Question 1

To use the probability theory, a supervisor
A) needs to know or be able to estimate the value of each possible outcome.
B) must assume that only one choice is right.
C) needs to be able to balance the application of bounded rationality with groupthink.
D) must use database management software such as Access or Oracle Database.

Accepted Answer

In order to calculate probabilities, one needs to know or be able to estimate the value of each possible outcome. This is the foundation of probability theory. The other options presented are not relevant to the use of probability theory.

Question 2

When supervisors notice that their group is showing the symptoms of groupthink, they should
A) defend the group's position against any objections.
B) encourage group members to listen with an open mind.
C) urge group members to go along with the group.
D) create an illusion of invulnerability.

Accepted Answer

When a group is showing symptoms of groupthink, the best action for a supervisor to take is to encourage group members to listen with an open mind. This can help to promote diverse opinions and prevent the group from becoming too insulated in their way of thinking. Defending the group's position against objections, urging members to go along with the group, and creating an illusion of invulnerability are all actions that can exacerbate groupthink and make it more difficult to overcome.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true of brainstorming?
A) It is a technique used to promote groupthink.
B) It is an idea-generating process.
C) It is designed to eliminate stereotypes.
D) It is a measure of the recency syndrome.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a technique used for generating new ideas through group discussion and helps in exploring different perspectives. It has nothing to do with groupthink, eliminating stereotypes, or recency syndrome.

Question 4

The failure to think independently and realistically as a group because of the desire to enjoy consensus and closeness is called
A) in-group bias.
B) ecological fallacy.
C) groupthink.
D) recency syndrome.

Accepted Answer

The given description is a classic definition of groupthink, where people prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking and independent analysis. Groupthink can lead to flawed decision-making and outcomes due to a lack of diversity of thought and a reluctance to challenge the consensus.

Question 5

Identify a disadvantage of group decision making.
A) Group decision-making processes always look at problems from a narrow perspective.
B) Group decision-making processes disallow people to draw on their own experiences when generating and evaluating ideas.
C) People who come up with a solution are more likely to support the implementation of the solution only when their contributions are rewarded.
D) There is always a risk of the group reaching an inferior decision by letting a subgroup dominate the process.

Accepted Answer

Group decision-making processes carry the risk of a subgroup dominating the process, which can lead to the group reaching an inferior decision. This can happen when a dominant member of the group or a few members with strong personalities and persuasive skills take control of the conversation and influence the group's decision-making process to their advantage. As a result, diversity of thought and objective considerations may not influence the group's decision, leading to a suboptimal outcome.

Question 6

Identify a true statement about decision-making software.
A) It eliminates a user's need to identify alternatives or provide information about his or her values and priorities.
B) It complicates the process of decision making.
C) It makes it easier for supervisors to organize their thoughts and gather information.
D) It is designed to promote groupthink.

Accepted Answer

Decision-making software can help supervisors and individuals organize their thoughts and gather information, making the decision-making process easier. However, it does not eliminate the need to identify alternatives or provide information about one's values and priorities. It is also not designed to promote groupthink, but rather to provide a structured approach to decision making.

Question 7

In which of the following situations should a supervisor use group decision making?
A) When the supervisor needs to build support for a solution
B) When a decision must be made quickly, as in an emergency
C) When the potential benefit of the decision is insignificant
D) When the supervisor needs to use bounded rationality

Accepted Answer

Group decision making is effective when the supervisor needs to build support for a solution. Involving the group in decision making helps to build buy-in and commitment to the solution. In the other options (B, C, D), there may be other decision-making methods that would be more appropriate. For example, in an emergency (B), a supervisor may need to make a quick decision without consulting the group, and in situations where the potential benefit of the decision is insignificant (C), a supervisor may be able to make the decision independently. In terms of bounded rationality (D), this refers to situations where a supervisor may not have access to all the information needed to make an informed decision. In this case, a supervisor may need to use a different decision-making method, such as seeking advice from experts or using intuition.

Question 8

Samantha is a project supervisor for an ad agency. She calls a meeting to generate ideas for a new ad. During the meeting, she finds that some members do not speak at all. In this case, Samantha should
A) ask their opinions about the ideas discussed.
B) ask them to play the role of mindguards and urge other group members to go along with the group.
C) criticize them for being quiet.
D) ask them to play the role of devil's advocate and defend the group's position against any objections.

