At the first group meeting, Brandon, who is the manager and group leader, severely berates a latecomer. As a result, all the group members perceive Brandon to be a tough, no-nonsense boss who does not tolerate people coming late to work. In all the subsequent group meetings, all the members are always on time. This is an example of _____, and it contributes to the evolution of group norms.
A)a carryover behavior
B)a role episode
C)primacy
D)an explicit statement by a supervisor
E)a critical event in the group's history

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Primacy refers to that fact that the first behavior pattern that emerges in a group often sets group expectations. In this scenario, the first meeting reveals Brandon's behavior pattern. If the first group meeting is marked by very formal interaction between supervisors and employees, then the group often expects future meetings to be conducted in the same way.

At the First Group Meeting, Brandon, Who Is the Manager