Question 1

According to Tubbs' model of small group interaction, group variables such as age, health, and values are considered:

Accepted Answer

According to Tubbs' model, group variables such as age, health, and values are considered relevant background factors as they are external to the group and influence the behavior and dynamics of the group. They are not considered consequences or critical only in problem-solving groups, and while they may be internal influences, they are more appropriately understood as background factors.

Question 2

A recent Workforce Magazine survey of Fortune 50 companies studied the effectiveness of small virtual groups and teams and found that they result in a _________ percent improvement in productivity and efficiency.

Accepted Answer

The survey found that small virtual groups and teams resulted in a 75 percent improvement in productivity and efficiency.

Question 3

According to Tubbs, leadership is which type of small group variable?

Accepted Answer

Tubbs categorizes leadership as an internal influence variable in small group communication.

Question 4

According to Connors and Smith (2011), which of the following is one of the four practical ways to encourage accountability through empowerment: The ouroboros effect illustrates the:

Accepted Answer

According to Connors and Smith (2011), one of the four practical ways to encourage accountability through empowerment is to "See it." This involves recognizing and acknowledging the current reality, which is crucial for fostering accountability.

Question 5

In his article at the end of Chapter 1, Wilson notes one of the following is a reason people are motivated to join groups:

Accepted Answer

Wilson notes in his article that one reason people are motivated to join groups is because they are attracted to the group's goals, such as a common interest or shared vision for change.

Question 6

In their reading at the end of Chapter 1, Lipnack and Stamps create the word "co-opetition" from
____________ and competition.

Accepted Answer

"Co-opetition" is a blend of "cooperation" and "competition," indicating a scenario where entities collaborate in certain areas while competing in others.

Question 7

According to Tubbs, small group interaction involves at least two members.

Accepted Answer

Small group interaction typically involves three to about twelve members; two members would be considered a dyadic interaction rather than a small group.

Question 8

In distinguishing between "group" and "team," Tubbs notes that a team is a type of group; therefore the term "group" is more general.

Accepted Answer

Tubbs notes that a team is a type of group, so the term "group" is more general.

Question 9

Research discovered that people in small companies like their jobs more than people in big companies, thus suggesting that members of smaller groups are more content than members of larger groups.

Accepted Answer

The statement correctly reflects the findings of the research.

Question 10

A virtual team meets face-to-face but completes most of its work through electronic means.

Accepted Answer

A virtual team primarily communicates and collaborates through electronic means, with little or no face-to-face interaction.

Question 11

According to Business Week, online companies like Johnson and Johnson are using online games to imprve internal communications.

Accepted Answer

Business Week reported that Johnson and Johnson are among the online companies using online games to improve internal communications.

Question 12

Scientific studies show that our brains are hardwired to work best in small groups.

Accepted Answer

Scientific studies have shown that our brains are naturally wired to work best in small groups because it allows for better communication, collaboration, and social bonding.

Question 13

Scientific studies show that large groups have easily understood hierarchies and simple rules of conduct but foster less trust and cooperation.

Accepted Answer

Large groups often have more complex hierarchies and rules of conduct, which can make trust and cooperation more challenging compared to smaller, more tightly-knit groups.

Question 14

Americans are the least individualistic and most team-oriented culture in the world.

Accepted Answer

Americans are generally considered to be more individualistic than many other cultures, placing a high value on personal achievement and independence. While teamwork is valued in many aspects of American life (such as sports and the workplace), it is not considered the defining characteristic of the culture.

Question 15

Empowerment is a leadership style that enables the leader to more effectively utilize the talents, abilities and knowledge of others and, at the same time, increase the leader's time available to work on more strategic activities.

Accepted Answer

This statement correctly defines empowerment as a leadership style that involves delegating responsibilities and decision-making authority to others while also increasing the leader's focus on strategic activities. This approach can lead to more efficient use of resources and better outcomes for an organization.

Question 16

Cycles include all of the verbal and nonverbal behaviors that occur in the course of a group discussion.

Accepted Answer

Cycles refer to the recurring phases or patterns in group discussions, not to all the individual behaviors that occur.

Question 17

To convert the process of disorganization and/or death in a group, the group must employ entropy

Accepted Answer

Entropy is the measure of disorder in a system, and the process of disorganization and/or death in a group is a form of entropy. Employing entropy would actually increase disorder and hasten the process, so the group would need to employ processes that counteract entropy, such as organization and renewal, to convert disorganization and/or death into growth and productivity.

Question 18

Each of us decide if group membership is worth the effort we are exerting. This system aspect is called dynamic equilibrium.

Accepted Answer

Dynamic equilibrium refers to the balance between the benefits and costs of being a member of a group, and each individual decides whether it is worth the effort.

Question 19

Equifinality refers to the unpredictability and potential for adaptation groups possess.

Accepted Answer

Equifinality is a concept in systems theory which states that different paths or actions can result in the same outcome, and that different starting points or conditions can lead to the same endpoint. This provides a level of unpredictability and potential for adaptation for groups or systems.

Question 20

A group that brings in outside experts to provide input on a particular issue would be considered to be working as an open system.

Accepted Answer

An open system is a system that interacts with its environment, which can include bringing in outside resources or expertise to help achieve its goals.

Quiz 1: What Is Small Group Interaction