Deck 8: Conflict and Cohesion in Groups

Question 1

The conflict style characterized by an "I win-you lose" approach is called

A)competing.
B)avoiding.
C)compromising.
D)collaborating.
E)accommodating.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

The conflict style characterized by a "We win" approach is called

A)competing.
B)avoiding.
C)compromising.
D)collaborating.
E)accommodating.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which conflict style would be appropriate if the issue is very important to others but is not very important to you; you realize that you are wrong or that you have changed your mind; it is more important to preserve group harmony than resolve the issue?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which conflict style has a high concern for group goals and a low concern for the member's personal goals?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 5

The members of a civic association committee charged with addressing safety issues in the community disagree over whether to begin by surveying residents about their safety concerns or to start by consulting local law enforcement for safety suggestions.What type of conflict is the group experiencing?

A)Task
B)Personal
C)Substantive
D)Competitive
E)Procedural

Question 6

When members of a group disagree over the method or process the group is using to achieve its goal,they are experiencing what type of conflict?

A)Task
B)Personal
C)Substantive
D)Competitive
E)Procedural

Question 7

Which dialectic tension is represented in all five of the traditional conflict styles: accommodating,avoiding,collaborating,competing,and compromising?

A)Reward ↔ punish
B)Reliance on emotions ↔ reliance on reasoning and logic
C)Homogeneous ↔ heterogeneous
D)Concern for personal goals ↔ concern for group goals
E)Open system ↔ closed system

Question 8

Nang tries to change the subject whenever group members argue.She also refuses to comment on controversial issues.What conflict style does Nang use?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 9

When a member is more concerned with his or her own goals than meeting the needs of the group,which conflict style is the member using?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 10

When a member gives in to others at the expense of his or her own goals,what conflict style is the member using?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 11

What type of conflict is occurring when student government council members disagree and argue with one another as they address question: Should student activities fees be raised?

A)Task
B)Personal
C)Substandard
D)Competitive
E)Procedural

Question 12

The members of a civic association's committee on community safety disagree on whether to install brighter,more expensive street lighting throughout the development or to leave the current lighting as is.What type of conflict is the group experiencing?

A)Task
B)Personal
C)Substandard
D)Competitive
E)Procedural

Question 13

When a member concedes some goals in order to achieve others,what conflict style is the member using?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 14

The following strategies may help overcome some of the obstacles to resolving conflict in virtual teams EXCEPT

A)don't respond immediately; read and process a message several times before responding.
B)assume that others mean well unless you have a history of difficulty with a particular member.
C)if you aren't sure what a member means in a message,ask for clarification.
D)use "I" statements rather than "you" statements,as the latter can be interpreted as accusatory.
E)take a message personally.

Question 15

When a member attempts to change the topic,which conflict style is a member using?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 16

Family members disagree about where to go for a vacation this year.Some members want a location where there will be a lot to do.Other members just want to relax.They discuss many possible sites before deciding on a cruise.They agree that a cruise offers opportunities for both relaxation and recreation.Which approach to conflict did this family use?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 17

When a member searches for new solutions that will achieve both the individual goals of group members and the group goals,what conflict style is the member using?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 18

Some club members want to increase membership dues by $7.00.Other club members want to increase them by $3.00.They have reached an impasse on the issue,so they decide to split the difference and raise the dues by $5.00.What type of conflict style did the group use?

A)Accommodating
B)Collaborating
C)Competing
D)Avoiding
E)Compromising

Question 19

Joe gets angry with Delores during a committee meeting because she interrupts his remarks and implies that his ideas are a waste of time.What type of conflict is occurring in this situation?

A)Task
B)Personal
C)Substantive
D)Competitive
E)Procedural

Question 20

You can help promote constructive conflict by abiding by all of the following principles EXCEPT

A)disagreement does not result in punishment.
B)members encourage tough competition among one another in order to make the best decisions.
C)members will work with one another to achieve mutually satisfying resolution of conflicts.
D)lower-status members are free to disagree with higher-status members.
E)the group has an agreed-upon approach for conflict resolution and decision making.

Question 21

Which symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member says,"Of course,we're right.We have a perfect safety record,have done this many times,and nothing's gone wrong"?

A)Morality
B)Stereotyping outsiders
C)Mindguarding
D)Illusion of unanimity
E)Illusions of invulnerability

Question 22

Attribution Theory is useful in explaining the sources of group conflict.All of the following answers are examples of how attributions can prompt anger among group members EXCEPT

A)what other members do seems abnormal.
B)what other members do seems unfair.
C)what other members do seems to constrain what I want to do.
D)what other members do seems intended to harm me or others.
E)what other members do seems to reflect member needs.

