Joe Sullivan and Mark Holland, members of the top management at EuAir, an European airlines, were preparing for a meeting to discuss strategies to combat the recent rise in fuel prices. Before the meeting began, Joe and Mark were discussing how oil prices significantly impact the health of the world economy. Joe spoke of how higher oil prices since 1999, partly the result of OPEC supply management policies, contributed to the global economic downturn in 2000-2001. Mark agreed but added that the right kind of strategy can help them overcome and even profitably use this opportunity for hiking fares. Which of the following statements, if true, would weaken the argument that Mark experienced groupshift in the meeting?
A) Mark felt that implementing a price rise was necessary to recover the costs in operating the flights.
B) Mark stated that the company should increase operations but at lower fares so they can regain control over the market share.
C) Mark believed that most of their clientele was not price sensitive.
D) Mark was of the opinion that oil suppliers were going to pressure them even more in the future and the company had to resort to alternatives like bio fuels.
E) Mark recommended that the company should establish a fuel hedging contract with its key suppliers to ensure protection from fuel price rises.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument is that Mark experienced groupshift, meaning he became more extreme in his position due to the influence of the group. Option B weakens this argument because it shows that Mark had a moderate position, which is not extreme or in line with the group's thinking. This suggests that Mark did not experience groupshift in the meeting.

Joe Sullivan and Mark Holland, Members of the Top Management