Accepted Answer

It is important to involve and value the opinions of all team members. By asking their opinions, Samantha can encourage participation and potentially generate new and unique ideas. Criticizing them or asking them to play specific roles may further discourage participation.

Question 9

Lincoln, the supervisor of an acid manufacturing company, finds out that there has been an acid leakage from one of the containers, and if nothing is done, the plant is likely to be destroyed within hours. Which of the following is the optimum response for this situation?
A) He should call a group meeting to discuss the situation.
B) He should have a brainstorming session with his plant manager.
C) He should make a quick decision by himself.
D) He should use decision trees to arrive at a solution.

Accepted Answer

In a crisis situation like this, there is no time for lengthy discussions or decision-making processes. The supervisor must act quickly and decisively to contain the leak and prevent any further damage. Therefore, the best option is for the supervisor to make a quick decision by himself and take immediate action to address the issue.

Question 10

In which of the following situations should a supervisor make a decision alone?
A) When the supervisor needs to cut costs or improve productivity
B) When a decision must be made quickly, as in an emergency
C) When the supervisor needs to build support for a solution
D) When the consequences of a poor decision are significant

Accepted Answer

In an emergency, there may not be enough time to consult with others and a decision needs to be made quickly to address the situation. In other situations, it is important to involve others to gather input and build support for decisions, especially when the consequences of a poor decision are significant. Cutting costs or improving productivity may also require input from others to ensure that the best solutions are implemented.

Question 11

An idea-generating process in which group members state their ideas, have their ideas recorded, and no one comments on the ideas until the process is complete is referred to as
A) brainstorming.
B) bounded rationality.
C) stereotyping.
D) groupthink.

Accepted Answer

The process described is known as brainstorming. In brainstorming, the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible without judgment or criticism. This technique can lead to more creative solutions and greater participation from all members of the group.

Question 12

Identify a disadvantage of using brainstorming to generate ideas in a group.
A) Hearing one or two ideas may send the group down the wrong track.
B) Brainstorming inevitably leads to groupthink.
C) An illusion of invulnerability is created during brainstorming sessions.
D) Brainstorming diminishes the role of the supervisor in groups.

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming can sometimes lead to a situation where early ideas overly influence the direction of the discussion, potentially limiting the diversity of ideas generated. This phenomenon is known as "anchoring," where initial ideas serve as anchors that the rest of the brainstorming session revolves around, possibly leading the group down a less optimal path.

Question 13

A supervisor leading a group decision-making meeting should make sure that everyone participates because
A) it creates an illusion of invulnerability in the group.
B) it stimulates groupthink, which enhances the quality of ideas.
C) it is the only way to avoid the problems related to stereotyping.
D) it utilizes the variety of opinions and expertise available.

Accepted Answer

When everyone participates in a group decision-making meeting, the supervisor can utilize the variety of opinions and expertise available, which can enhance the quality of ideas and increase the chances of making the best decision. A and B are incorrect because creating an illusion of invulnerability or stimulating groupthink can lead to biased decision-making. C is incorrect because avoiding stereotyping is just one reason why everyone should participate.

Question 14

Whenever supervisors ask for input from a group, they should be sure they intend to use the information, or the group
A) members will fall victim to groupthink.
B) will suffer from the recency syndrome.
C) members will be offended.
D) will be more likely to use self-censorship.

Accepted Answer

Asking for input and then not using it can lead to group members feeling undervalued or offended, as it might seem their opinions are not truly considered or valued.

Question 15

In which of the following groups are its members most likely to experience groupthink?
A) A group that has a designated devil's advocate
B) A group that includes people who are known for questioning ideas and arguing unpopular viewpoints
C) A group that employs self-censorship
D) A group that sleeps on a decision before finalizing it

Accepted Answer

Groupthink is most likely to occur in groups that employ self-censorship, where members avoid expressing any disagreement or conflict in order to maintain a perceived sense of harmony and agreement within the group. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a failure to consider alternative perspectives, ultimately resulting in poor decision-making.

Question 16

When a supervisor needs to build support for a solution, such as cutting costs or improving productivity, it is best for him or her to
A) use group decision making.
B) make the decisions alone.
C) let his or her boss make the decision.
D) make the decision with the help of top management only.

