Question 1

A problem for which there is an immediate solution is called a(n) ________ problem.

Accepted Answer

Structured problems are those for which there is an immediate, known solution. These problems are typically well-defined, with clear steps to follow in order to reach a solution.

Question 2

The team leader asked everyone to individually categorize the best five of the nine suggested proposals, according to the degree of their suitability. What brainstorming method did the team leader conduct?

Accepted Answer

Ranking involves ordering or arranging items according to a hierarchy or scale of values, which is what the team leader asked the members to do with the proposals.

Question 3

What method do journalists typically use to pinpoint a certain issue?

Accepted Answer

Journalists often use the "Six questions technique" (who, what, when, where, why, how) to gather comprehensive information about an issue, ensuring they cover all relevant aspects of a story.

Question 4

Irene was preparing the agenda for a team meeting. She felt the most challenging point of discussion was how to best merge the creative writing and storyboarding teams in her firm. Where should Irene place this item on the agenda?

Accepted Answer

Placing the most challenging discussion point in the middle of the meeting allows participants to be adequately warmed up and engaged, yet still have enough energy and focus to tackle complex issues effectively.

Question 5

Which approach is the toughest to execute with a large group?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which approach is the toughest to execute...

Question 6

What process helps supply the required organization and discipline keep a group of 20 or more members resolute and carry out tasks effectively?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary procedure is designed to facilitate the orderly conduct of business by groups and organizations. It provides a structured framework that helps large groups make decisions efficiently and maintain discipline, ensuring that all members have a chance to participate while keeping the group focused on its objectives.

Question 7

At which stage of the problem-solving process does criteria identification and the development of goals and standards take place?

Accepted Answer

Criteria identification and the development of goals and standards occur during the problem analysis stage, where the problem is thoroughly examined and understood, and the requirements for a successful solution are defined.

Question 8

At which step of a team meeting do the members find out something they were not previously aware of?

Accepted Answer

During the "Sharing information" step, team members present new data or insights, which can reveal information that others were not previously aware of.

Question 9

Graham was acting as the facilitator at a problem-solving meeting. He noticed that Denise, one of the participants, was continually going off-topic and rambling on about noncritical issues. He told Denise, "I'm not sure I understand how your observation relates to our meeting goal." Graham's comment helped Denise get back on track to the topic at hand. What strategy of keeping a team focused on its objective did Graham use?

Accepted Answer

Graham used metadiscussion, a strategy where the discussion about the discussion itself helps clarify or redirect the focus. By questioning how Denise's observation related to the meeting goal, he effectively brought the conversation back to the main topic without directly telling her she was off-topic.

Question 10

In which type of problem is there an increased doubt about the process of coming up with an appropriate solution?

Accepted Answer

Unstructured problems are characterized by a lack of clarity in the process of finding solutions, leading to increased doubt about how to appropriately solve them. These problems do not have a clear, predefined method or procedure for finding a solution, making them more complex and uncertain.

Question 11

Alfredo was a marketing executive at an IT firm. He regularly noticed that the team meetings he attended were extremely long. Alfredo also observed team members jumping from one idea to the next, without staying focused on the main topic. When he was made team leader of one of the projects, Alfredo decided to try to work on the issues he noticed in earlier meetings. What should Albert do?

Accepted Answer

Alfredo should provide meeting structure to ensure that the meetings are focused and efficient, addressing the issue of jumping from one idea to the next.

Question 12

What is defined as the method of surmounting hurdles to accomplish a particular objective?

Accepted Answer

Problem-solving is the process that involves identifying a problem, generating solutions, and implementing those solutions to overcome obstacles and achieve a specific goal.

Question 13

During a meeting, the team leader talked throughout the session and did not encourage any other member to speak up or share ideas and opinions with the group. This effectively reduced the meeting to a rambling monologue, devoid of any give-and-take dialogue. What did the team leader fail to do during the meeting?

Accepted Answer

The team leader failed to act as a gatekeeper, which involves ensuring that all members have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion, thus facilitating a balanced and inclusive dialogue.

Question 14

The research team members participating in a problem-solving meeting found some possible solutions for their cost-cutting problem. At the end of the meeting, the manager asked the members to grade each proposal on a scale of 1 to 5. What brainstorming method did the manager employ?

Accepted Answer

The manager used the Rating method by asking team members to grade each proposal on a scale, which involves assigning a score to evaluate the proposals rather than simply choosing one over another or listing them.

Question 15

What is the traditional approach for detecting feasible solutions to group problems called?

Accepted Answer

Brainstorming is the traditional approach used to generate a wide range of ideas and solutions for group problems, encouraging creativity and free thinking.

Question 16

The president of an architecture firm is a world-renowned architect. She notices that whenever she comes up with an idea during meetings with her development team, the rest of the members never

Accepted Answer

Groupthink occurs when a group values harmony and coherence over accurate analysis and critical evaluation. It often leads to decision-making without sufficient consideration of alternative viewpoints, as members suppress dissenting opinions to maintain consensus. In the scenario described, the team's reluctance to challenge the president's ideas likely stems from a desire to avoid conflict and maintain unity, characteristic of groupthink.

Question 17

Before the start of a new project, all 20 team members submitted different proposals. Rather than debating and dissecting each proposal one at a time, the meeting broke up into separate factions, each discussing a separate idea. Thus, the meeting was reduced to a cacophony of unrestrained and unfocused discussion. What was the problem in this meeting?

Accepted Answer

The problem was an "Excess of interaction," where all members were discussing different ideas simultaneously, leading to chaotic and unfocused discussions rather than a structured approach to evaluating proposals.

Question 18

Wesley generally works independently on projects for his firm. While analyzing a new project, however, he realizes he requires five others to help him finish by the specified deadline. Therefore, after his firm provides him the five-member team, Wesley calls for a meeting to discuss the intricacies of the project. Why did Wesley convene a meeting?

Accepted Answer

Wesley convened a meeting to collaborate with the five-member team provided by his firm, aiming to discuss the project's intricacies and work together to meet the deadline.

Question 19

While analyzing a problem, a group should ________ to weigh the positives and negatives of a suggested resolution.

Accepted Answer

The answer of While analyzing a problem, a group should...

Question 20

The members of a creative writing team are asked come up with ideas for a new publicity campaign. The members are further asked to individually submit their proposals via their smartphones. After the submission of every idea, they are shown to everyone on the team. Which problem-solving method did the team use?

Accepted Answer

Electronic brainstorming is characterized by the use of electronic means to submit and share ideas among team members, which matches the scenario described. Traditional brainstorming typically involves in-person sessions, and the other mentioned techniques do not specifically involve the use of technology for idea submission and sharing.

Quiz 10: Enhancing Team Meetings