Deck 8: Small Group and Team Communication

Question 1

All members of Zeta Phi Beta wear their ZPB shirts when they volunteer in the community. This best demonstrates which feature of small group communication?

A) task
B) norms
C) identity
D) interdependence

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Jominy, the leader of a student organization, realizes that the organization has overspent during the past fiscal year. She decides to bring the organization together to examine spending, propose several ideas to get out of the red, and choose one of them for the following year. This is an example of what type of group talk?

A) problem-solving talk
B) consciousness-raising talk
C) decision-making talk
D) encounter talk

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which type of group talk refers to discussions about group identity and pride?

A) problem-solving talk
B) decision-making talk
C) consciousness-raising talk
D) identity-formation talk

Answer 3

C

Question 4

In which type of group talk might the members discuss how their midterms went, the parking situation on campus, and how the weather has been?

A) problem-solving talk
B) decision-making talk
C) consciousness-raising talk
D) encounter talk

Question 5

Six classmates from philosophy class get together for the first time to discuss their group project. They decide they will meet twice a week, and during each meeting, they will begin by addressing any issues that have arisen, then share the work they have completed. The group agrees to the guidelines and begins the work. They have just established ______.

A) norms
B) credibility
C) independence
D) task goals

Question 6

______ occurs when three or more people work together interdependently for the purpose of accomplishing a task.

A) Interdependent communication
B) Cooperative communication
C) Small group communication
D) Community communication

Question 7

One element of group communication is ______, which capture(s) the effects that you and your group members have on one another.

A) size
B) task
C) norms
D) interdependence

Question 8

Positive feelings, like pride and cohesion, demonstrate the ______ feature of small group communication.

A) size
B) identity
C) norms
D) tasks

Question 9

What is a core distinction between a small group and a team?

A) Small group members typically hold more knowledge than members of a team.
B) Teams feature greater flexibility than small groups.
C) Teams feature greater commitment to a shared goal than small groups.
D) Small groups feature a stronger group identity relative to teams.

Question 10

What is the term that describes feelings of dread when faced with the possibility of having to work in a group?

A) group anxiety
B) grouphate
C) groupfear
D) group apprehension

Question 11

Those group members who fail to contribute equally or equitably to a group task are referred to as ______.

A) distractors
B) slackers
C) loafers
D) idlers

Question 12

During the process known as ______, group members work together to generate as many ideas or solutions to problems as possible.

A) spitballing
B) collaborating
C) brainstorming
D) mind mapping

Question 13

Which of the following is recommended when generating ideas in a group?

A) Focus on the quality of the ideas.
B) Do not allow others to piggyback on ideas.
C) Be openly critical of each other's ideas.
D) Be creatively wild.

Question 14

______ is a process that allows group members to generate more ideas or solutions to problems by working together rather than working alone.

A) Brainstorming
B) Team building
C) Mind mapping
D) Identity construction

Question 15

Maya is dreading the next project in her communication class because she knows the professor wants her to work with classmates to complete a large presentation. Maya has nothing against the people in her class, but she has had bad experiences in past classes with apathetic group members who expect her to do all the work. Maya's feelings of dread are called ______.

A) communication negativity
B) identity formation
C) brainstorming
D) grouphate

Question 16

Which stage of small group development is associated with group members sharing ideas; contributing to discussion, including openly disagreeing with each other; and engaging in low levels of self-disclosure?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 17

The camp counselors for the 10-year-olds decide they want to hold a Junior Olympics. They get together to discuss what types of events will be included, how they are going to advertise it, and the date of the event. Two members disagree about what events should be included, and another member is upset that the limited camp funds are being used for this event, rather than for an ice cream social. This groups is in the ______ stage of group development.

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 18

Jarrad has been assigned a group project in his communication class. He seeks out the other group members and they have an initial meeting for introductions and calibrating their expectations for the assignment. In what stage of group development is Jarrad's group?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 19

Malia and her coworkers are putting together a presentation for a quarterly meeting. In their second meeting together, everyone begins thinking seriously about how best to approach the presentation. In what stage of group development is Malia's group?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 20

During the ______ stage of group development is it likely that communication increases and conflict arises, in part because members are torn between losing their individual identity and developing a group identity.

