Question 1

Self-managed teams largely eliminate __________.

Accepted Answer

Self-managed teams remove the need for traditional first-line supervisors.

Question 2

__________ can solve problems with a positive combination of functional expertise and integrative or total systems thinking.

Accepted Answer

Cross-functional teams are composed of individuals from different functional areas within an organization. By bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, cross-functional teams are able to approach problems with a combination of functional expertise and an integrative or total systems thinking approach. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and a more effective solution.

Question 3

Jack, Raj, Brenda, and Jamira have natural affinities for one another. They tend to work together, sit together, take breaks together, and even do things together outside of the workplace. This is an example of which is these groups?

Accepted Answer

The description given indicates that the group is primarily based on friendship and personal connections, rather than shared interests or formal structures, making C - friendship groups - the most appropriate choice.

Question 4

Which of these teams bring together people from different functional departments or work units to work on a common task?

Accepted Answer

Cross-functional teams bring together individuals from different functional departments or work units to work on a common task or project. This allows for a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to be applied to the task, resulting in more innovative and effective solutions. Self-directed teams are responsible for managing and executing their own work, but may not necessarily include members from different departments. Virtual teams may be spread across different locations, but again, may not necessarily include members from different departments. Self-managed teams are responsible for managing their own work processes and decision-making, but may still all come from the same functional department. Employee involvement teams are generally focused on improving specific processes or aspects of the organization, and may or may not include members from different departments.

Question 5

When a team achieves its performance goals regarding quantity, quality, and timeliness of work results, what characteristic of team effectiveness is being demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

When a team achieves its performance goals regarding quantity, quality, and timeliness of work results, it demonstrates task performance, which is one of the characteristics of team effectiveness.

Question 6

Members of a true self-managing work team make decisions on all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Self-managing work teams are typically empowered to make decisions on scheduling, task allocation, training, performance evaluation, selecting new members, and controlling work quality. However, establishing overall strategy and providing the necessary resources to achieve it are usually responsibilities of higher management levels, not the team itself.

Question 7

Which one of the following characteristics truly differentiates self-managing teams from the more traditional work group?

Accepted Answer

Self-managing teams differ from traditional work groups because team members are expected to take on responsibilities that are typically performed by a manager or first-line supervisor. This includes tasks such as setting goals, planning work, and monitoring performance. In contrast, traditional work groups are usually led by a manager or supervisor who is responsible for these tasks. While other choices may also be true for some self-managing teams, they are not characteristics that differentiate them from traditional work groups.

Question 8

The potential benefits of self-managing teams include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Difficulty for some members to adjust to self-managing responsibilities is not a potential benefit of self-managing teams, but rather a potential challenge or drawback. The other options listed are potential benefits.

Question 9

Which of these occurs when members of functional units stay focused on matters internal to the function and minimize their interactions with members of other functions?

Accepted Answer

When members of functional units stay focused on matters internal to the function and minimize their interactions with members of other functions, it creates functional silos. This restricts communication and collaboration between different departments, leading to siloed thinking and decision-making.

Question 10

What characteristic of team effectiveness is being demonstrated when the members of a team are sufficiently satisfied to continue working well together on an ongoing basis and/or look forward to working together again at some future point in time?

Accepted Answer

Team viability refers to the team's capacity to work together effectively over time, including members' willingness and desire to continue collaborating in the future. This characteristic emphasizes the sustainability of the team's performance and relationships.

Question 11

What should managers do to create a successful virtual team?

Accepted Answer

To create a successful virtual team, managers should select team members high in initiative, begin with social messaging, assign clear goals and roles, and gather regular feedback from members. All of these factors contribute to a productive and motivated virtual team.

Question 12

Which of these teams achieve high levels of task performance, member satisfaction, and team viability?

Accepted Answer

Effective teams are the ones that achieve high levels of task performance, member satisfaction, and team viability. The other options do not necessarily indicate successful team performance in all three areas.

Question 13

__________ are also called self-managing teams.

Accepted Answer

Self-directed work teams are also known as self-managing teams. These teams are responsible for a complete work process or segment and have the authority to make decisions about how to accomplish their goals. They work together to devise strategies, carry out tasks, and continuously improve their performance.

Question 14

When a team's members believe that their participation and experiences are positive and meet important personal needs, the __________ characteristic of team effectiveness is being demonstrated.

Accepted Answer

Member satisfaction refers to how team members feel about their participation and experiences within the team. This characteristic is important for team effectiveness because it can impact member commitment and motivation to contribute to task performance and team viability.

Question 15

Most self-managing teams include how many members?

Accepted Answer

Most self-managing teams include between 5 and 15 members. This size allows for a diversity of skills, knowledge, and perspectives while still maintaining effective communication and decision-making processes.

Question 16

Members of which of these work together through computer mediation?

Accepted Answer

Virtual teams work together through computer mediation, often from different locations and time zones. They collaborate through various technologies such as video conferencing, email, and project management software.

Question 17

The potential advantages of virtual teams include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The potential advantages listed all highlight the benefits of virtual teams, except for option D which mentions a potential disadvantage of virtual teams - the lack of direct personal contact.

Question 18

Which of these applies to a wide variety of teams whose members meet regularly to collectively examine important workplace issues?

Accepted Answer

An Employee involvement team is a common type of team where members meet regularly to collectively examine important workplace issues. This team is often responsible for identifying problems and suggesting solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.

Question 19

The __________ is another name for the functional silos problem.

Accepted Answer

The term "functional chimney" describes the problem of departments or functional areas in an organization working in isolation from each other, instead of collaborating and sharing information to achieve common goals. This can create communication and coordination challenges, and hinder overall organizational effectiveness.

Question 20

The potential benefits of informal groups include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The potential benefits of informal groups include speeding up the workflow (A), providing assistance outside of formal lines of authority (B), satisfying unmet needs (D), and providing social satisfaction, security, and belonging (E). However, establishing goals for the formal work unit (C) is typically a function of formal groups and their leaders.

Quiz 7: The Nature of Teams