Exam 9: Foundations of Group Behavior

Which of the following terms refers to the process by which an individual's desire for acceptance by the group and the pressure by the group on individual members to match its standards results in a change in individual attitudes and behaviors?

The chief advantage of the nominal group technique is that it permits the group to meet formally but does not restrict independent thinking, as does the interacting group.

When a group first meets, which of the following occurs?

Which of the following is not a characteristic of group diversity?

Social Identity Theory deals with how people group together according to race or culture.

According to the punctuated-equilibrium model, which two triggers bring about brief revolutionary change during the group's inertia?

Explain the following terms: "role perception" and "role expectation."

Hubert needs an instruction manual for his new product. He needs a small team of technical writers to work together closely to rapidly write the manual. He needs them to communicate ideas quickly, creatively, and affordably. Which of the following group techniques should Hubert consider?

Julia, Bree, and David work in different departments but often eat lunch together. They are an example of a(n) ________ group.

If a group is highly cohesive then it will be highly productive even with low performance norms.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effect of group cohesiveness and performance norms on group productivity?

In this group discussion technique, the group leader states the problem in a clear manner so all participants understand. Members then freewheel as many alternatives as they can in a given length of time. No criticism is allowed, and all alternatives are recorded for later discussion and analysis. One idea stimulates others, and judgments of even the most bizarre suggestions are withheld until later to encourage group members to "think the unusual." Identify the decision-making technique in the discussion.

Tammy, Lisa, Bart, Madaline, and Roberto all work at Frink Electronics. After work, Tammy, Lisa, and Madaline all enjoy going to the Lux Lounge for Happy Hour. Tammy, Lisa, Bart, Madaline, and Roberto constitute a(n) ________ group.

Which of the following types of norms are likely to be the most common?

Which of the following terms indicates the degree to which group members are attracted to one another and are motivated to stay in the group?

You decide that your company's choice of which new product to manufacture needs to have widespread acceptance and that this decision needs to be of the highest quality possible. Having read the literature on decision making, you believe that this choice needs to be made by a group of your best managers. You have decided to use the nominal group technique. Which of the following statements is true about this method?

Rhoda is an executive assistant at a major medical center. Because she works directly with the head doctor, Rhoda feels that it is appropriate to council patients on their upcoming procedures. Marge, a recent graduate with a degree in Healthcare Administration, also works at the medical center and is responsible for new patients. Marge typically becomes irritated when Rhoda attempts to council new patients. Rhoda is struggling with her ________.

Which of the following statements is true regarding group decision making?

________ is good for achieving commitment to a solution.

Sandy, Gale, and Marylou are on the board of directors for an area non-profit organization. At a recent meeting, guest David delivered a rousing speech on how group leadership is often too complex and that non-profits could often be better served by a CEO and no board of directors. Sandy emphatically disagreed with David stating that not having the board could open the organization up to massive levels of corruption. Gale agreed with David and feels that maybe the organization might do better if only one of the ladies were in charge, mainly herself. Marylou chose not to comment on the matter, thus leading Sandy to assume that she agreed with her. It could be said that Sandy is suffering from ________.