CIPS L6M1 問題集

質問 1：
SIMULATION
Discuss the difference between mentoring and coaching. As well as mentoring and coaching, what other activities are completed by a manager? What skills does this require? (25 points)
正解：
See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
(A) Difference Between Mentoring and Coaching (10 Points)
Both mentoring and coaching are essential for employee development, but they serve different purposes. Below is a structured comparison:

Key Takeaways:
Mentoring is long-term, relationship-driven, and focused on personal/career development.
Coaching is short-term, performance-driven, and focused on specific skill enhancement.
(B) Other Activities Completed by a Manager (10 Points)
Apart from mentoring and coaching, managers in procurement and supply chain roles perform several key functions, including:
Strategic Planning and Decision-Making (2 Points)
Managers align procurement strategies with business goals, ensuring cost savings, risk management, and supplier selection.
Example: Deciding whether to source locally or internationally based on cost, lead time, and risk factors.
Performance Management & Employee Development (2 Points)
Managers conduct performance reviews, set KPIs, and ensure employees meet procurement objectives.
Example: Monitoring contract compliance and assessing supplier delivery performance.
Supplier and Stakeholder Relationship Management (2 Points)
Managers negotiate contracts, build relationships with suppliers, and collaborate with internal stakeholders.
Example: Engaging in supplier development programs to improve quality and efficiency.
Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution (2 Points)
Managers handle supplier disputes, contract issues, and logistical challenges in procurement operations.
Example: Managing disputes with suppliers over late deliveries or non-compliance.
Compliance and Ethical Procurement Practices (2 Points)
Managers ensure adherence to procurement regulations, ethical sourcing policies, and sustainability goals.
Example: Implementing an anti-bribery and corruption policy in procurement operations.
(C) Skills Required for These Activities (5 Points)
To successfully carry out these responsibilities, a manager needs the following key skills:
Leadership & People Management (1 Point)
Ability to motivate, mentor, and coach employees while fostering a productive work environment.
Negotiation & Communication (1 Point)
Strong skills to negotiate contracts, resolve supplier disputes, and manage stakeholder expectations.
Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making (1 Point)
Capability to analyze procurement data and make informed strategic decisions to reduce costs and risks.
Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution (1 Point)
Skill in addressing supply chain disruptions, supplier conflicts, and operational inefficiencies.
Ethical and Compliance Knowledge (1 Point)
Understanding of procurement laws, ethical sourcing, and corporate governance.

質問 2：
SIMULATION
Michael is the new CEO of XYZ Ltd. He has recently joined the organisation which has been struggling financially and has issues with stakeholder communication. He is considering using the Democratic leadership approach. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach? Is this an appropriate style for Michael to adopt? (25 points)
正解：
See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
Introduction
Leadership plays a crucial role in the success of an organization, especially when it is facing financial difficulties and stakeholder communication issues. The choice of leadership style significantly impacts employee morale, decision-making efficiency, and overall business performance. Michael, the new CEO of XYZ Ltd., is considering adopting the Democratic Leadership Approach to address these challenges.
This essay will examine the advantages and disadvantages of the Democratic Leadership Style and assess whether it is an appropriate leadership approach for Michael given the company's current challenges.
Understanding Democratic Leadership
Democratic leadership, also known as participative leadership, is a leadership style in which decision-making is shared between the leader and their team members. It encourages collaboration, open communication, and employee engagement, ensuring that various perspectives are considered before making strategic decisions.
Key Characteristics of Democratic Leadership
Inclusive Decision-Making - Employees and stakeholders are actively involved in decision-making.
Encourages Open Communication - The leader fosters a transparent and open communication culture.
Focus on Teamwork and Collaboration - Employees work together towards shared goals.
Emphasis on Employee Empowerment - Employees feel valued and are encouraged to contribute ideas.
Long-Term Strategic Thinking - Decisions are made collectively, considering long-term benefits.
Advantages of Democratic Leadership (10 Points)
1. Improved Employee Engagement and Morale
Employees feel valued and respected because they are included in decision-making processes.
This leads to higher motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity.
Example: In procurement, involving team members in supplier selection ensures better buy-in and accountability.
2. Better Decision-Making Through Diverse Perspectives
Employees at different levels of the organization contribute unique insights.
