最新なCIPS L6M1問題集（44題）、真実試験の問題を全部にカバー！

質問 1：
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 2：
SIMULATION
Banana Ltd is a international manufacturer and retailer of mobile telephones. It has a complex supply chain, which sources materials such as plastic and rare metals. These rare metals are mined in developing countries. Explain how Banana Ltd can develop a culture to achieve ethical practices (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 an ethical culture?
P1 - create values and principles - put into writing
P2 - Lead by example
P3 - Transparency, whistleblowing
P4 - Decision making
P5 - Laws
P6 - having consequences for failing to follow the culture
Conclusion - culture isn't static, Banana Ltd needs to constantly update and review Example Essay An ethical culture in the workplace refers to the prevailing set of values, norms, principles, and practices within an organization that prioritize and promote ethical behaviour and decision-making among employees and stakeholders. It represents the collective commitment of an organization to conduct its business in a manner that is morally responsible, socially acceptable, and legally compliant. An ethical culture sets the tone for how employees interact with each other, make decisions, and engage with customers, suppliers, and the broader community. Banana Ltd can achieve this in the following ways:
Ethical Values and Principles: An ethical culture is built on a foundation of clear and well-defined ethical values and principles. These values guide employees in their actions and decisions, helping them distinguish between right and wrong. Banana Ltd should engrain these values and principles in writing by creating a vision statement and creating a formal CSR policy detailing expected behaviour from all employees and stakeholders.
Leadership and Accountability: Ethical leaders play a crucial role in fostering an ethical culture. They set an example by consistently demonstrating ethical behaviour and holding themselves accountable for their actions. Leaders also ensure that ethical standards are consistently applied throughout the organization. Therefore the leaders of Banana Ltd should lead by example. This may be in gaining MCIPS qualifications and other certifications that prove their loyalty to ethical issues.
Transparency and Open Communication: Ethical cultures encourage open and transparent communication. Employees are encouraged to speak up about ethical concerns or violations without fear of retaliation. Transparent processes and reporting mechanisms promote accountability. Banana Ltd could implement a Whistleblowing policy for example, so that if any employee knows of areas of concern, they can escalate this to management, without fear of repercussions.
Ethical Decision-Making: Ethical decision-making is central to an ethical culture. Employees are encouraged to consider the ethical implications of their choices, even when faced with challenging decisions that may have financial or competitive implications. For example with Banana Ltd, this may be actively severing ties with suppliers who are known to employ child labour in the mining of rare metals.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Ethical cultures emphasize strict adherence to laws and regulations. Banana Ltd should ensure that all activities are carried out within the boundaries of legal requirements, and violations are not tolerated. For example they should ensure that their HR policies are in line with the Equalities Act. As a large organisation they should also publish a statement about removing Modern Slavery from their supply chain, as per the Modern Slavery Act.
Accountability and Consequences: There are clear consequences for unethical behaviour. Banana Ltd should ensure that accountability mechanisms are in place to address ethical violations, and individuals who breach ethical standards may face disciplinary actions. For example if a supply chain manager is caught accepting an 'acceleration payment' or ' kickback' they should be fired.
An ethical culture in the workplace is essential not only for maintaining a positive organizational reputation but also for fostering a healthy, inclusive, and socially responsible work environment. It contributes to employee morale, customer trust, and long-term business sustainability. It is important for Banana Ltd to not only implement this culture, but to maintain it and constantly review it. The area of ethics and sustainability is constantly evolving so Banana Ltd should look to reassess its policies and processes regularly, and continue to strive to achieve more.
Tutor Notes
- You may have guessed that this question was loosely based on Apple. Apple is a good example of ethics and supply chain issues and is worth looking into as it's an excellent example to bring into an essay on the subject. Here are some links:
- Apple's Supply Chain Is on a Collision Course With Climate Change (bloomberg.com)
- Apple sees bigger supply problems after strong start to year | Reuters
- Will Supply-Chain Issues Kill the Low-Cost Apple Vision Pro? (pcmag.com)
- Other areas you could have mentioned include: cultures are not static; they are constantly evolving and improving. So Banana Ltd needs to regularly assess and refine their ethical practices to stay aligned with changing societal norms and expectations (I.e. what is ethically acceptable one day, may not be the next). You could have also talked about Banana Ltd's responsibility to the environment and local communities (particularly concerning the mining of metals). Mining is a really bad industry for Child Labour.

