Deck 9: Foundations of Group Behaviour

Question 1

Which of the following stages of a five-stage group-development model is characterized by a great deal of uncertainty about the group's purpose, structure, and leadership?

A) introduction
B) storming
C) forming
D) evolution
E) norming

Answer 1

C

Question 2

During the group development process, when the storming stage is complete, there will be a relatively clear hierarchy of leadership within the group.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Tammy, Lisa, Bart, Madaline, and Roberto all work at Frink Electronics. Though they have not been working at the organization for terribly long, they recently went out for a drink after completing the first stage of a project. These five are in which stage of team development?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing
E) adjourning

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Tammy, Lisa, Bart, Madaline, and Roberto all work at Frink Electronics. After work, Tammy, Lisa, and Madaline all enjoy going to the Lux Lounge for Happy Hour. Tammy, Lisa, Bart, Madaline, and Roberto constitute a(n) ________ group.

A) task
B) formal
C) informal
D) performance
E) action

Question 5

Which of the following statements is most likely true regarding the norming stage of group development?

A) According to the five-stage group-development model, this is the second stage in the group development model.
B) This stage is characterized by a great deal of uncertainty about the group's purpose, structure, and leadership.
C) During this stage, members accept the existence of the group but resist the constraints it imposes on individuality.
D) During this stage, the group develops a common set of expectations of what defines correct member behaviour.
E) During this stage, the group performs the task at hand.

Question 6

Julia, Bree, and David work in different departments but often eat lunch together. They are an example of a(n) ________ group.

A) formal
B) informal
C) command
D) task
E) interest

Question 7

What happens during the adjourning stage of the five-stage group-development model?

A) wrapping up activities
B) assimilating a common set of expectations
C) solidifying the group structure
D) resisting the constraints of the group
E) dealing with uncertainty about leadership

Question 8

Tammy, Lisa, Bart, Madaline, and Roberto all work at Frink Electronics. After work, Tammy, Lisa, and Madaline all enjoy going to the Lux Lounge for Happy Hour. Tammy, Lisa, and Madaline constitute a(n) ________ group.

A) task
B) formal
C) informal
D) performance
E) action

Question 9

Astro Inc. is reorganizing and you have started working with your new workgroup just a day ago. According to the five-stage group-development model, at present your work group is in the ________ stage.

A) storming
B) norming
C) forming
D) performing
E) adjourning

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true regarding informal groups?

A) Informal groups are defined by the organization's structure.
B) In informal groups, the behaviours team members should engage in are stipulated by and directed toward organizational goals.
C) A group of people who come together to protest against a new law is an informal group.
D) The six members of an airline flight crew are an informal group.
E) Command groups and task groups are examples of informal groups.

Question 11

Which stage of group development is characterized by the development of close relationships and cohesiveness?

A) bonding
B) norming
C) performing
D) initiating
E) forming

Question 12

When the group energy is focused on the task at hand, the group has moved to the ________ stage.

A) storming
B) norming
C) production
D) maturation
E) performing

Question 13

What are the five stages of group development?

A) generation, implementation, construction, production, and termination
B) introduction, development, production, deterioration, and adjournment
C) initiation, evolution, maturation, degeneration, and termination
D) forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning
E) introducing, developing, performing, controlling, and terminating

Question 14

During the forming stage of group development, close relationships develop and the group demonstrates cohesiveness.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is most likely to be true regarding the performing stage?

A) The performing stage is characterized by a great deal of uncertainty about the group's purpose, structure, and leadership.
B) During the performing stage, there is conflict over who will control the group.
C) The performing stage is complete when members have begun to think of themselves as part of a group.
D) For permanent work groups, performing is the last stage in development.
E) During the performing stage, members accept the existence of the group but resist the constraints it imposes on individuality.

Question 16

According to the five-stage group-development model, at the forming stage your group is most likely to be characterized by ________.

A) intragroup conflicts
B) high cohesiveness
C) a common set of expectations of what defines correct member behaviour
D) a great deal of uncertainty
E) a strong sense of group identity and camaraderie

Question 17

During the ________ stage of group development, members accept the existence of the group but resist the constraints it imposes on individuality.

A) norming
B) storming
C) performing
D) evolution
E) forming

Question 18

Differentiate between formal and informal groups.

Question 19

Which one of the following characteristics is not necessarily true about groups?

A) Group members are interdependent.
B) Groups have two or more members.
C) Groups are determined by the organization chart.
D) Groups interact.
E) Groups have particular objectives.