Question 23

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Conflict Resolution Model is expressed in the following statement: "Like most of you,I'm frustrated with the process."

A)Assume that the other person means well.
B)Express your feelings.
C)Identify what you would like to happen.
D)Outcomes you expect are made clear.
E)Understanding on a mutual basis is achieved.

Question 24

Which method of conflict resolution employs the services of an impartial third party for the purpose of guiding,coaching,and encouraging the disputants toward agreement?

A)arbitration
B)mediation
C)negotiation
D)the 4Rs Method
E)the A-E-I-O-U Model

Question 25

Which virtue of Aristotle's doctrine of the mean represents a desirable balance between the dialectical extremes of Shyness ↔ Shamelessness?

A)Bravery
B)Humbleness
C)Truthfulness
D)Purposefulness
E)Honor

Question 26

Which symptom of groupthink is expressed when one group member confronts another by saying,"Why aren't you in favor of this? You're the only one who's against it.Give it up!"

A)Rationalization
B)Self-censorship
C)Mindguarding
D)Pressure on dissent
E)Illusion of invulnerability

Question 27

Conflict in groups occurs when members disagree about issues,ideas,decisions,actions,or goals.

Question 28

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Conflict Resolution is expressed in the following statement,"I know that all of us want this project to succeed."

A)Assume that the other person means well.
B)Express your feelings.
C)Identify what you would like to happen.
D)Outcomes you expect are made clear.
E)Understanding on a mutual basis is achieved.

Question 29

Which of the following statements is characteristic of a cohesive group?

A)Members avoid interacting with one another.
B)Members make a lot of negative statements about the group.
C)Members want to conform to group expectations.
D)The group lacks creativity.
E)The group members operate independently from one another.

Question 30

Which virtue of Aristotle's doctrine of the mean represents a desirable balance between the dialectical extremes of Cowardice ↔ Rashness?

A)Bravery
B)Humbleness
C)Truthfulness
D)Purposefulness
E)Honor

Question 31

As leader of her group,Mira frequently reminds members that their combined contributions are essential to group success.Which strategy for developing group cohesiveness is Mira using?

A)Establishing a group identify
B)Establishing group traditions
C)Respecting group members
D)Emphasizing teamwork
E)Recognizing and rewarding contributions

Question 32

All of the following strategies can help you develop and express an effective apology EXCEPT

A)take responsibility for your actions with "I" statements.
B)clearly identify the behavior that was wrong.
C)explain why your actions are justified.
D)acknowledge how others might feel.
E)express regret.

Question 33

Contemporary research examining gender differences in conflict styles and preferred conflict resolution strategies,conclude that

A)men are more likely to leave a group that experiences continuous conflict.
B)men focus on substantive conflict issues; women focus on procedural conflict issues.
C)the conflict styles of men and women are not driven by biological sex.
D)both men and women cooperate with one another under ideal conditions.
E)women are more likely to avoid conflict than men are.

Question 34

Which step in the A-E-I-O-U Conflict Resolution Model is expressed in the follow statement: "I hope all of us agree that the plan we come up with should be the most direct and efficient way to get where we want to go when this project is finished.In other words,let's keep our eye on the prize."

A)Assume the other person means well.
B)Express your feelings.
C)Identify what you would like to happen.
D)Outcomes you expect are made clear.
E)Understanding on a mutual basis is achieved.

Question 35

Which is the appropriate order of steps in the 4R method of Conflict Management?

A)Reasons.Reactions,Resolution,Results
B)Reactions,Reasons,Results,Resolution
C)Reasons,Reactions,Results,Resolution
D)Resolution,Results,Reactions,Reasons
E)Results,Reasons,Resolution,Results

Question 36

All of the following methods are appropriate for minimizing the potential for groupthink EXCEPT

A)ask each member to serve in the role of critical evaluator.
B)if possible,have more than one group work on the same problem independently.
C)avoid asking questions and do not demand justifications from others.
D)discuss the potential negative consequences of any decision or action.
E)before finalizing the decision,give members a second chance to express doubts.

Question 37

When helping group members from collectivist cultures maintain and save "face," you should keep in mind all of the following perspectives about conflict and "face" EXCEPT

A)The need to save "face" during a conflict derives from the personal relationships among members.
B)Conflict resolution requires that "face" issues be mutually managed before discussing other issues.
C)In individualistic cultures,"saving face" is more important than winning an argument.
D)Conflict resolution succeeds when group members save "face" and also claim they have "won."
E)Cultures that place a great deal of value on "saving face" discourage personal attacks.

