Question 1

Which of the following group characteristics is not typically associated with the occurrence of groupthink?
A) Feeling of unanimity
B) Pressure to individually contribute
C) Illusion of invulnerability
D) Opposing ideas dismissed

Accepted Answer

Pressure to individually contribute is not typically associated with the occurrence of groupthink. In fact, groupthink tends to suppress individual contributions and dissenting opinions. The other three characteristics listed (feeling of unanimity, illusion of invulnerability, and opposing ideas dismissed) are commonly associated with groupthink.

Question 2

_______________ is a known source of attraction to a particular group.
A) Clearly specified goals that are compatible with group members
B) A charismatic leader
C) A positive group reputation
D) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

All of the choices are correct. Clearly specified goals that are compatible with group members, a charismatic leader, and a positive group reputation are all factors that can attract individuals to a particular group.

Question 3

Status and _______________ are so similar that the terms are often used interchangeably.
A) position
B) pay
C) power
D) persona

Accepted Answer

Status and position both refer to one's level or rank in a hierarchy or social structure. While pay, power, and persona can be related to status and position, they are not interchangeable with the terms.

Question 4

In the context of teams,the acronym SMT refers to ____ teams.
A) single member
B) selective membership
C) self-managed
D) serial-methods

Accepted Answer

The acronym SMT commonly refers to self-managed teams, which are groups of employees who have autonomy and responsibility for their own work processes and decision making. They are often cross-functional and have diverse skill sets. Single member, selective membership, and serial-methods teams do not fit the definition of SMT.

Question 5

_______________ teams are formed specifically to deal with problems.
A) Mission
B) Problem-solving
C) Quest
D) Consignment

Accepted Answer

Problem-solving teams are formed specifically to tackle and resolve issues or problems within an organization. The other options, mission, quest, and consignment, do not necessarily involve problem-solving as their sole purpose.

Question 6

_______________ developed the concept of "groupthink."
A) Drucker
B) Janis
C) Taylor
D) Hawthorn

Accepted Answer

Groupthink was developed by psychologist Irving Janis in the 1970s. Peter Drucker is known for his work in management, Frederick Taylor for scientific management, and Hawthorne for the Hawthorne effect.

Question 7

The ___________ is specified by the organization chart and is made up of the subordinates who report directly to a given supervisor while a ___________ comprises the employees who work together to complete a particular task or project.
A) formal team; functional group
B) task group; command group
C) command group; task group
D) R&D Group; skunkworks

Accepted Answer

The command group is defined by the organizational hierarchy and consists of individuals who report directly to a specific manager, as depicted in an organization chart. A task group, on the other hand, is formed to accomplish a specific project or task, bringing together employees from various departments or specialties to work collaboratively towards a common goal.

Question 8

All of the following are ways to guard against groupthink except:
A) Encourage members to state objections and doubts
B) Break into subgroups to work on the same problem, then share proposed solutions with the group
C) Assign a team member to play devil's advocate
D) Encourage objections by having the group leader endorse a particular course of action

Accepted Answer

Encouraging objections by having the group leader endorse a particular course of action goes against the purpose of guarding against groupthink. It suggests that there is already a predetermined course of action and that objections may not be taken seriously. The other options (A, B, and C) are all effective ways to guard against groupthink.

Question 9

The _________ role is the set of behaviors that a person in a position believes he or she should enact.
A) expected
B) perceived
C) envisioned
D) organizational

Accepted Answer

The perceived role refers to the set of behaviors that an individual in a position believes is expected of them, based on their own understanding and interpretation of their role. This perception guides how they act in their role.

Question 10

The person who becomes an informal group leader generally is viewed as _______________.
A) a respected and high-status member
B) someone who embodies the values of the group
C) someone who helps the group accomplish its goals
D) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

The person who becomes an informal group leader can have one or more of these qualities - respect, high-status, embodiment of group values, and helping the group accomplish goals. Therefore, all of the choices are correct.

Question 11

_______________ may be a common characteristic of the members of a homogeneous group.
A) Demographics (age, race, gender, education, etc.)
B) Personality
C) Skills and abilities
D) All of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

Homogeneous groups are those in which members have similar characteristics or backgrounds. This similarity can extend to various aspects such as demographics (age, race, gender, education, etc.), personality, and skills and abilities, making all the choices correct.

Question 12

There are multiple roles associated with a position.The ____________ role is the behavior that a person actually carries out.
A) actual
B) affected
C) effective
D) enacted

Accepted Answer

The term 'enacted' is appropriate in this context. The enacted role refers to the set of behaviors that are actually demonstrated or performed by an individual in a particular role or position. This differs from the assigned role or expected role, which refers to the behaviors that are prescribed or expected of the individual in that position. The other choices, actual, affected, and effective, do not accurately capture the concept of the enacted role.

