Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam

What characterizes a defense reaction in an organization?

1. Doing the bare minimum required

2. Actively leading industry change

3. Incorporating feedback from stakeholders

4. Implementing innovative solutions

The correct answer is: Doing the bare minimum required

A defense reaction in an organization is characterized by a tendency to maintain the status quo and respond to external pressures minimally. This often involves fulfilling only the basic or legally required actions rather than seeking to exceed those expectations or innovate. In this context, "doing the bare minimum required" reflects a reactive rather than proactive stance, where the organization focuses on survival over growth or industry leadership. In contrast, actively leading industry change, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, and implementing innovative solutions all represent more proactive strategies. These approaches involve looking beyond immediate challenges to identify opportunities for growth, improvement, and competitive advantage. They indicate a forward-thinking mindset focused on engagement with the market and adaptation to changes, which are not characteristics of a defense reaction.