Question 38

If you assume that group members mean well and you feel free to express your feelings and ideas to others,you are on your way to dealing with conflict using

A)the 4Rs Method.
B)the A-E-I-O-U Model.
C)negotiation.
D)mediation.
E)arbitration.

Question 39

Some groups try to avoid or suppress conflict because they believe that effective groups are conflict-free.

Question 40

Which of the following suggestions can help you apologize to a group when an apology is appropriate?

A)Identify member responsibility for problems with "you" statements.
B)Clearly identify who is to blame for the problem.
C)Disregard how others might feel as the result of your actions.
D)Follow through on any promises to correct the situation.
E)Plead for forgiveness because you have apologized.

Question 41

Constructive conflict is characterized by competition and conflict avoidance.

Question 42

The competing conflict style reflects a high concern for self and a low concern for the group.

Question 43

The competing conflict style is counterproductive and should be avoided when dealing with conflict.

Question 44

In groups that engage in constructive conflict,disagreement is not punished and low-status members are free to challenge higher-status group members.

Question 45

The accommodating conflict style can be appropriate when an issue is very important to others but is not very important to you.

Question 46

According to research,virtual teams tend to communicate more negative and insulting messages than face to face groups.

Question 47

Avoiding is the most useful and safest conflict style.

Question 48

When an issue is not very important to you but very important to other group members,an accommodating conflict style may be appropriate.

Question 49

Commitment to solutions can be questionable when a compromising conflict style is used.

Question 50

Conflict in groups is destructive and should be avoided if at all possible.

Question 51

Once a group member apologizes for a hurtful comment or a harmful action,that member should demand forgiveness from other group members.

Question 52

When you have strong beliefs about an issue and believe that the group may be acting unethically or illegally,a compromising conflict style may be the most appropriate.

Question 53

Personal conflict is the most difficult type of conflict to deal with when working in a group.

Question 54

When a group cannot negotiate a both/and approach to the individual goals ↔ group goals dialectic,hidden agendas emerge.

Question 55

Conflicts rarely become serious problems when the members' hidden goals conflict with the group's goal.

Question 56

Compromising is the most effective method for resolving a conflict.

Question 57

Avoiding conflict at all costs can help groups preserve solidarity,thus helping them to look more critically at issues.

Question 58

Each of the five conflict styles-avoiding,accommodating,competing,compromising,and collaborating-reflects the individual goals ↔ group goals dialectic tension.

Question 59

Task conflict and personal conflict may occur at the same time.

Question 60

The five traditional conflict styles reflect a dialectic tension of leadership ↔ followership as well as engaged ↔ disengaged.

Question 61

Email messages are the best way to resolve conflict in virtual teams.

Question 62

In Wisinski's A-E-I-O-U Model of conflict resolution,the first step involves believing that other group members want to resolve the conflict.

Question 63

According to Aristotle,"But to be angry at the right things,with the right people,to the right degree,at the right time,for the right purpose,and in the right way-is worthy of praise."

Question 64

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle does not equate ethics with virtue (goodness,moral excellence,righteousness,and integrity).

Question 65

In order for the A-E-I-O-U Model of conflict to work effectively,the leader must assume primary responsibility for wanting to resolve conflict.

Question 66

In intercultural terms,"face" is the positive image a group member wishes to create or preserve.

Question 67

Negotiation and mediation are two terms for the same process.

Question 68

Cultures that place a great deal of value on "saving face" discourage personal attacks and outcomes in which one person "loses."

Question 69

Studies show that men and women from similar cultures do not differ significantly in terms of the conflict strategies and styles they use.

Question 70

A mediator does not take sides in a dispute.

Question 71

Cultural differences may be regional rather than international.

Question 72

Differences in cultural and gender perspectives may result in misunderstandings,prejudices,and unintentionally offensive behavior.

Question 73

In general,members of Arab,Turkish,and Jordian cultures prefer competing approaches to conflict resolution rather than cooperative approaches.

Question 74

In general,Japanese communicators prefer to use avoiding or accommodating conflict styles.

Question 75

In individualistic cultures,members believe that displaying conflict publically threatens everyone's "face."

Question 76

The individualism-collectivism cultural dimension does not strongly influence how group members communicate.

Question 77

Negotiation requires third-party intervention in which an outsider who has conflict resolution skills can help the group analyze and resolve a conflict.

Question 78

"She acted that way because she doesn't like me and doesn't want our group to succeed" could be a conclusion explained by the principles in Attribution Theory.

Question 79

The collaborating conflict style searches for new solutions that achieve both the goals of individual members and the goals of the group.

Question 80

The collaborating approach to conflict works best in all situations.