37) Which of the following statements best describes contingency variables?

A) They are scientific factors based on universal truths.

B) They are factors that moderate the relationship between two or more events or situations.
C) There is general consensus among OB researchers that they can be controlled.
D) They are the cause-effect principles that tend to apply to all situations that have been
discovered.
E) They are simple and universal principles that explain organizational behavior.
Answer: B
Explanation: Contingency variables are variables that moderate the relationship between two or
more
variables. For example, an OB study can say x leads to y, but only under conditions specified in
z. Because humans are somewhat unpredictable, all OB studies must have contingency variables.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14
Topic: There are Few Absolutes in OB
Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills
Objective: Contingency Variables
Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional
LO: 6
38) There are ________ simple and universal principles that explain organizational behavior.
A) an infinity of
B) absolutely no
C) a confusing array of
D) fourteen
E) few if any
Answer: E
Explanation: Human beings are complex, and few, if any, simple and universal principles explain
organizational behavior. Because we are not alike, our ability to make simple, accurate, and
sweeping generalizations is limited.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14
Topic: There are Few Absolutes in OB
Skill: AACSB: Analytic Skills
Objective: Observational Behavior
Quest. Category: Concept/Definitional
LO: 6