Question 20

During the second stage of group development, ________.

A) close relationships are developed
B) the group demonstrates cohesiveness
C) intragroup conflicts occur
D) the job task is performed
E) groups disband

Question 21

When ________, the result is role conflict.

A) we lack the skills required for performing the role
B) we do not approve of the behavioural requirements of a role
C) our view of the role is different from others' expectations of that role
D) compliance with one role requirement may make it difficult to comply with another
E) different groups of people associate different norms with a role

Question 22

Which of the following terms refers to the process by which an individual's desire for acceptance by the group and the pressure by the group on individual members to match its standards results in a change in individual attitudes and behaviours?

A) conformity
B) coercion
C) commitment
D) convergence
E) confluence

Question 23

Rhoda is an executive assistant at a major medical centre. Because she works directly with the head doctor, Rhoda feels that it is appropriate to counsel patients on their upcoming procedures. Marge, a recent graduate with a degree in Healthcare Administration, also works at the medical centre and is responsible for new patients. Marge typically becomes irritated when Rhoda attempts to counsel new patients. Marge's irritation with Rhoda can be explained by ________.

A) role perception
B) role expectation
C) role norms
D) social norms
E) performance norm

Question 24

Which of the following types of norms are likely to be the most common?

A) appearance norms
B) social arrangement norms
C) resource allocation norms
D) performance norms
E) behavioural norms

Question 25

Which of the following is not an example of a performance norm?

A) when an employee needs to look busy
B) how hard an employee should work
C) the appropriate levels of tardiness
D) the acceptable level of output
E) how to get the job done

Question 26

List and briefly describe the stages in the five-stage model of group development.

Question 27

Role perception indicates ________.

A) others' belief regarding how you should act in a given situation
B) the skills required for performing the job
C) the social norms that are to be followed while performing the role
D) our view of how we're supposed to act in a given situation
E) acceptable standards of behaviour shared by nongroup members

Question 28

The ________ norms refer to aspects such as dress code and unspoken rules about when to look busy.

A) appearance
B) social arrangement
C) performance
D) leisure
E) confluence

Question 29

A local government work crew cleans up parks and other public spaces. In this crew, the dirtiest jobs are generally given to the newest members, while the more senior members of the crew tend to do little except draw their pay. Which of the following classes of norms encompasses arrangements like this?

A) performance norms
B) appearance norms
C) resource allocation norms
D) leisure norms
E) confluence norms

Question 30

Which of the following terms best describes the acceptable standards of behaviour that are shared by a group's members?

A) norms
B) rules
C) status
D) traditions
E) role perception

Question 31

Zach is devout and very active in his church. He is also a very dedicated employee. His manager offers him a promotion but the new role will require him to work Sundays. Zach would like the promotion, but realizes that it would force him to miss some church activities. In such a situation, Zach is most likely to experience ________.

A) role conflict
B) emotional contagion
C) cognitive dissonance
D) emotional labour
E) self-concordance

Question 32

A role indicates a set of expected behaviour patterns attributed to someone occupying a given position in a social unit.

Question 33

Temporary groups with deadlines have their own unique sequencing of actions. The first of these actions is ________.

A) forming
B) first meeting
C) norming
D) transitioning
E) performing

Question 34

Explain the following terms: "role perception" and "role expectation."

Question 35

Role expectations indicate our view of how we're supposed to act in a given situation.

Question 36

Role ________ indicates the way others believe you should act in a given context.

A) perception
B) identity
C) expectation
D) criterion
E) style

Question 37

Rhoda is an executive assistant at a major medical centre. Because she works directly with the head doctor, Rhoda feels that it is appropriate to counsel patients on their upcoming procedures. Marge, a recent graduate with a degree in Healthcare Administration, also works at the medical centre and is responsible for new patients. Marge typically becomes irritated when Rhoda attempts to counsel new patients. Rhoda is struggling with her ________.

A) role perception
B) role expectation
C) role norms
D) social norms
E) performance norm

Question 38

The ________ norms dictate behaviour such as whether to form friendships with coworkers off the job.

A) appearance
B) social arrangement
C) performance
D) leisure
E) confluence

Question 39

Temporary groups with deadlines follow the five-stage group-development model of forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.

Question 40

Which term refers to a set of expected behaviour patterns attributed to someone occupying a given position in a social unit?

A) norms
B) status
C) role
D) cohesiveness
E) diversity

Question 41

High-status members of groups are often given less freedom to deviate from norms than are other group members.

