Test on Peter Drucker's Core Management Functions

Question 1: According to Peter Drucker's classification, a manager's primary role is to exclusively focus on executing all individual tasks that have been delegated to their subordinates.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Peter Drucker classified the work of a manager into five tasks: planning (setting objectives), organizing, integrating (motivating and communicating), measuring performance, and developing people. While managers divide work into individual tasks and select people to perform them, their role is not to exclusively perform those delegated tasks themselves.

Question 2: Managers are only responsible for developing their subordinates, and not themselves.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that 'Lastly, managers develop people – both their subordinates and themselves', indicating that managers are responsible for developing both their subordinates and themselves.

Question 3: According to the study materials, which of the following external groups do a company's top managers manage relations with?

A. Competitors

B. Customers

C. Government regulators

D. Internal employees

Explanation: The text states that "Top managers also have to manage a business’s relations with customers, suppliers, distributors, bankers, investors, neighbouring communities, public authorities, and so on." Among the given options, only customers are explicitly mentioned as an external group with whom top managers must manage relations.

Question 4: According to Peter Drucker's classification, what does the first task of senior managers, which involves setting objectives, primarily entail?

A. Developing strategies, plans, and precise tactics.

B. Allocating resources of people and money.

C. Practising the social skills of motivation and communication.

D. Measuring the performance of staff to ensure objectives are met.

Explanation: Drucker's first task for senior managers is to set objectives. This task involves developing strategies, plans, and precise tactics, as well as allocating resources of people and money. Practising motivation and communication and measuring performance are distinct tasks within Drucker's classification.

Question 5: A Chief Operating Officer candidate with strong skills in communication and motivating people to develop and accomplish their objectives would be well-suited for a company with creative, talented, and undisciplined employees.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Company B, a software developer, employs 'young, creative, talented and rather undisciplined people'. Candidate 2 states, 'I see my main skills as being able to communicate with and motivate people, to help them develop and accomplish their objectives, while also working effectively in teams.' This directly addresses the needs of motivating and guiding creative yet undisciplined staff.