Deck 10: Small Group Communication

Question 1

Once Sean and Chloe finish their discussion of loss, Karen pipes up and says, "Now that we know where our needs are, I think our goal should be to submit a comprehensive strategic plan by the end of the month." What type of relational role is Karen filling?

A) encourager
B) gatekeeper
C) standard setter
D) follower

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Sean continues his leadership of the meeting by asking Chloe, the company's accountant, to indicate the areas of loss for the company in the prior quarter. What specific task role is he taking on here?

A) opinion seeker
B) coordinator
C) orienter
D) information seeker

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Amara owns her own textile company. She makes an effort to lead her employees by being aware of what is going on in the company and fostering teamwork. This includes listening to her employees' concerns and helping them to grow. Amara is exemplifying ________ leadership theory.

A) transformational
B) servant
C) functional
D) helpful

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A cancer survivor's support group is an example of a primary group.

Question 5

When one suggests that a leader can acquire communication skills and leadership behavior over time, one is following the ________ theory of leadership.

A) trait
B) functional
C) style
D) transformational

Question 6

The shared expectations group members have regarding each individual's communication behavior in the group are known as ________.

A) group roles
B) group styles
C) task roles
D) task management

Question 7

Wilona continually encourages her team to work independently from her -- the group leader. She does this by encouraging group cohesion. Wilona is an example of a ________ leader.

A) transformational
B) servant
C) authoritarian
D) charismatic

Question 8

A major disadvantage to small groups is that they stifle creativity.

Question 9

Sean checked his clock and saw that it was 10:00, which was the time the group had agreed upon to start the meeting. Clearing his throat to get the attention of his coworkers, he jumped right into explaining the project. Sean is taking on which type of role?

A) task
B) relational
C) individual
D) social

Question 10

Small group communication is communication among a small number of people who share a common goal, who feel connected to each other, and who coordinate their behavior.

Question 11

Trait theory suggests that leaders are made. The socialization and education of an individual makes them a leader.

Question 12

One function of secondary groups is to ________.

A) socialize
B) solve problems
C) offer a sense of belonging to members
D) assimilate family

Question 13

Luna hates group projects in school because she always ends up doing most of the work. Luna is experiencing ________.

A) groupthink
B) primary grouping
C) grouphate
D) group mentality

Question 14

Chloe agrees with Karen, stating, "I think that's a great idea." What type of relational role is Chloe filling?

A) encourager
B) follower
C) gatekeeper
D) standard setter

Question 15

While Sean and Chloe are discussing loss from the prior quarter, Ryder notices that some people are fishing through purses and pockets for pens. He jumps up, grabs a coffee mug full of pens and a stack of legal pads from the cabinet and begins to distribute them. Ryder's role is ________.

A) procedural technician
B) recorder
C) energizer
D) initiator-contributor

Question 16

Which stage of the problem-solving agenda involves brainstorming to generate as many ideas as possible without critiquing those ideas?

A) step 1: Define and delineate the problem
B) step 2: Analyze the problem
C) step 3: Identify alternative solutions
D) step 4: Evaluate proposed solutions

Question 17

The two dimensions of small group communication include task communication and production communication.

Question 18

In the _____ phase of the decision making process, the group has worked through primary and secondary tensions and members express a cooperative attitude.

A) emergence
B) orientation
C) conflict
D) recurring

Question 19

________ communication directs everyone's attention toward the leader's vision, values, and desired outcomes and motivates people to take action to help achieve the vision.

A) Open B. Expressive
C) Strategic
D) Managed

Question 20

It has been shown that a group can produce more innovative ideas than individuals working alone. This creativity may be due to social ________.

A) facilitation
B) collaboration
C) reevaluation
D) creation

Question 21

The ____ role in small group communication helps establish a group's social atmosphere.

Question 22

Discuss the three common styles of leadership found within style theory.

Question 23

________ groups are groups that provide us with a sense of belonging and affection.

Question 24

Sarah was appointed by her group to be their leader. She possesses legitimate power.

Question 25

While a transformational leader strives to create loyalty to the group and not to the individual leader, an) _____ leader relies on their strong personality and charm to create loyalty to themselves.

Question 26

According to style theory, an) ________ leader takes charge and has a high level of intellect and expertise.

Question 27

Communication that is purpose-driven is known as _____ communication.

Question 28

What are the ethical relational guidelines to working in a small group? Provide an example for each.

Question 29

Based on functional theory, any group member can serve as a leader at any particular time by filling the required role.

Question 30

Groupthink occurs when all members of the group are thinking freely, independently, and creatively.

Question 31

Most experts agree that the fewest number of people that can constitute a small group is ___.

Question 32

The tendency for people to work harder and do better when others are around is called social _____.

Question 33

The uncertainty that is common during the orientation stage of the decision-making phase is known as secondary tension.

Question 34

Think about your recent group projects. Identify two ways as strategies to improve group communication. Did you do these in your last group? Was your group effective or ineffective as a result? What group role did you take? Would you change it? How?