Accepted Answer

Using group decision making allows for input and buy-in from multiple stakeholders, creating a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the solution. This can increase the likelihood of successful implementation and reduce resistance to change.

Question 17

Identify an advantage of group decision making.
A) Group decision making is appropriate for all situations and always results in the implementation of perfect solutions.
B) Group members will look at a problem from a broader perspective.
C) Group members engage in groupthink, which improves the quality of decisions made.
D) Group decision making inevitably results in superior decisions when one person dominates the whole process.

Accepted Answer

Group decision making allows for a diversity of perspectives and increases the likelihood that all aspects of a problem or decision will be considered. This can lead to more informed and comprehensive decision making. Option A is incorrect because there are situations where group decision making may not be appropriate or effective. Option C is incorrect because groupthink occurs when group members prioritize conformity and consensus over critical thinking and individual perspectives, which can lead to poor decision making. Option D is incorrect because dominating the decision making process can stifle creativity and collaboration and may not result in the best decision for the group.

Question 18

Which of the following is a way to generate ideas in a group?
A) Groupthink
B) Brainstorming
C) Stereotyping
D) Reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is a technique where members of a group come together to generate as many ideas as possible in a short amount of time without any judgment or criticism. It encourages creativity and divergent thinking. Groupthink, stereotyping, and reinforcement are not effective ways to generate ideas as they limit creativity and may stifle alternative perspectives.

Question 19

Identify a symptom of groupthink.
A) A view that the group is clearly moral
B) Opposing the group's position against any objections
C) An illusion of being vulnerable
D) Being receptive to ideas that are contrary to the group's ideas

Accepted Answer

Groupthink often involves the belief that the group is inherently moral, which can lead to ignoring ethical or moral consequences of decisions.

Question 20

James is the supervisor of a group responsible for coming up with a name for a new product. He finds that his group has fallen victim to groupthink. Which of the following steps should he take to rectify this situation?
A) He should ask his group members to be more agreeable and appoint one member to act as a mindguard who urges other members to go along with the group.
B) He should apply pressure against group members who disagree.
C) He should let the members of the group think that they are invulnerable.
D) He should appoint one group member to act as devil's advocate, challenging the position of the majority.

Accepted Answer

To rectify groupthink, James should appoint one group member to act as a devil's advocate, challenging the position of the majority. This will encourage the group to consider alternative perspectives and viewpoints, which can help to prevent the group from making flawed decisions based on incomplete or biased information. The other options, such as asking group members to be more agreeable or applying pressure against those who disagree, would only serve to reinforce groupthink and stifle dissenting opinions. Likewise, letting the group members think that they are invulnerable would only contribute to a false sense of confidence and encourage them to ignore potential risks or flaws in their decision-making process.

Quiz 8: Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Creativity

To use the probability theory, a supervisor

When supervisors notice that their group is showing the symptoms of groupthink, they should

Which of the following statements is true of brainstorming?

The failure to think independently and realistically as a group because of the desire to enjoy consensus and closeness is called

Identify a disadvantage of group decision making.

Identify a true statement about decision-making software.

In which of the following situations should a supervisor use group decision making?

Samantha is a project supervisor for an ad agency. She calls a meeting to generate ideas for a new ad. During the meeting, she finds that some members do not speak at all. In this case, Samantha should

Lincoln, the supervisor of an acid manufacturing company, finds out that there has been an acid leakage from one of the containers, and if nothing is done, the plant is likely to be destroyed within hours. Which of the following is the optimum response for this situation?

In which of the following situations should a supervisor make a decision alone?

An idea-generating process in which group members state their ideas, have their ideas recorded, and no one comments on the ideas until the process is complete is referred to as

Identify a disadvantage of using brainstorming to generate ideas in a group.

A supervisor leading a group decision-making meeting should make sure that everyone participates because

Whenever supervisors ask for input from a group, they should be sure they intend to use the information, or the group

In which of the following groups are its members most likely to experience groupthink?

When a supervisor needs to build support for a solution, such as cutting costs or improving productivity, it is best for him or her to

Identify an advantage of group decision making.

Which of the following is a way to generate ideas in a group?

Identify a symptom of groupthink.

James is the supervisor of a group responsible for coming up with a name for a new product. He finds that his group has fallen victim to groupthink. Which of the following steps should he take to rectify this situation?