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) adjourning

Question 21

Cornell is beginning to feel better about his group for his communication class. They are getting past their initial conflicts and have begun to feel more cohesive and prepared to take on their group assignment. In what stage of group development is Cornell's group?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 22

During which stage of small group development do group members see an increase in trust and commitment?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 23

Typically, during what stage of group formation is the most work completed?

A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing

Question 24

LaToya and Juan chaired a committee that organized their high school class's 5^th reunion. After the reunion was over and final bills were paid, the group no longer had a reason to meet, or even talk. What stage of group development does this represent?

A) storming
B) norming
C) performing
D) adjourning

Question 25

Building and maintenance roles are those roles that group members use to develop and maintain ______.

A) the decision-making process
B) vision and mission
C) the collective goals of the group
D) interpersonal relationships

Question 26

Which task role is associated with taking charge and making sure that your group progresses toward task accomplishment?

A) recorder
B) information-giver
C) initiator-contributor
D) orienter

Question 27

Jennifer has become the de facto leader of her group; she views herself as responsible for the groups accomplishments and has spurred individuals to action to make sure they meet their goals. What role has Jennifer adopted?

A) recorder
B) information-giver
C) initiator-contributor
D) orienter

Question 28

Which task role is associated with the ability to provide and synthesize ideas and alternatives to and for group members?

A) recorder
B) information-giver
C) initiator-contributor
D) orienter

Question 29

Which group member role is particularly well suited to preventing groupthink?

A) recorder
B) information-giver
C) initiator-contributor
D) orienter

Question 30

Which task role is associated with challenging group members' ideas in a constructive manner?

A) recorder
B) information-giver
C) initiator-contributor
D) orienter

Question 31

Johnson participates in group meetings by taking down relevant facts and information and providing documentation when it is needed for group tasks. What group role has Johnson adopted?

A) recorder
B) information-giver
C) initiator-contributor
D) orienter

Question 32

The ______ role is one that is somewhat outside the group. This person acts as a liaison between the group and the larger entity in which the group exists, such as the workplace or the school system.

A) connector
B) boundary-spanning
C) linked
D) peripheral

Question 33

A group member fulfilling the ______ role may use humor to smooth over tensions or disagreements among other members.

A) performer
B) slacker
C) information-giver
D) harmonizer

Question 34

The two types of boundary-spanning roles are ______ and ______.

A) consul; coordinator
B) director; advertiser
C) cross-examiner; spokesperson
D) friend; coach

Question 35

The communicative behaviors any group member can enact to demonstrate leadership are referred to as ______.

A) democratic leadership
B) participatory leadership
C) shared leadership
D) functional leadership

Question 36

Rather than electing or appointing a group member to a leadership position, group members choose to eliminate from consideration those members who do not demonstrate leadership behaviors. This is referred to as the ______ approach to leadership.

A) emergent leader
B) counteractive influence
C) process of elimination
D) evolving leader

Question 37

______ refers to the communicative behaviors any group member can enact to demonstrate leadership.

A) Task communication competency
B) Relational communication competency
C) Shared leadership
D) Emergent leadership

Question 38

______ refers specifically to the skills needed to manage the group task whereas ______ refers to the skills needed to manage the interactions among group members as they work on the group task.

A) Task communication competency; group communication competency
B) Relational communication competency; task communication competency
C) Task communication competency; relational communication competency
D) Group communication competency; relational communication competency

Question 39

Serena, the newly elected president of Lambda Pi Eta, is shocked by the low attendance at weekly meetings, which are held at 8:00 a.m. on Mondays. What element has she likely failed to consider with regard to group meeting environment?

A) Aesthetics
B) Location
C) Comfort
D) Time

Question 40

The ______ is the term for the time and place where a meeting will be held.