Encouraging open discussions can lead to better problem-solving and innovation.
Example: Engaging employees in financial turnaround strategies might lead to cost-saving ideas from the procurement or finance teams.
3. Strengthens Stakeholder Relationships and Communication
Democratic leadership improves communication with both internal stakeholders (employees, managers) and external stakeholders (investors, suppliers, customers).
By involving stakeholders in discussions, trust and cooperation are enhanced.
Example: Regular stakeholder meetings and open discussions on financial recovery plans can reduce uncertainty and resistance.
4. Encourages Creativity and Innovation
Employees are given the freedom to propose new ideas, leading to continuous improvement.
Example: In procurement, an inclusive approach might encourage supply chain digitalization or sustainable procurement strategies.
5. Builds a Positive Organizational Culture
A democratic leader promotes transparency, fairness, and ethical leadership.
This leads to a more positive work environment, reducing employee turnover.
Disadvantages of Democratic Leadership (10 Points)
1. Slow Decision-Making Process
Since multiple people are involved in decision-making, it takes longer to reach a consensus.
This can be problematic when quick decisions are required, especially in financial crisis situations.
Example: If XYZ Ltd. needs to immediately cut costs, too much discussion may delay urgent cost-saving measures.
2. Risk of Conflict and Disagreements
Open discussions may lead to conflicting opinions, making it difficult to find a common ground.
This can create delays and inefficiencies in procurement and financial strategies.
Example: If procurement and finance teams disagree on cost-cutting strategies, decision-making could be stalled.
3. Requires Skilled and Experienced Employees
Democratic leadership works best when employees are experienced, knowledgeable, and capable of making informed decisions.
If employees lack expertise, their contributions may lead to poor strategic choices.
Example: A procurement team without risk management experience might suggest suppliers without considering geopolitical risks.
4. Ineffective in Crisis Situations
In urgent situations where immediate action is required, democratic leadership may not be effective.
Leaders might need to make quick, authoritative decisions to stabilize the business.
Example: If XYZ Ltd. is on the verge of bankruptcy, Michael may need to quickly implement cost-cutting measures without waiting for employee consensus.
5. Potential for a Lack of Accountability
When decisions are made collectively, it may be unclear who is responsible for failures.
Employees may avoid taking responsibility, assuming others will handle problems.
Example: If a supplier selection decision fails, no single person may be held accountable.
Is Democratic Leadership Appropriate for Michael at XYZ Ltd.? (5 Points) Given the challenges at XYZ Ltd. (financial struggles and stakeholder communication issues), democratic leadership has both advantages and risks. Below is an assessment of whether this style is suitable for Michael:
Reasons Why Democratic Leadership is Suitable:
✅ Improves stakeholder communication - Since XYZ Ltd. struggles with stakeholder relations, a democratic approach can help build trust and collaboration.
✅ Boosts employee morale - Employees in a struggling company may feel demotivated. Involving them in decision-making increases engagement and motivation.
✅ Encourages innovative solutions - XYZ Ltd. may need creative financial recovery strategies, and a democratic approach could generate new cost-saving ideas.
Reasons Why Democratic Leadership May Not Be Ideal:
❌ Slow decision-making - XYZ Ltd. needs quick financial recovery decisions, which democratic leadership may delay.
❌ May cause internal conflicts - If stakeholders have conflicting ideas on financial strategies, it may slow down progress.
❌ Not effective in crisis management - Michael may need to make tough cost-cutting decisions quickly, which requires a more authoritative approach.
Recommended Approach for Michael:
Instead of adopting a purely democratic leadership style, Michael should consider a balanced approach:
Use democratic leadership for long-term strategic planning - Engage employees and stakeholders when designing long-term recovery strategies.
Adopt an authoritative approach for urgent financial decisions - If immediate cost-cutting or restructuring is needed, Michael should make firm, quick decisions.
Communicate decisions transparently - Even when making executive decisions, Michael should keep employees and stakeholders informed to maintain trust.
This blended leadership style (situational leadership) allows Michael to benefit from democratic leadership's advantages while ensuring quick decision-making when necessary.
Conclusion
Democratic leadership has several advantages, including improving communication, employee morale, and stakeholder relationships, all of which are beneficial for XYZ Ltd. However, it also slows decision-making and may cause conflicts, which can be problematic given the company's financial struggles.
