Deck 10: Enhancing Group and Team Performance

Question 1

A transformational leader influences the group by _____.

A) providing a structure to help the group accomplish critical thinking
B) giving the group a new vision or energizing its culture
C) working to generate consensus
D) undertaking all decision-making for the group

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Mallory told the other club officers that she wanted to find a solution that everyone in the group could agree on. In other words, Mallory wanted _____.

A) surrender
B) groupthink
C) brainstorming
D) consensus

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The text suggests that successful groups have goals which are both clear and _____.

A) idealistic
B) simplistic
C) elevating
D) unrealistic

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Tomas considered some ideas about possible solutions to his group's problem before he related the ideas aloud to the group. The technique Tomas used is called silent brainstorming or _____.

A) vigilant thinking
B) nominal group technique
C) cognitive dissonance
D) groupthink

Question 5

An authoritarian leader is more likely to _____.

A) direct and control others
B) solicit input from others
C) disengage from the decision-making process
D) focus strictly on process functions

Question 6

If a group is organized in a way that allows the group to achieve its goal, it is an example of a(n) _____ structure.

A) authoritarian
B) democratic
C) conflict-free
D) results-driven

Question 7

What is the nominal group technique?

A) Brainstorming occurs silently by individuals followed by sharing ideas with the group.
B) Group members shout out ideas off the cuff as quickly as possible.
C) Members search the Internet for what has been done in the past.
D) The group interviews experts on the topic to gain their insights on past solutions.

Question 8

A leader who guides and facilitates discussion rather than dominating it demonstrates which style of leadership?

A) democratic
B) authoritarian
C) passive
D) laissez-faire

Question 9

The ability to influence the behavior of others through communication in order to achieve a goal is the definition of _____.

A) power
B) control
C) leadership
D) groupthink

Question 10

Even though Kimball had the title of group leader, he preferred a more "hands off" approach and allowed the group to work together and only provided advice when he was asked. What leadership style does Kimball use?

A) democratic
B) laissez faire
C) authoritarian
D) participative

Question 11

When a group establishes standards for evaluating possible solutions, they are developing their _____.

A) goal
B) criteria
C) relationships
D) solutions

Question 12

Carlos is trying to get some of his fellow college students to join him in cleaning up the three campus parks. Each student will earn one credit hour in general studies if they volunteer. Which of the following would be a restraining force in this situation?

A) Students get to work for academic credit.
B) Many students want to see clean parks on campus.
C) It will be an opportunity to work with friends.
D) Students don't know where to volunteer.

Question 13

In the force field analysis technique, forces that increase the likelihood that a desired goal will occur are called _____ forces.

A) driving
B) creative
C) evaluative
D) restraining

Question 14

During a recent school board meeting, members of the community and teachers shared in a give-and-take discussion regarding a proposed change in the school calendar. They were all responsive to the comments of board members during the discussion. This type of discussion demonstrates the concept of _____.

A) cognitive dissonance
B) reflective thinking
C) interaction
D) evaluation

Question 15

Once the best solution has been identified by the group, what is the next step in Dewey's reflective thinking process?

A) take action
B) analyze the problem
C) define the problem
D) identify the problem

Question 16

James, Matt, Karla, and Ann have formed a research group to study a chemical engineering process. They meet in the library and identify twelve articles that deal with the process. They divide up the articles, and schedule a meeting in which they will give a report to the other group members about their specific articles. They are using which group function effectively?

A) Identify a clear, elevating goal.
B) Gather and share appropriate information.
C) Develop options.
D) Evaluate ideas.

Question 17

The instructor assigned Jan to be the group's leader, but she has become a "dictator" in group meetings. She makes most of the group's decisions and always controls how much gets accomplished. What's the term for Jan's leadership style?

A) democratic
B) laissez faire
C) authoritarian
D) transformational

Question 18

Sanjay's group begins brainstorming ideas. Renata states an idea and Sanjay says, "I think that's the best idea I've heard yet." Based on this example, what should Sanjay keep in mind while brainstorming?

A) It is important to offer constructive criticism rather than praise.
B) Generation of ideas and evaluation of ideas should be separate.
C) Praise only the ideas that you think could be feasible solutions.
D) Nonverbal feedback is more effective than verbal feedback.

