the determinants of performance are lacking, overall performance will be
lacking.

4.43

Three factors that influence determinants of performance are:
A. Individual employee characteristics
B. HR practices
C. Work environment

4.44

Task performance includes activities that transform raw materials into
goods and services that are produced by an organization.

4.45

Task performance includes activities that help with the transformation
process by replenishing the supply of raw materials, distributing finished
products, or providing important planning, coordination, or supervision.

4.46

Contextual performance is defined as behaviors that contribute to the
organization’s effectiveness by providing a good working environment.

4.47

Task performance and contextual performance differ in the following ways:
A. Task performance varies across jobs, whereas contextual performance is
similar across jobs.
B. Task performance is likely to be role prescribed, whereas contextual
performance is not.
C. Task performance requires skills and abilities; contextual performance
requires personality.

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Part II: System Implementation_____________________________________________________________

4.48

Contextual performance should be carefully defined because it is often more
subjective and subject to bias compared to measuring task performance.

4.49

A system that emphasizes only the measurement of traits will face the following
challenges:
A. Traits are not under the control of individuals, and even if they try, they may
not be able to change them.
B. Employees may see the system as unfair (because of the above statement).
C. The fact that an employee possesses a certain trait does not mean that the trait
will translate into the desired behaviors and results.

4.50

Voice behavior emphasizes:
A. Raising constructive challenges with the goal to improve rather than merely
criticize.
B. Challenging the status quo in a positive way.
C. Making innovative suggestions for change when others, including an
employee’s supervisor, disagree

4.51

It is important to consider cultural differences when defining and measuring
performance because they are contextual factors that will affect how
organizational members’ added value is measured and perceived. For example,
organizations in the United States tend to value behaviors that are individualistic
in nature and that demonstrate individual achievement, self-reliance, competition,
and disengaged emotional styles. In such organizations, individuals from groups
that align themselves with collectivistic values may view these behaviors as
negative, and their behaviors may be perceived as dependent, lacking sufficient
commitment, and weak in initiative.

4.52

The behavior approach is most appropriate under the following conditions:
A. The link between behaviors and results is not obvious.
B. Outcomes occur in the distant future.
C. Poor results are due to causes beyond the performer’s control.

4.53

Adopting a results approach to measuring performance is most appropriate in the

following three job examples:
A. Professional basketball players’ offensive performance is well measured by
their free throw shooting percentage.
B. The performance of a postal delivery worker can be measured using the
results approach: whether the mail is delivered to every customer within a
particular time frame.
C. The results approach is appropriate for measuring an artist’s performance such
as by the public response to their exhibit and profits made from pieces sold.
Answers will vary, but they should encompass three or all of the following
circumstances.
A. Workers are skilled in the needed behaviors.

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Chapter 4

B. Behaviors and results are obviously related.
C. Results show consistent improvement over time.
D. There are many ways to do the job right.

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