Michael should adopt a situational leadership approach, combining democratic leadership for long-term strategic planning with authoritative leadership for urgent financial decisions. This will ensure that XYZ Ltd. recovers financially while maintaining transparency and employee engagement.
By balancing these approaches, Michael can lead XYZ Ltd. out of financial struggles while fostering a positive organizational culture.
Final Answer Structure for Maximum Marks (25 Points)
Introduction (3 Points) - Overview of the problem and introduction to democratic leadership.
Key Characteristics of Democratic Leadership (4 Points) - Explanation of democratic leadership style.
Advantages of Democratic Leadership (10 Points) - Five advantages with explanations and examples.
Disadvantages of Democratic Leadership (10 Points) - Five disadvantages with explanations and examples.
Suitability for Michael (5 Points) - Balanced evaluation of whether this leadership style is appropriate.
Conclusion (3 Points) - Summary and recommendation of situational leadership approach.

質問 3：
SIMULATION
Describe four reasons a person may resist change and four ways a leader can overcome resistance to change (25 points).
正解：
See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
Overall explanation
Below you will find how you can plan and draft the essay. Remember this is an example of one way you could approach the question. At Level 6 the questions are much more open so your response may be completely different and that's okay.
Essay Plan
Intro: what is change?
P1: fear
P2: poor communication and misunderstanding
P3: economic conditions change (e.g. impact on working conditions or pay) P4: perception (because they believe the change won't be beneficial) P5: leader can overcome resistance through: providing compelling rationale for the change P6: leader can overcome resistance through: Employee involvement (participative management style) P7: leader can overcome resistance through: providing training P8: leader can overcome resistance through: being honest and using timely communication Conclusion: change management is complex and requires overcoming many obstacles. Need to plan. Use tools such as Kotter's Change Management Principles, Lewin's Forcefield Analysis and RACI Example Essay Change, in the context of organizations, refers to a departure from the existing state or processes toward a new and often better state. Change can encompass various aspects, such as altering processes, introducing new technologies, or modifying company culture. However, individuals within the organization often resist change for a variety of reasons. This essay will explore four common reasons for resistance to change and four effective strategies leaders can employ to overcome this resistance.
Four Reasons for Resistance to Change:
Fear: People tend to resist change when they fear the unknown. Change often brings uncertainty about the future, job security, and one's ability to adapt. An example of this is an older employee resisting a change to using a new e-procurement system, because they are mistrustful of technology.
Poor Communication and Misunderstanding: Inadequate or unclear communication about the change can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Lack of information can result in resistance due to confusion or distrust. For example an employee may hear of a change accidently in the hallway and pass this on, without knowing the full story, they may make a decision to resist the change.
Economic Conditions Change: If people believe that the change will negatively impact them, for example increasing their workload, stress levels or financial take homes, they may resist change. An example of this is during a company restructure when people believe that merging of job roles will result in them having to do more work.
Perception: Individuals may resist change when they perceive it as unnecessary, or detrimental to their interests. This resistance often stems from a belief that the change won't be beneficial. For example a manager may wish to introduce a new way to categorise inventory, but warehouse staff believe that this change will make counting inventory take longer.
Four Ways a Leader Can Overcome Resistance to Change:
Providing Compelling Rationale for the Change: Leaders can overcome resistance by clearly and convincingly explaining the reasons behind the change. Demonstrating how the change aligns with the organization's goals and how it will benefit employees can help mitigate fear and uncertainty.
Employee Involvement (Participative Management Style): Inviting employees to participate in the change process can reduce resistance. When individuals feel they have a say in the change, they are more likely to embrace it. Leaders can solicit input, involve employees in decision-making, and create a sense of ownership in the change.
Providing Training: Resistance often stems from a lack of knowledge or skills required for the change. Leaders can provide training and resources to equip employees with the necessary tools to adapt successfully. This not only reduces resistance but also enhances employee confidence and competence. This would be particularly helpful for changes involving new systems and ways of working.
Being Honest and Using Timely Communication: Effective communication is critical in overcoming resistance. Leaders should be honest about the reasons for the change, acknowledge potential challenges, and provide regular updates. Timely and transparent communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty.