Question 19

According to the functional approach to leadership, what are the two functions of a leader?

A) task and process
B) fact and opinion
C) practical and social
D) listen and learn

Question 20

While not all members of the environmental group supported the idea of removing trees from the park, they wanted to avoid conflict with the bossy group leader, so there was very little disagreement during the brief discussion. This is an example of _____.

A) consensus
B) groupthink
C) brainstorming
D) nominal group technique

Question 21

_____ is the generation, application, combination, and extension of new ideas.

Question 22

The nominal group technique is a form of _____.

Question 23

Al's group has been discussing a solution to a problem for several days. By the end of the discussions, however, not everyone agreed with the final decision, but they all decided that they would accept it. This means that they arrived at a consensus.

Question 24

Shelby told the group that the project should be implemented by April. This is an example of establishing criteria.

Question 25

Most meetings have one or more of the following goals: (1) giving information, (2) discussing information, and (3) taking action.

Question 26

_____ structure helps a group formulate the action steps it needs to take to achieve its goal.

Question 27

One of the advantages of working in groups is that groups typically solve a problem more quickly than individuals can do alone.

Question 28

When using the nominal group technique to generate solutions, only the best ideas are to be introduced.

Question 29

Which strategy is recommended for smooth group functioning?

A) Let the most talkative group members drive the discussion.
B) When time is restricted, leave important items for last on the agenda.
C) Encourage side discussions which don't involve the group.
D) Incorporate "I" messages, and discourage "you" messages.

Question 30

Meredith asked Hollis if she would bring a written list of the items for discussion at the meeting. Hollis should bring a(n) _____ to the meeting.

A) quorum
B) report
C) agenda
D) action item

Question 31

Which of the following is an example of a metadiscussion comment?

A) "I think the idea to bring in a local band is an excellent one."
B) "I'm not clear on the criteria. Can we review it again before proceeding?"
C) "What's for lunch?"
D) "Does anyone know the latest statistic on average ACT scores for incoming freshmen?"

Question 32

The force field analysis technique seeks to analyze a problem by determining the _____ forces, which are forces that enhance movement toward the goal, and _____ forces, which are forces that inhibit movement toward the goal.

Question 33

According to the trait leadership approach, a person who exhibits intelligence, confidence, and enthusiasm is more likely to lead than a person without these traits.

Question 34

The journalists' six questions method is one technique to help clarify the problem during the reflective thinking process.

Question 35

The way a group or team discussion is organized is called the _____ of the group.

Question 36

Marianna said, "Suzie, you've done some research. What have you found that might work in our department?" By saying this, Marianna was using her _____ skills.

A) transformational leadership
B) brainstorming
C) gatekeeping
D) problem-solving

Question 37

Oliver noted that since there were only four people at the meeting, there weren't enough members to conduct official business. This meeting was lacking _____.

A) a leader
B) an agenda
C) a quorum
D) metadiscussion

Question 38

A process leader is more likely to adapt to the individual needs of group members.

Question 39

A group that feels apathetic about the assigned task is likely to experience groupthink.

Question 40

The minimum number of people who must participate in a brainstorming process is called a quorum.

Question 41

Define and compare driving forces and restraining forces as used in force field analysis. What is a group's task in developing solutions after identifying these forces?

Question 42

The number of people who must be present at a meeting in order to conduct business is called a(n) _____.

Question 43

Corinne told the group to assign a number from 1 to 5 to each of the five ideas, with one being the best idea and five being the worst. She was using _____ to help select the best solution.

Question 44

Outline the various tasks that a meeting leader must perform.

Question 45

What is the reflective thinking method? Identify the steps used in the method, and the techniques that can be useful in each step.

Question 46

Michael asks members of the team for their opinion on the new product line before deciding whether or not to introduce it to the management team. Michael is an example of a(n) _____ leader.

Question 47

The _____ approach to leadership suggests that there are certain attributes that make good leaders.

Question 48

Compare and contrast trait, functional, styles, situational, and transformational group leadership.

Question 49

A laid-back leader who takes a hands-off approach is an example of a(n) _____ leader.

Question 50

What is consensus? Identify and explain three strategies that group members can use to achieve a consensus.