Question 13

Groups suffering from groupthink display all of the following characteristics except:
A) An illusion of vulnerability
B) A tendency to moralize
C) Pressure to conform
D) Opposing ideas dismissed

Accepted Answer

Groupthink is characterized by an illusion of invulnerability (not vulnerability), where members of the group feel overly optimistic and take greater risks.

Question 14

Quality circles usually have _______________ members.
A) 1 to 5
B) 5 to 10
C) 6 to 12
D) 15 or more

Accepted Answer

Quality circles typically have 6 to 12 members to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and allow for effective group discussions and decision-making. A smaller group may lack diversity while a larger group may be difficult to manage and coordinate.

Question 15

If a group is highly cohesive but has goals that are not congruent with those of the formal organization,then group behavior will probably be considered _______________ by the sponsoring organization.
A) positive
B) neutral
C) negative
D) dangerous

Accepted Answer

Highly cohesive groups that do not have congruent goals with the formal organization can lead to conflict and resistance towards the organization's policies and objectives. Hence, the sponsoring organization is likely to view the group behavior negatively as it can hinder the overall productivity and success of the organization.

Question 16

The phenomenal success of Microsoft Corporation is attributed in part to its extensive use of software re-search and development _____________.
A) groups
B) teams
C) collectives
D) skunkworks

Accepted Answer

Microsoft's success is partly due to its use of software research and development teams, which are organized groups focused on innovation and product development.

Question 17

In work groups,the most common norm relates to _______________.
A) personality
B) relationships
C) productivity
D) quality

Accepted Answer

The most common norm in work groups is productivity. This is because work groups are typically formed to achieve a certain goal or complete a project, and productivity is necessary to accomplish this goal. Norms related to productivity may include setting deadlines, dividing tasks evenly, and holding members accountable for their contributions. While personality and relationships may also have an impact on group dynamics, productivity tends to be the most important factor in achieving success as a group. Quality, while important, is usually encompassed within the norm of productivity as a group's goal is usually to produce a high-quality end result.

Question 18

All of the following are strategies for increasing group cohesion except:
A) Physically locating the group closer to other groups
B) Inducing agreement on group goals
C) Making the group more homogeneous
D) Allocating rewards to the group, not individuals

Accepted Answer

Physically locating the group closer to other groups is not a strategy for increasing group cohesion. In fact, it may increase intergroup competition and decrease cohesion. The other three options - inducing agreement on group goals, making the group more homogeneous, and allocating rewards to the group, not individuals - are all strategies that have been shown to increase group cohesion.

Question 19

The degree of cohesiveness in a group _______________.
A) has positive effects on performance
B) has negative effects on performance
C) can have either positive or negative effects on performance
D) typically is not related to performance

Accepted Answer

The degree of cohesiveness in a group can have either positive or negative effects on performance. In some cases, high levels of cohesiveness can lead to better communication, mutual support and cooperation, which can enhance productivity and performance. However, in other cases, excessive cohesiveness can lead to groupthink, conformity, and a lack of diversity in ideas, which can hinder performance. It ultimately depends on how the group members work together and the nature of the task or goal they are trying to achieve.

Question 20

The members of a _______________ team seldom meet face to face.
A) virtual
B) cross-functional
C) problem-solving
D) self-managed

Accepted Answer

A virtual team relies on technology to communicate and collaborate, allowing members to work remotely without the need for in-person meetings.

Quiz 10: Groups and Teams

Which of the following group characteristics is not typically associated with the occurrence of groupthink?

_______________ is a known source of attraction to a particular group.

Status and _______________ are so similar that the terms are often used interchangeably.

In the context of teams,the acronym SMT refers to ____ teams.

_______________ teams are formed specifically to deal with problems.

_______________ developed the concept of "groupthink."

The _ is specified by the organization chart and is made up of the subordinates who report directly to a given supervisor while a _ comprises the employees who work together to complete a particular task or project.

All of the following are ways to guard against groupthink except:

The _________ role is the set of behaviors that a person in a position believes he or she should enact.

The person who becomes an informal group leader generally is viewed as _______________.

_______________ may be a common characteristic of the members of a homogeneous group.

There are multiple roles associated with a position.The ____________ role is the behavior that a person actually carries out.

Groups suffering from groupthink display all of the following characteristics except:

Quality circles usually have _______________ members.

If a group is highly cohesive but has goals that are not congruent with those of the formal organization,then group behavior will probably be considered _______________ by the sponsoring organization.

The phenomenal success of Microsoft Corporation is attributed in part to its extensive use of software re-search and development _____________.

In work groups,the most common norm relates to _______________.

All of the following are strategies for increasing group cohesion except:

The degree of cohesiveness in a group _______________.

The members of a _______________ team seldom meet face to face.