Question 42

What is deviant workplace behaviour? How is deviant workplace behaviour influenced by the group to which the individual belongs?

Question 43

As compared to collectivist cultures, conformity to social norms is higher in individualistic cultures.

Question 44

According to status characteristics theory, which of the following factors does not determine status?

A) control over the resources needed by the group
B) contribution to goals
C) ability to conform to group norms
D) personality
E) talent

Question 45

According to the status characteristics theory, what are the three sources of status?

Question 46

Groups of approximately ________ members tend to be more effective for taking action.

A) two
B) seven
C) eleven
D) sixteen
E) twenty-one

Question 47

Which of the following terms best represents voluntary actions that violate significant organizational norms and, in doing so, threatens the well-being of the organization or its members?

A) negativity offset
B) deviant workplace behaviour
C) self-concordance
D) emotional contagion
E) positivity offset

Question 48

Julio and Waylin both work at a trendy uptown clothing store and were hired at the same time. Julio was recently promoted over Waylin (who is balding), even though Julio often misses work. Which element of status explains this occurrence?

A) power a person wield over others
B) person's ability to contribute to group goals
C) an individual's personal characteristics
D) group interactions
E) the size of the organization

Question 49

Which of the following statements is true regarding behaviour in a group?

A) Group norms do not press us toward conformity.
B) A recent study suggests those working in a group were less likely to lie, cheat, and steal than individuals working alone.
C) Conformity to social norms is higher in individualistic cultures as compared to that in collectivist cultures.
D) Deviant workplace behaviour is likely to occur when supported by group norms.
E) The low-status people in the group speak more often as compared to the high-status people.

Question 50

Most likely, what would be the size of the group that is expected to implement a marketing plan?

A) two
B) five
C) seven
D) ten
E) over twelve

Question 51

High-status group members interrupt others more often than low-status members.

Question 52

Milhouse, a classically trained violinist, recently joined a country band. The members of the band, though they like Milhouse, do not appreciate his attention to details and the preppy way he dresses. The band is pressuring Milhouse to change in order to fit into the group. Which of the following represents the most likely conformity expected of Milhouse?

A) for Milhouse to bathe less
B) for Milhouse to wear jeans and boots
C) for Milhouse to play the fiddle
D) both A and B
E) both A and C

Question 53

Showing favouritism, gossiping and spreading rumours, and blaming coworkers, are examples of which category of deviant workplace behaviours?

A) property deviance
B) political deviance
C) personal aggression deviance
D) production deviance
E) group deviance

Question 54

The important groups to which an individual belongs or hopes to belong are known as the ________ groups.

A) conformation
B) reference
C) status
D) power
E) appearance

Question 55

Leaving early, intentionally working slowly, and wasting resources are the examples of which category of deviant workplace behaviours?

A) property deviance
B) political deviance
C) personal aggression deviance
D) production deviance
E) group deviance

Question 56

Joe is the manager of the marketing department of an organization. He is restructuring his department and is creating teams to increase the effectiveness of his department. He recognizes that the size of groups impacts their overall behaviour and effectiveness. Joe is forming a fact-finding group. What would be the better group size to gain diverse input?

A) two
B) five
C) seven
D) ten
E) over twelve

Question 57

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effect of status on group interaction?

A) Lower-status members state fewer commands than high status members.
B) Lower-status members tend to be more assertive group members as compared to high-status members.
C) Lower-status members speak more often as compared to high-status members.
D) Lower-status members interrupt others more often compared to high-status members.
E) As compared to high-status members, lower-status members tend to participate in group discussions more actively.

Question 58

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effect of status on conformity pressure?

A) High-status individuals are often given less freedom to deviate from norms than are other group members.
B) High-status people are often given more freedom to deviate from norms than are other group members.
C) Lower-status people are better able to resist conformity pressures than their high-status peers.
D) Groups exert equal conformity pressure on all individuals regardless of their status.
E) As compared to high-status members, low-status members are given a wider range of discretion as long as their activities aren't severely detrimental to group goal achievement.

Question 59

Which of the following terms indicates the tendency of individuals to spend less effort when working collectively?

A) groupthink
B) collective efficacy
C) social loafing
D) groupshift
E) clustering

Question 60

What are four common classes of norms?

Question 61

Which of the following steps can be taken by a manager to minimize groupthink?

