Reading Test

It can be inferred from the information in paragraph 1 that the theoretical decision-making process ___.

• involves only the decision maker

• requires the contemplation of numerous options

• is made without the decision unit

• does not work in real situations

The phrase "in conjunction with" in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by ___.

• along with

• tied to

• apart from

• connected to

All of the following are listed in paragraph 1 as having an effect on decisions EXCEPT ___.

• evaluation of the problem

• focus on objectives

• generation of options

• open-ended discussions

Look at the four squares that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Additionally, when a decision must be made in a crisis situation, both stress and the speed at which events are progressing can have an effect, often a negative one, on the decision process.

• A

• B

• C

• D

The phrase "drawing from" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___.

• illustrating

• involving

• gathering

• attracting

The word "it" in paragraph 3 refers to ___.

• each option

• the best option

• careful analysis

• variation

Why does the author mention "a satisfier, one who selects the first satisfactory option rather than continuing the decision-making process until the optimal decision has been reached" in paragraph 3?

• A satisfier shows contrasting behavior to a rational actor.

• A satisfier exhibits more common behavior than a rational actor.

• A satisfier is the predecessor of a rational actor.

• A satisfier shares some characteristics with a rational actor.

Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in paragraph 4?

• Set routines within organizations tend to constrain decisions.

• The restriction of information limits the number of options in a decision.

• Organizations need to set up strict procedures to maximize the effectiveness of decisions.

• Procedures are needed to ensure that decisions are implemented quickly and effectively.

According to paragraph 5, what is the end result of political bargaining within an organization?

• No decision is ever reached.

• Differing interests and motives are changed.

• No one is completely satisfied with the final outcome.

• The members of the decision unit leave the unit.

Choose the three answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Look at the answer choices on page 135.

Different perspectives on decision making must be considered in order to understand the process.

• 1, 2, 4

• 2, 3, 6

• 2, 4, 6

• 3, 4, 5

• 3, 4, 6