Deck 7: Group Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Question 1

The probability of a group solving a problem well increases when the group

A) reduces the use of brainstorming.
B) follows a systematic procedure.
C) gives each member one vote.
D) engages in groupthink.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

In managing disagreement, positive outcomes develop if

A) dissenters feel that they have the freedom to express doubt.
B) doubts should be expressed as a sole member of the group, not speaking for the group as a whole (collaboratively).
C) anger is not permitted.
D) dissenters are not given permission to vent their doubt.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

An inhibiting procedure in brainstorming is that

A) only one person can speak at a time.
B) several people can speak at a time.
C) spontaneous comments are discouraged.
D) the group leader tells each person when to speak.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

The best size for a brainstorming team is

A) twenty or more.
B) ten to fifteen.
C) five to seven.
D) zero to five.

Question 5

One of the production-blocking mechanisms noted in brainstorming is

A) synergy.
B) groupthink.
C) evaluation apprehension.
D) spontaneous expression.

Question 6

The decision-making step in which the group comes to agreement on the nature of the problem is called

A) identifying the problem.
B) analyzing the cause.
C) searching for alternative solutions.
D) clarifying the problem.

Question 7

A major problem noted with the political decision-making model is that people

A) put too much effort into evaluating alternatives
B) place too much emphasis on the scientific method.
C) block out information that conflicts with their personal biases.
D) forget about the importance of personal biases in decision-making.

Question 8

The alternatives chosen in group problem-solving are the most dependent on the

A) analysis of the causes.
B) financial limitations of the company.
C) the expectations outlined in step 1.
D) biases of each group member.

Question 9

The rational decision-making model is based on

A) a political view of people's thinking.
B) the scientific method.
C) a humanistic perspective.
D) brainstorming and brainwriting.

Question 10

A key feature of the nominal group technique is that the members first present their ideas

A) after engaging in group brainstorming.
B) in private to the group leader.
C) without interacting with group members.
D) for evaluation by group members.

Question 11

Groups in "inquiry" mode are

A) looking to blame someone for a problem.
B) seeking the best alternative to a problem.
C) stuck in a mode where they are asking too many questions and making no decisions.
D) spending a lot of money.

Question 12

The last step for effective group decision making is

A) write a report.
B) analyze the cause.
C) provide for evaluation and accountability.
D) develop an action plan.

Question 13

An important connection between interpersonal relations and problem solving is that

A) many key problems are solved by groups.
B) interpersonal relations must be set aside during problem solving.
C) most key problems are solved by two people at a time.
D) interpersonal relations inhibit problem solving.

Question 14

Group members in "advocacy" mode are

A) also involved in inquiry.
B) likely to stick together as a team.
C) likely to collaborate to find solutions.
D) approaching decision-making as a contest with the intent of selecting the winning alternative.

Question 15

To ensure disagreements in group decision-making will not hinder the process, teams should

A) immediately terminate the discussion and reconvene when cooler heads prevail.
B) confront the dissenter after the meeting and ask him or her to become a better team player.
C) encourage contentious debate.
D) let dissenters speak freely about doubts, but in a collaborative way.

Question 16

In brainstorming, how should the group handle a seemingly outlandish idea?

A) Quietly discourage its originator
B) Welcome it
C) Ask for clarification
D) Ask that it be put in writing

Question 17

Which one of the following techniques is particularly recommended when you need to know how people would react to the alternatives to the problem at hand?

A) group brainstorming
B) private brainstorming
C) quality circles
D) nominal group technique

Question 18

_________________ are major contributors to irrational decision making.

A) Gluttony and greed
B) Ignorance and greed
C) Gluttony and unemployment
D) Etiquette and ignorance

Question 19

Which problem-solving meeting is focused most on quantity?

A) groupware meeting
B) nominal group technique
C) group brainstorming
D) stand-up meeting

Question 20

Alternative solutions developed by members in the nominal group technique are

A) submitted to a brainstorming group.
B) submitted to the leader who performs the evaluation.
C) evaluated in group discussion.
D) evaluated independently by group members.

Question 21

Which is an example of constructive nonverbal communication during a meeting?

A) Shaking your head
B) Checking your cell phone
C) Offering compromise solutions
D) Maintaining eye contact with the speaker

Question 22

A key feature of electronic brainstorming is that

A) all members read the suggestions of the other members at the same time.
B) group members search for electronic solutions to problems.
C) members of the group communicate by electronic mail after the brainstorming session.
D) the delete key is applied to worthless suggestions.

Question 23

During electronic brainstorming, suggestions from group members are

A) stored in a file for review at a later time.
B) entered into the computer and seen by other group members.
C) edited automatically for spelling and grammar.
D) processed through a cellular telephone.

Question 24

Email facilitates group decision making because the group members

A) can avoid interacting with each other.
B) can send messages to each other without passing around handouts.
C) can attack each other's ideas simultaneously
D) log out when they want the meeting to end.

Question 25

A common reason for using groupware is to

A) minimize written and spoken contact among group members.
B) communicate when it would not otherwise be possible.
C) eliminate the need for team leaders.
D) create more travel opportunities for group members.