Question 1

When establishing and ranking criteria, groups should
A) develop criteria after detailed investigation of possible solutions.
B) avoid confusing criteria with solutions.
C) develop "must" criteria but not "want" criteria.
D) discard alternatives that meet "must" criteria.

Accepted Answer

Criteria should be distinct from solutions to ensure clarity in decision-making. Confusing the two can lead to biased or unclear decision criteria, which can affect the outcome of the decision-making process.

Question 2

Which of the following are part of effective brainstorming?
A) Positive and negative evaluation
B) Trying to make each idea unique
C) Including even "wacky" ideas
D) Focusing on quality over quantity

Accepted Answer

Effective brainstorming encourages the inclusion of all ideas, even unconventional or "wacky" ones, to foster creativity and innovation.

Question 3

A method of brainstorming that ensures equal participation, even from shy members, is called
A) force-field analysis.
B) groupthink.
C) question of conjecture.
D) nominal group technique.

Accepted Answer

Nominal group technique allows every member to have equal participation by having them generate ideas individually and then share them with the group. This avoids the problem of groupthink where some members may dominate the discussion and others may hesitate to contribute.

Question 4

A group of managers is reviewing resumes from job applicants for a sales position. The group throws away the resumes of applicants who don't have sales experience. The group is
A) applying criteria to select the best solution.
B) brainstorming.
C) analyzing the problem.
D) identifying the problem.

Accepted Answer

The group is applying a specific criteria (sales experience) to select the best candidates for the sales position. This is an example of using criteria to make an informed decision.

Question 5

What happens in the final step in the group process?
A) Applying criteria
B) Implementing
C) Analyzing
D) Brainstorming

Accepted Answer

Implementing is the final step in the group process where the group takes action on the decision or solution they have reached. This step involves putting the plan into action and following through with the agreed-upon solution.

Question 6

When members work to maintain their understanding and use of communication skills (e.g. for grief recovery), this is a self-_________ group.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When members work to maintain their understanding...

Question 7

The optimal size of a work group is _________ members.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The optimal size of a work group...

Question 8

The quality of a group that causes members to endure despite challenge and to develop camaraderie is _______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The quality of a group that causes...

Question 9

When members of a group are afraid to express disagreement, giving an illusion of unity,_________ has occurred.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When members of a group are afraid...

Question 10

Explicitly spelled out standards of conduct are group ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explicitly spelled out standards of conduct are...

Question 11

When group members try to understand the task at hand, they are in the __________ phase.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When group members try to understand the...

Question 12

Determining the course of action that should be taken in response to a problem is a question of_________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Determining the course of action that should...

Question 13

Developing a list of a decision's pros and cons is the process of _________ analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Developing a list of a decision's pros...

Question 14

In the group process, follow-up occurs in step number ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the group process, follow-up occurs in...

Question 15

How are virtual teams different from teams that meet face-to-face? What are the strengths of the communication technologies groups can use, and what are the potential problems? What advice does the text provide for success in virtual teams?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are virtual teams different from teams...

Question 16

Under what conditions do individual decisions work best? Under what conditions do group decisions work best?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Under what conditions do individual decisions work...

Question 17

Describe a situation in which you had to work with a small group to make a decision. This may have been at home, with friends, for a school or community project, or at work. Which characteristics of successful small groups did this group have, and which did it lack? For example, did the group make decisions by vote, compromise, or consensus?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe a situation in which you had...

Question 18

Define groupthink. Irving Janis's theory lists 8 signs or symptoms that groupthink is occurring. Explain 5 of these.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define groupthink. Irving Janis's theory lists 8...

Question 19

List and explain the 6 steps in the group problem-solving process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and explain the 6 steps in...

Quiz 8: Communicating in Problem-Solving Groups

When establishing and ranking criteria, groups should

Which of the following are part of effective brainstorming?

A method of brainstorming that ensures equal participation, even from shy members, is called

A group of managers is reviewing resumes from job applicants for a sales position. The group throws away the resumes of applicants who don't have sales experience. The group is

What happens in the final step in the group process?