Question 1

In using groups to make or to aid in making decisions, a tendency sometimes arises for the group to seek agreement about an issue at the expense of realistically appraising the situation. Usually this is done, according to the text, to preserve group cohesiveness and because of the reluctance to risk disagreement within the group. This tendency or process is usually called:

Accepted Answer

This tendency is known as "groupthink," a term that describes when a group makes faulty or ineffective decisions for the sake of reaching a consensus, often avoiding realistic evaluation of alternatives or solutions. It prioritizes harmony and conformity within the group over critical analysis and debate.

Question 2

Several techniques are recognised as steps that can help avoid the major disadvantages that sometimes arise in group decision-making. Which of the following is not one of them?

Accepted Answer

Option D is incorrect because rushing decisions does not necessarily lead to better outcomes. Careful consideration and adequate time for decision-making often result in more effective solutions.

Question 3

Two mechanisms have been found to be somewhat successful in avoiding groupthink in group decision making. They are (1) providing for the role of a devil's advocate and (2) using:

Accepted Answer

The use of a devil's advocate and dialectical inquiry are two methods that have been found to be effective in avoiding groupthink. The devil's advocate role involves someone challenging ideas and assumptions to prevent premature consensus, while dialectical inquiry involves the consideration of opposing viewpoints and the synthesis of a new position from them, encouraging critical evaluation and diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.

Question 4

One approach to help minimise groupthink in group decision making is forcing two opposite points of view regarding a particular situation the group is to resolve. Confronting the implications of these two views (and the assumptions that accompany each) is thought to aid the group decision-making process. This approach is called:

Accepted Answer

Dialectical inquiry involves presenting two opposing viewpoints and debating their merits to encourage critical thinking and avoid groupthink, making it the correct approach described.

Question 5

The real option analysis is a tool used:

Accepted Answer

Real option analysis is used to evaluate and manage the uncertainty in investment decisions by considering the flexibility to make future decisions based on how actual events unfold.

Question 6

Creativity in organisations is important, including creativity in the decision-making process. One approach to, or method of, thinking about problems and their solutions encourages the generation of new ways of viewing a problem and its possible solutions, by thinking logically. It is called:

Accepted Answer

Convergent thinking is a term used to describe the process of thinking that follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one solution, which can involve generating new ways of viewing a problem and its possible solutions by thinking logically. This contrasts with divergent thinking, which involves thinking in varied directions to generate multiple solutions to a problem.

Question 7

According to creativity expert Amabile, three basic ingredients are necessary for creativity: domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant skills and ____________ skills:

Accepted Answer

According to Amabile, the three basic ingredients necessary for creativity are domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant skills, and task motivation. Task motivation refers to an individual's inner drive to engage with and solve creative problems.

Question 8

The four stages of creativity presented by the text are preparation, ____________, ____________ and verification.

Accepted Answer

The correct stages of creativity following preparation are incubation and illumination, before the final stage of verification. Incubation is a period of unconscious processing of the problem, and illumination is the moment of insight or the "aha" moment.

Question 9

What type of decision-making problems do managers face and how does categorising decisions as programmed or non-programmed assist managers?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Managers are required to make decisions that impact positively on organisational success. In what ways do various decision-making models assist managers?

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

How does choosing an alternative fit in a four-step decision-making process? Describe evaluation activities that a manager could use before choosing an alternative.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

What barriers does a manager face in accepting problem challenges and searching for sufficient alternatives? How might these be overcome?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

What four information processing biases can affect decision-making operations? Give an example to illustrate the meaning of each type of bias.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

What is the decision-escalation problem and how can it be avoided?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

What are the advantages and disadvantages of group decision-making? Give examples from your own experience to show whether you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice-versa and how you could improve decision-making.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What features are included in each of the three basic creativity ingredients?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Use the internet or a library data base to search for a model of the stages of creativity. How does this model compare and contrast with the four-stage model of Haefele (1962)?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Why are brainstorming and nominal group technique useful in enhancing group creativity? Describe a situation for each to show how the technique is best used.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

First line managers and many middle-level managers are primarily making __________________

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 5: Managerial Decision Making