CIPS L4M5 Exam - Topic 10 Question 82 Discussion

Actual exam question for CIPS's L4M5 exam

Question #: 82
Topic #: 10

[All L4M5 Questions]

Maria has adopted an adversarial style relationship with her stationery supplier. This relationship style can be characterised by which of the following? Select the TWO that apply.

AMinimal sharing of information

BRequirement to exceed expectations

CDegree of mutual commitment

DUse of power to seek the best possible deal

ERequirement to secure quality of supply

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A, D

An adversarial relationship is characterized by a competitive, often zero-sum approach where:

Minimal sharing of information (A): In adversarial settings, there is limited transparency as each party prioritizes its interests.

Use of power to seek the best possible deal (D): Power dynamics are leveraged to gain favorable terms, often at the expense of the other party.

This style typically lacks collaboration and mutual commitment, focusing instead on short-term gains rather than building a partnership, as described in CIPS resources on adversarial relationships.

by Art at Apr 04, 2025, 02:07 AM

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Nickole

2 months ago

Wait, can an adversarial style really lead to quality supply?

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Shoshana

2 months ago

Totally agree with A and D!

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Noel

3 months ago

I thought mutual commitment was key in any relationship?

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Clarence

3 months ago

Isn't minimal sharing a red flag for any supplier relationship?

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Johana

3 months ago

A and D are spot on!

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Carin

3 months ago

I’m confused about B and E; they seem more about collaboration than conflict. I guess I’ll stick with A and D for now.

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Sheridan

4 months ago

I remember a practice question about commitment levels, and I think adversarial styles lack mutual commitment, so I’d lean towards A and D.

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Delsie

4 months ago

I’m not entirely sure, but I feel like using power to seek the best deal could fit, so maybe D?

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Javier

4 months ago

I think an adversarial relationship would definitely involve minimal sharing of information, so I’d go with A for sure.

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This question is testing our understanding of different types of buyer-supplier relationships. I'll need to really think through each option and how they relate to an adversarial style, which is typically more confrontational and focused on individual gains rather than mutual benefits.

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Sabra

4 months ago

Okay, let's see. An adversarial relationship is characterized by a lack of trust and cooperation, so I'm thinking minimal sharing of information and using power to seek the best possible deal are the two that fit best. I'll go with those.

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Shantay

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about this one. The options seem to cover a range of different relationship dynamics, and I'm not entirely sure which ones specifically apply to an adversarial style. I'll need to carefully consider each option.

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Carmen

5 months ago

This question seems straightforward - it's asking about the characteristics of an adversarial relationship between a buyer and supplier. I'll focus on identifying the two most relevant options.

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Tresa

10 months ago

I see where you're coming from, but I think Maria also focuses on securing the quality of supply. So, I would choose D and E as the characteristics of her adversarial style.

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Sue

10 months ago

I agree with Kirby. It's all about getting the best deal and not really focusing on mutual commitment or exceeding expectations.

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Dominga

10 months ago

I bet Maria's supplier is just wishing they could take their ball and go home. An adversarial relationship is all about minimal sharing and wielding power, no doubt about it. A and D are the winners here.

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Selma

9 months ago

Definitely, minimal sharing of information and using power to get the best deal are key in an adversarial style relationship.

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Osvaldo

9 months ago

Yeah, it sounds like there's not much mutual commitment in that relationship.

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Gearldine

9 months ago

I agree, Maria must be a tough negotiator if she's using power to seek the best deal.

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Mable

10 months ago

Haha, this question is a piece of cake! Maria's clearly going for the jugular with her supplier. A and D are the way to go - she's playing hardball, not trying to be BFFs.

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Felix

10 months ago

D) Use of power to seek the best possible deal

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Maia

10 months ago

A) Minimal sharing of information

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Cassandra

10 months ago

Hmm, I'm not so sure about B and E. Exceeding expectations and securing quality of supply seem more like features of a collaborative relationship, not an adversarial one. A and D are spot on though.

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Kirby

10 months ago

I think Maria's adversarial style means minimal sharing of information and use of power to seek the best possible deal.

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Vonda

11 months ago

A and D are definitely the right answers here. Maria's adversarial approach is all about using her power to get the best deal, not about building a mutually committed relationship.

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