SAMPLE WORK
TOPIC 1
UNDERLYING THEORIES/MODELS OF RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY AND ADVISORY
QUESTION 1
August 2025 Question Four B
Outline FOUR applications of social network theory in organisations today.
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Answer
- Evaluating Attitudes Toward Change: Consultants assess how employees perceive proposed changes. Negative beliefs about outcomes can create resistance, so consultants work to reshape perceptions by highlighting benefits and addressing concerns.
- Considering Social Influence and Norms: Behaviour is shaped by perceived expectations of others. Consultants identify influential individuals and gain their support to create positive pressure for adopting new practices.
- Assessing Perceived Ability to Act: Employees must feel capable of implementing change. Consultants ensure that staff have the necessary skills, resources, and authority, often by providing training and support.
- Shaping Intentions to Influence Behaviour: By improving attitudes, norms, and perceived control, consultants can strengthen employees’ intentions, increasing the likelihood that desired behaviours are actually carried out.
QUESTION 2
April 2025 Question Three B
Analyse FOUR ways in which the theory of planned behaviour guides the consulting process.
Answer
- Evaluating Attitudes Toward Change:
Consultants assess how employees perceive proposed changes. Negative beliefs about outcomes can create resistance, so consultants work to reshape perceptions by highlighting benefits and addressing concerns. - Considering Social Influence and Norms:
Behaviour is shaped by perceived expectations of others. Consultants identify influential individuals and gain their support to create positive pressure for adopting new practices. - Assessing Perceived Ability to Act:
Employees must feel capable of implementing change. Consultants ensure that staff have the necessary skills, resources, and authority, often by providing training and support. - Shaping Intentions to Influence Behaviour:
By improving attitudes, norms, and perceived control, consultants can strengthen employees’ intentions, increasing the likelihood that desired behaviours are actually carried out.
QUESTION 3
December 2024 Question Four B
With reference to theories of research, explain FOUR elements of micro level analysis in social network theory.
Answer
- Actors (Nodes): Focuses on individuals within the network, including their characteristics such as skills, roles, and resources, and how these affect their interactions.
- Relationships (Ties): Examines the connections between individuals, including their type, strength, and direction, which influence how information flows.
- Dyads: Looks at pairs of individuals and the nature of their relationship, including whether interactions are mutual and how closely connected they are.
- Ego Networks: Centres on one individual and their direct connections, helping to understand their immediate network and its influence on them.
QUESTION 4
August 2024 Question One C
Explain FOUR applications of General Deterrence theory in the context of consultancy.
Answer
- Developing Policies: Consultants use the theory to design rules and regulations that discourage unethical or non-compliant behaviour.
- Assessing and Managing Risk: It helps organisations evaluate the likelihood of misconduct and implement measures to reduce it.
- Shaping Organisational Culture: By emphasising consequences, organisations can create an environment where employees avoid undesirable actions.
- Training and Awareness: Training programs can highlight penalties for misconduct while encouraging ethical decision-making.
QUESTION 5
April 2024 Question One A
Explain THREE ways in which leaders in organisations could leverage the principles of theory of planned behaviour.
Answer
- Shaping Positive Attitudes:
Leaders promote favourable views of desired behaviours by explaining benefits, aligning them with organisational goals, and addressing concerns. - Reinforcing Social Norms:
They encourage desired behaviours by setting examples, recognising positive actions, and clearly communicating expectations. - Strengthening Perceived Control:
Leaders provide resources, training, and support to help employees feel capable of performing required tasks.
QUESTION 6
December 2023 Question One A
Social systems theory is considered as one of the most relevant theories for understanding institutional frameworks.
In the context of the above statement, explain THREE ways through which social systems theory relates to the study of organisations.
Answer
- Interdependence: Organisations are seen as systems where different parts are interconnected, meaning changes in one area affect others.
- Adaptability: As open systems, organisations must adjust to external changes such as technology or market conditions.
- Emergence: Organisations can develop unique characteristics that arise from interactions among their components, not just individual parts.
QUESTION 7
August 2023 Question Four D
The specific purposes of consultancy may vary depending on the industry, client needs, and the consultants’ expertise, but all consultancies have common objectives.
Identify FIVE of these objectives.
Answer
- Problem Solving: Address operational or performance challenges.
- Strategic Development: Help organisations plan and achieve long-term goals.
- Managing Change: Support transitions such as restructuring or cultural shifts.
- Capability Building: Enhance employee skills through training and development.
- Market Insight: Provide analysis of trends, competitors, and customer needs.
QUESTION 8
August 2023 Question One C
The managerial grid model was developed in the early 1960s by management theorists Robert Blake and Jane Mouton.
Explain FIVE leadership styles according to these scholars.
Answer
- Impoverished (1,1): Minimal focus on both people and productivity.
- Country Club (1,9): High concern for people, low concern for tasks.
- Produce or Perish (9,1): Strong focus on results with little regard for people.
- Middle-of-the-Road (5,5): Balances concern for both people and performance.
- Team Leadership (9,9): High focus on both productivity and employee well-being.
QUESTION 9
April 2023 Question Two B&D
The adoption of a new service or idea does not happen simultaneously across all people in a system.
With reference to the above statement, highlight FIVE characteristics of laggard adopters according to the diffusion of innovation theory.
According to Tuckman’s theory, there are FIVE stages of group development. Identify these stages.
Answer
- Resist change and prefer traditional methods.
- Are cautious and doubtful about new ideas.
- Depend on familiar systems and practices.
- Have limited exposure to new information due to smaller networks.
- Adopt innovations only after they are widely accepted.
Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development
- Forming: Members meet and begin understanding group goals.
- Storming: Conflicts and differences emerge.
- Norming: Cohesion develops and norms are established.
- Performing: The group works effectively toward goals.
- Adjourning: The group disbands after completing its task.
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