Question 1

While classified as "informal," friendship groups can have beneficial organizational impact.

Accepted Answer

Friendship groups can have beneficial organizational impact by increasing social capital, improving communication and cooperation within the workplace, and boosting morale and job satisfaction among employees.

Question 2

The Ringelmann effect describes the inverse relationship between the size of a group or team and the magnitude of the members' individual contribution to the accomplishment of the task.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the Ringelmann effect, which suggests that as group size increases, individual effort and performance tend to decrease. This phenomenon is also known as "social loafing" or "free riding".

Question 3

An "expected role" is the set of behaviors that a person in a position believes he should enact.

Accepted Answer

An "expected role" refers to the set of behaviors that others expect from a person in a particular position, not what the person themselves believes they should enact.

Question 4

Informal groups are natural groupings of people in the work situation,who come together in response to social needs.

Accepted Answer

Informal groups are based on social needs and are not created or organized by management, but rather by the employees themselves. They can form due to shared interests, values, backgrounds, or even just a desire for companionship or friendship. These groups can have an impact on individual and group behavior within the workplace.

Question 5

The PEM model suggests the movement from phase 1 to phase 2 is about halfway between the first meeting and the final deadline.

Accepted Answer

The Punctuated Equilibrium Model (PEM) posits that teams experience a transition at the midpoint of their timeline, which is typically halfway between the start and the deadline.

Question 6

Groups can simultaneously occupy more than one stage within the five-stage model of group development.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Groups can move back and forth between stages, skip stages, or even be in multiple stages at the same time. The five-stage model is a general guideline for understanding group development, but reality can be more complex.

Question 7

Providing individuals credit or blame for their separate inputs,may make social loafing less likely to occur.

Accepted Answer

Individual accountability and recognition of contributions can motivate individuals to work harder and reduce social loafing.

Question 8

The punctuated equilibrium model (PEM)presents group development as a five-phase concept ending in maturity.

Accepted Answer

The punctuated equilibrium model (PEM) describes group development as occurring in periods of stable functioning interrupted by abrupt changes, rather than through a linear progression of stages. It does not specifically outline a five-phase concept ending in maturity.

Question 9

While groups can satisfy social needs,esteem needs generally cannot be met by group membership.

Accepted Answer

Esteem needs can be met through recognition, appreciation and respect of oneself and from others, which can be fulfilled through group membership.

Question 10

The punctuated equilibrium model (PEM)presents group development as a three-phase concept with "equilibrium" as the final phase.

Accepted Answer

The punctuated equilibrium model presents group development as a process that includes periods of stability (equilibrium) interrupted by rapid change (punctuation), not as a three-phase concept with equilibrium as the final phase.

Question 11

The five-stage model of group development has been criticized as being too static and unrealistic.

Accepted Answer

The five-stage model of group development (forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning) has been criticized for oversimplifying the complexities of group dynamics and for not accounting for the unique communication, cultural, and contextual factors that influence group development. Some argue that groups do not always follow a linear path and that issues such as power dynamics, conflict resolution, and individual personalities can greatly impact the group development process. Therefore, the model may be too static and unrealistic in some cases.

Question 12

Assigned status within a group may have nothing to do with the formal status hierarchy.

Accepted Answer

Assigned status within a group may be based on various factors such as expertise, personality, or ability to influence others, and may not be determined by the formal status hierarchy. Therefore, it is true that assigned status within a group may have nothing to do with the formal status hierarchy.

Question 13

Norms may apply to every group member or to only some group members.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Norms can apply to every member of a group, such as general social norms like respecting others or following laws. Norms can also apply only to some members of a group, such as specific job responsibilities or expectations for leaders within the group.

Question 14

The final stage in the five-stage model of group development is performing.

Accepted Answer

The final stage in the five-stage model of group development is adjourning, not performing. Performing is the fourth stage.

Question 15

The leadership role is not a significant factor in an informal group.

Accepted Answer

In an informal group, leadership can still play a significant role. Even if there is no designated leader, individuals within the group may take on leadership roles and influence the group's actions and decisions.

Question 16

The five-stage and PEM are equally applicable to project teams and temporary groups.

Accepted Answer

The five-stage model (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning) is specifically designed to describe the progression of team development over time, which is applicable to both project teams and temporary groups. However, PEM (Project Execution Method) is a methodology focused on the execution phase of project management, making it more specific to project teams rather than all types of temporary groups.

Question 17

A team is best defined as a collection of individuals in which behavior and/or performance of one member is influenced by behavior and/or performance of other members.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A team is best defined as a...

Question 18

As a group characteristic,"structure" applies only to formal groups.

Accepted Answer

Structure applies to both formal and informal groups, as both can have their own set of rules, roles, and norms that organize the group's functioning.

Question 19

Cohesiveness can have positive or negative impact.

Accepted Answer

Cohesiveness can have a positive impact on a group by promoting teamwork, communication, and solidarity. However, it can also have a negative impact if it leads to conformity, groupthink, and exclusion of outsiders.

Question 20

Groupthink may result from high levels of cohesiveness.

Accepted Answer

Groupthink is a phenomenon wherein a group of people conform to a particular belief or behavior, often disregarding alternatives or dissenting opinions. High levels of cohesiveness within the group can increase the likelihood of groupthink because members prioritize maintaining harmony and agreement within the group over critical evaluation of ideas.

Quiz 8: Group and Team Behavior