Exam 9: Foundations of Group Behavior

Julio and Waylin both work at a trendy uptown clothing store and were hired at the same time. Julio was recently promoted over Waylin (who is balding), even though Julio often misses work. Which element of status explains this occurrence?

Which of the following statements is true regarding brainstorming?

A role indicates a set of expected behavior patterns attributed to someone occupying a given position in a social unit.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effect of status on conformity pressure?

Group decisions are generally less accurate than the judgments of the most accurate individual in the group.

Gender diversity can be a challenge to a group, but if inclusiveness is stressed, ________ and ________ are lowered.

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 and Gale are suffering from ________.

How does group size affect a group's behavior?

According to the status characteristics theory, what are the three sources of status?

Research has indicated that in gender-diverse groups, strong politically correct norms increase group ________.

When ________, the result is role conflict.

Which of the following terms best describes the acceptable standards of behavior that are shared by a group's members?

Role perception indicates ________.

According to the punctuated-equilibrium model, once set, the group's direction is unlikely to be reexamined throughout the first half of its life.

Which of the following steps can be taken by a manager to minimize groupthink?

Alberto is working with a group of fifteen people to coordinate the merger of two corporations. Everyone in the group is highly qualified, offers relevant information, and has high norms. Still, the group seems to be slow at outlining a definitive plan for the merger. With the information provided, what would be the fastest and best way for Alberto to increase cohesiveness and productivity?

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of group decisions as compared to individual decisions.

High-status members of groups are often given less freedom to deviate from norms than are other group members.

Since group results cannot be attributed to any single person, the relationship between an individual's input and the group's output is clouded and this increases the possibility of ________.

You are likely to select nominal group technique over brainstorming because ________.