A) Increase the group size.
B) Encourage group leaders to express their own opinions especially in the early stages of deliberation.
C) Prevent all team members from playing the role of "devil's advocate."
D) Ask the group members to first focus on the positives of an alternative rather than the negatives.
E) Ask the group leader to actively seek input from all members.

Question 62

Which of the following is not likely to encourage group cohesiveness?

A) stimulating competition with other groups
B) increasing the size of the group
C) obtaining agreement upon the established goals
D) increasing the group's status and the perceived difficulty of attaining membership
E) physically isolating the group

Question 63

Since group results cannot be attributed to any single person, the relationship between an individual's input and the group's output is clouded and this increases the possibility of ________.

A) self-concordance
B) emotional contagion
C) negative offset
D) social loafing
E) emotional labour

Question 64

Increasing the group's status and the perceived difficulty of attaining membership encourages group cohesiveness.

Question 65

If a group is highly cohesive then it will be highly productive even with low performance norms.

Question 66

How does group size affect a group's behaviour?

Question 67

Which of the following terms indicates the degree to which group members are attracted to one another and are motivated to stay in the group?

A) cohesiveness
B) integration
C) sociability
D) reliability
E) interdependence

Question 68

The idea of social loafing is most prominent in which country?

A) China
B) Israel
C) Serbia
D) Russia
E) Canada

Question 69

The phenomenon of ________ describes situations in which group pressures for conformity deter the group from critically appraising unusual, minority, or unpopular views.

A) social loafing
B) groupshift
C) groupthink
D) group polarization
E) satisficing

Question 70

The degree to which members of the group are similar to, or different from, one another is considered as diversity.

Question 71

Which of the following is not a characteristic of group diversity?

A) increased conflicts
B) lower group morale
C) higher dropout rates
D) decreased cohesiveness
E) greater factual errors

Question 72

Which of the following is an effective means of countering social loafing?

A) increase the rewards the group is given if it succeeds
B) increase the amount by which the group's progress is monitored
C) engage in peer evaluation, so each person evaluates each other person's contribution
D) increase the size of the group
E) increase the group's work load

Question 73

Alberto is working with a group of fifteen people to coordinate the merger of two corporations. Everyone in the group is highly qualified, offers relevant information, and has high norms. Still, the group seems to be slow at outlining a definitive plan for the merger. With the information provided, what would be the fastest and best way for Alberto to increase cohesiveness and productivity?

A) hold long meetings at a restaurant or in a social setting
B) stimulate competition within the group
C) decrease the time members spend together
D) decrease the size of the group
E) invite more members into the group

Question 74

Which is not a weakness of group decision making?

A) Group decision making is time consuming.
B) Group decisions tend to be less creative than individual decisions.
C) Group decisions suffer from ambiguous responsibility.
D) Group decisions can be dominated by one or a few members.
E) In a group decision, the responsibility of any single member is diluted.

Question 75

Describe the relationship between cohesiveness and productivity.

Question 76

Which of the following statements is true regarding group decision making?

A) If creativity is important, then individuals tend to be more effective than groups.
B) Group decision making tends to decrease the acceptance of the solution.
C) Group decisions are typically less time consuming than individual decisions.
D) Group decisions are generally less accurate than the decisions of the average individual in a group.
E) Groups generate more complete information and knowledge than individuals.

Question 77

Your organization has recently started using group decision making. You are most likely to observe that ________.

A) group decision making is slower than individual decision making
B) group decision making leads to decreased acceptance of the solution
C) groups generate less information and knowledge than individuals
D) group decisions are less creative than individual decisions
E) group decisions are more accurate than the judgments of the most accurate individual in the group

Question 78

Which of the following factors corresponds to deep-level diversity in groups?

A) national origin, race, and gender
B) roles, status, and power
C) ability, intelligence, and personality
D) underlying attitudes, values, and opinions
E) security, self-esteem, and affiliation

Question 79

If you ever felt like speaking up in a meeting, a classroom, or an informal group but decided against it, then the reason behind it could be ________.

A) self-efficacy
B) positivity offset
C) groupthink
D) self-concordance
E) groupshift

Question 80

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effect of group cohesiveness and performance norms on group productivity?

A) When cohesiveness is low and performance norms are also low, productivity will be high.
B) The productivity of the group is affected by the performance norms but not by the cohesiveness of the group.
C) If cohesiveness is high and performance norms are low, productivity will be high.
D) If cohesiveness is low and performance norms are high, productivity will be low.
E) When both cohesiveness and performance norms are high, productivity will be high.