Question 1

Which of the following is a defensive statement?

Accepted Answer

This statement is defensive because it is completely negative and does not offer any constructive feedback or solution. It simply shuts down the idea without offering any alternative.

Question 2

Gabrielle wants her employees to engage in small group communication to achieve an interdependent goal. Which configuration of her employees would qualify as being able to engage in small group communication?

Accepted Answer

Small group communication typically involves a group of 3 to 15 people who work together to achieve a common goal. Out of the given options, only option C includes a group of four individuals working together, which is within the range for small group communication. The other options either involve individuals working with only one other person or teams that are too large to effectively engage in small group communication.

Question 3

Organizational charts tend to show all of the following communication flows EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Organizational charts typically depict only formal communication channels within a company, which include downward communication (from high-level management to lower-level employees), upward communication (from employees to higher-level management), and horizontal communication (between colleagues at the same organizational level). Diagonal communication, which refers to communication that cuts across levels and departments, is not always included in organizational charts.

Question 4

Informal networks-for example, the company "grapevine"-are often

Accepted Answer

Informal networks, like the grapevine, can be surprisingly accurate. Studies have shown that these networks can be about 80-90% accurate in conveying information. However, it's important to remember that there may still be some misinformation or exaggeration that gets spread through these channels.

Question 5

Which quotation below is the best example of gatekeeping?

Accepted Answer

The quotation "I'm still concerned that Maria has not had a chance to speak" is an example of gatekeeping because the speaker is expressing a concern about ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the conversation. Gatekeeping refers to practices or behaviors that limit or control access to a space or conversation, and in this case, the speaker is attempting to prevent certain individuals from being excluded from the discussion.

Question 6

A group that regards its decisions as invulnerable, that believes everyone in the group is in total agreement, and that disregards any alternative solutions is likely experiencing

Accepted Answer

This scenario is characteristic of groupthink, which occurs when a group rejects alternative solutions in pursuit of consensus and harmony within the group. The group members become overconfident in their decisions and ignore any potential risks or criticisms.

Question 7

Which of the following metaphors is NOT commonly used to describe an organization?

Accepted Answer

The metaphors commonly used to describe organizations include seeing them as families, machines, and organisms, each highlighting different aspects of organizational dynamics and structure. The metaphor of a beehive with the queen doing little and the workers doing much is not a standard metaphor for organizations. It inaccurately represents the role of leadership and the collaborative effort in organizational contexts.

Question 8

Which item below is NOT an example of how norms function in a small group?

Accepted Answer

The company requiring the group to meet at a specific time is not an example of how norms function in a small group because it is an external rule imposed by the company rather than an internal agreement among group members. Norms are mutually agreed-upon expectations for behavior within a group. Choices A, C, and D are all examples of norms as they involve the group setting explicit expectations and holding members accountable for meeting them.

Question 9

Eight women get together on Wednesdays at noon to discuss anything they wish. This type of group is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A relationship-oriented group is focused on social interactions and personal connections, which aligns with the purpose of the women meeting to discuss anything they wish.

Question 10

When you form a study group with friends to prepare for an exam, that is a(n) ________ small group.

Accepted Answer

An emergent small group is one that forms spontaneously, without being officially designated or assigned. In the case of a study group with friends, the group likely emerged when a few individuals encountered each other and decided to collaborate in order to prepare for their upcoming exam.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of a well-functioning small group?

Accepted Answer

Consensus can be desirable in certain situations, but it is not a necessary requirement for a group to function well. In fact, some groups may function better with a majority rules or leader decision making approach. The other options, interdependence, interaction, and task functions, are all essential components for a well-functioning small group.

Question 12

Group member roles can be classified by their function. Which of the following is NOT one of the three classifications?

Accepted Answer

The three classifications of group member roles are task, maintenance, and self-centered. "Routine" is not a recognized classification in this context.

Question 13

Which type of small-group function includes blocking, withdrawing, and recognition seeking?

Accepted Answer

Blocking, withdrawing, and recognition seeking are all behaviors that focus on the individual's needs and desires rather than the group's goals or success, which is characteristic of a self-centered small-group function. Task functions focus on completing the group's responsibilities, maintenance functions focus on building and maintaining relationships within the group, and routine functions refer to logistical tasks necessary for the group to function.

Question 14

The individual players were not high draft choices, but they made up for their second-place ratings with such strong cooperation and caring that they turned out to be champions. The characteristic exhibited by this team is

Accepted Answer

The characteristic exhibited by this team is cohesiveness, which refers to the degree to which team members are attracted to each other and share the team's goals. The fact that they were not high draft choices but still became champions suggests that they were able to work well together and support each other, demonstrating a strong sense of cohesiveness. Groupthink, normative behavior, and strategic ambiguity do not accurately describe the teamwork exhibited by this team.

Question 15

If you are hired by an organization that intentionally avoids placing employees in highly differentiated and specialized roles, you will see what it is like to work in a setting following a model of

Accepted Answer

Strategic ambiguity refers to intentionally avoiding assigning specific roles and responsibilities to employees in order to foster greater flexibility and adaptability within the organization. This model is often used in dynamic and rapidly changing industries where innovation and creativity are key drivers of success. It allows employees to work across different areas of the organization and encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Question 16

Another term for formal role in small-group communication is ________ role.

Accepted Answer

A formal role in small-group communication refers to a specific position or title held by a member, such as a chairperson, secretary or treasurer. It is a positional role characterized by authority and responsibility in carrying out tasks and functions necessary for the group's success.

Question 17

The emotional tone or atmosphere members create within the group is called

Accepted Answer

The emotional tone or atmosphere that members create within the group is called the group climate. Group climate is a crucial aspect of group dynamics, as it can significantly impact the communication, decision-making, and productivity of the group. The term "normative behavior" refers to the rules and expectations that govern group behavior, while "supportiveness" refers to the degree to which group members provide emotional and practical support to each other. "Cohesiveness" refers to the degree to which group members are attracted to one another and feel a sense of connection to the group as a whole, which can influence group productivity and commitment but is not directly related to group climate.

Question 18

The leader of the small group says, "Emily, you have been very quiet but thoughtful about this issue. Can you tell us what you think?" The leader is fulfilling which function?

Accepted Answer

The leader is fulfilling the maintenance function by encouraging participation from Emily and valuing her input. This helps to establish a positive group dynamic and encourages equal participation among group members.

Question 19

A group formed specifically to find a solution to a problem is classified as being

Accepted Answer

A group formed specifically to find a solution to a problem is focused on completing a certain task or goal, making it task-oriented. Communication-oriented groups prioritize effective communication, relationship-oriented groups prioritize building and maintaining relationships, and diversity-oriented groups prioritize diversity and inclusivity.

Question 20

Management assigns Garland the task of monitoring the water level in the local river and reporting on the river's level at the company's weekly environmental team meeting. What type of role is Garland serving in on the environmental team?

Accepted Answer

Garland is serving in a positional role because management has specifically assigned him a task to monitor and report on the water level in the river. His role is based on his position within the company and the authority granted to him by management.

Quiz 8: Organizational and Small-Group Communication