In conclusion, change management is a complex process that requires leaders to address and overcome various sources of resistance. Understanding the reasons behind resistance is essential for effective change leadership. As Atkinson (2005) notes: resistance to change should not be viewed negatively, it is a positive and healthy response. Employing strategies like providing a compelling rationale, involving employees, offering training, and maintaining open and honest communication can help leaders navigate the complexities of change successfully. Moreover, change management tools such as Kotter's Change Management Principles, Lewin's Forcefield Analysis, and RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrices can further aid leaders in planning and executing change initiatives efficiently and with the least possible resistance.
Tutor Notes
- With this type of question try to give as many examples as you can.
- Other things you could have mentioned in your essay include:
- Reasons to resist change: out of habit, because other people are resisting it (sheep mentality), loss of freedom, scepticism, impact the change may have on their personal life (e.g. effect on work life balance).
- Dealing with resistance to change; Top management sponsorship and HR involvement, Understanding of human behavour and why people may resist change, Corporate culture supports change, Adjustment to performance mechanisms, KPIs, Efficient organisational structure, Rewards (monetary and otherwise)

質問 4：
SIMULATION
Zoe has recently formed a cross-functional team to work on a new secret project called Project X. There are 8 members of Project X and these members have different ages, cultural backgrounds, lengths of service at the company and personalities.
Discuss 5 reasons why teams can fail, relating these to potential issues Zoe may face with her team, and discuss ways Zoe can overcome them. (25 points)
正解：
See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
Why Teams Fail: Challenges in Cross-Functional Teams and Solutions for Zoe's Project X Cross-functional teams, such as Zoe's Project X team, bring together diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. While this diversity can foster innovation, it also presents challenges that can lead to team failure if not managed properly. Below are five key reasons why teams fail, how these issues may arise in Project X, and how Zoe can overcome them.
1. Lack of Clear Goals and Direction
How This Affects Project X:
If Zoe does not establish clear objectives, deliverables, and expectations, team members may work in different directions, leading to inefficiencies and frustration. Given that Project X is secret, the lack of transparency may cause confusion and disengagement.
Solution:
✔ Clearly define the project's mission, objectives, and success criteria at the outset.
✔ Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to set expectations.
✔ Hold regular briefings to ensure all team members understand their role in the project.
2. Poor Communication
How This Affects Project X:
With team members from different backgrounds, experience levels, and personalities, communication styles may vary. Some may hesitate to share ideas, while others may dominate discussions. This can lead to misunderstandings, silos, and frustration.
Solution:
✔ Establish clear communication channels, such as scheduled meetings, email updates, and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).
✔ Foster an open communication culture where all members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
✔ Encourage active listening to ensure all voices are heard.
3. Conflict and Personality Clashes
How This Affects Project X:
Diversity in age, culture, experience, and personalities can cause friction. Senior employees may resist younger members' ideas, while different working styles may lead to disagreements. If conflicts go unmanaged, the team can become dysfunctional.
Solution:
✔ Conduct team-building exercises to build rapport and understanding among members.
✔ Implement a conflict resolution strategy, ensuring disputes are addressed constructively.
✔ Encourage a collaborative mindset, where team members focus on shared goals rather than personal differences.
4. Lack of Trust and Team Cohesion
How This Affects Project X:
If team members do not trust each other or the leader, they may be reluctant to share ideas, take risks, or collaborate. The secrecy of Project X may also create skepticism and uncertainty among members.
Solution:
✔ Foster psychological safety, where team members feel safe sharing ideas without fear of judgment.
✔ Encourage transparency by sharing relevant information about the project whenever possible.
✔ Organize team bonding activities to strengthen relationships and build trust.
5. Ineffective Leadership
How This Affects Project X:
If Zoe fails to lead effectively, team members may feel disengaged, unsupported, or micromanaged. A lack of clear decision-making can result in delays and frustration.
Solution:
✔ Zoe should adopt a situational leadership style, adjusting her approach based on team needs.
✔ Balance guidance with autonomy, ensuring team members feel empowered but supported.
✔ Regularly recognize and appreciate team members' contributions to boost morale.
Conclusion
For Project X to succeed, Zoe must proactively address these common team failures by setting clear goals, fostering strong communication, managing conflicts, building trust, and leading effectively. By implementing these strategies, she can ensure her cross-functional team remains engaged, motivated, and productive, driving Project X to success.