質問 3：
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.

質問 4：
SIMULATION
Zainab is a Procurement Manager and has recently taken on 10 new staff members, taking the size of her team from 10 to 20. Discuss the process of learning that the new members of the team may go through as they start their new roles (15 points). Explain different learning styles she may find in members of her team, relating your answer to one academic model (10 points).
正解：
See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
Understanding the Learning Process and Learning Styles in a Procurement Team As a Procurement Manager, Zainab is responsible for onboarding 10 new team members, doubling the size of her team from 10 to 20. As these new employees begin their roles, they will go through a structured learning process to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, each individual may have a different learning style, requiring Zainab to tailor her training approach.
Part 1: The Process of Learning for New Procurement Staff (15 Points)
New employees in Zainab's procurement team will typically go through the following learning stages, based on the Four Stages of Competence Model:
1. Unconscious Incompetence (Not Knowing What They Don't Know)
At this stage, the new hires are unaware of what they need to learn and may overestimate their abilities.
Example: A new procurement assistant may not realize the complexity of supplier negotiations or compliance requirements.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Provide clear job descriptions and introduce new employees to procurement policies.
✔ Use mentoring or shadowing to expose them to real-world tasks.
2. Conscious Incompetence (Realizing the Knowledge Gap)
As they begin working, new team members become aware of their lack of knowledge and skills.
Example: A recruit may struggle to use procurement software or understand supplier evaluation criteria.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Offer structured training programs (e.g., workshops on procurement software).
✔ Allow safe spaces for mistakes and learning.
3. Conscious Competence (Developing Skills with Effort)
New employees start applying their knowledge but still require concentration and practice.
Example: A team member can conduct supplier due diligence, but needs to double-check procedures.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Provide feedback and constructive coaching.
✔ Assign small, real-world tasks to build confidence.
4. Unconscious Competence (Mastering the Skills Automatically)
At this stage, the employee can perform tasks efficiently without much conscious effort.
Example: A procurement officer can analyze supplier bids instinctively, applying best practices without hesitation.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Encourage employees to mentor new hires in the future.
✔ Offer career development opportunities (e.g., CIPS qualifications).
Part 2: Learning Styles in the Team (10 Points)
Different team members will have different learning styles, which means Zainab must tailor her training to accommodate them. A useful model to understand these differences is Kolb's Learning Styles Model (1984), which identifies four learning styles:
1. Activists (Learn by Doing)
Prefer hands-on experiences and practical exercises.
Example: A new team member learns best by participating in live supplier negotiations.
Training Approach:
✔ Use role-playing exercises and real procurement tasks.
2. Reflectors (Learn by Observing and Thinking)
Prefer to watch, analyze, and review before taking action.
Example: A procurement analyst might prefer to observe meetings before participating.
Training Approach:
✔ Provide case studies and post-task reflection sessions.
3. Theorists (Learn by Understanding Concepts and Models)
Prefer structured explanations, data, and frameworks.
Example: A procurement team member might want to study CIPS frameworks before implementing them.
Training Approach:
✔ Use lectures, whitepapers, and structured presentations.
4. Pragmatists (Learn by Applying Knowledge to Real Problems)
Prefer practical solutions and immediate application.
Example: A procurement officer may experiment with supplier cost models in real contracts.
Training Approach:
✔ Use real-world
SIMULATIONs and problem-solving exercises.
Conclusion
New employees in Zainab's procurement team will progress through stages of competence, requiring structured learning, coaching, and hands-on experience. By recognizing different learning styles (based on Kolb's model), Zainab can tailor training to ensure maximum engagement and skill development. This will help her team become efficient, confident, and competent procurement professionals.