A) group meeting environment
B) group meeting dynamic
C) group meeting aesthetic
D) group meeting element

Question 41

Talia has asked her groupmates to meet at her home, which is a 30-minute drive from campus. The group members protest, and two of the five members don't even show up to their meeting. What element has Talia likely failed to consider with regard to group meeting environment?

A) aesthetics
B) location
C) comfort
D) time

Question 42

Malik's fraternity executive board hasn't been very productive lately. When they meet in the windowless and damp basement of their fraternity, they find their meetings are short and don't result in much brainstorming. What element with regard to group meeting environment is hampering them?

A) aesthetics
B) convenience
C) comfort
D) time

Question 43

To develop a plan for the debate team's next season, Jessica, the team captain, asks her group to meet the weekend of graduation to discuss future plans. She receives a fair bit of pushback, and many team members decide to go out of town instead. What element has Jessica likely failed to consider with regard to group meeting environment?

A) aesthetics
B) location
C) comfort
D) time

Question 44

In the interest of having a drink with his groupmates, Chad suggests they have a meeting at a bar. The bar does not have any available seating, however, and is very loud. Group members complain about having to stand and their inability to hear, and the meeting is not very productive. What element has Chad likely failed to consider with regard to group meeting environment?

A) aesthetics
B) convenience
C) comfort
D) time

Question 45

_____ is the process that occurs when group members engage in an expressed struggle that impedes task accomplishment.

A) Emergent leadership
B) Small group conflict
C) Shared leadership
D) Small group communication

Question 46

What is a possible drawback of the avoiding conflict-handling style?

A) The other group members will perceive you as domineering.
B) It is likely that you will sidetrack the group.
C) The other group members will perceive you as not caring about the outcome.
D) It is likely that you will make other group members upset.

Question 47

Which conflict-handling style is selected because a member is not very concerned with meeting the needs of either oneself or the group members?

A) avoiding
B) dominating
C) obliging
D) compromising

Question 48

As the sorority members fought meeting after meeting about whether to rent a house on campus or find a house off campus, Ying remained silent, and her sorority sisters accused her of "not caring" and being "apathetic." Ying was using which conflict-handling style?

A) dominating
B) avoiding
C) integrating
D) compromising

Question 49

Individuals report using the _______ conflict-handling style because they view conflict as hopeless, useless, or punishing.

A) avoiding
B) compromising
C) collaborating
D) integrating

Question 50

Which conflict-handling style is at greatest risk of alienating group members and violating their trust?

A) avoiding
B) dominating
C) obliging
D) integrating

Question 51

Shania resolves conflict with her groupmates by emphasizing her own goals and making sure that she "wins" in each exchange where she has something to lose. What conflict-handling style is Shania employing?

A) avoiding
B) dominating
C) compromising
D) integrating

Question 52

Those who use a(n) ______ conflict-handling style strive to find a middle ground between meeting their own needs and the needs of other group members.

A) avoiding
B) compromising
C) obliging
D) integrating

Question 53

What is a possible drawback of the compromise conflict-handling style?

A) Compromising group members may feel as though the group is taking advantage of them.
B) It is likely that the outcome of the group task will be inferior.
C) Compromising group members may feel as though the group doesn't respect them.
D) It is likely that the outcome of the group task not be completed.

Question 54

Marshall approaches each meeting of his fraternity with an acknowledgement that he will advocate for his perspective, but he is willing to give up on some of his preferences if it leads to a preferable resolution of a problem facing the fraternity. What conflict-handling style is Marshall employing?

A) avoiding
B) dominating
C) compromising
D) integrating

Question 55

Which conflict-handling style is selected because a group member has a strong desire to be accepted by other members?

A) compromising
B) avoiding
C) obliging
D) integrating

Question 56

Timothy volunteers to take on a heavy research assignment for his group project, even though he likely won't be able to complete the assignment in time. No one else was willing to take the assignment, and Timothy felt that the needs of the group are far more important than his own needs. What conflict-handling style is Timothy employing?

A) obliging
B) dominating
C) compromising
D) integrating

Question 57

Which conflict-handling style is preferred among group members because it produces higher quality outcomes and supports group member satisfaction?

A) avoiding
B) compromising
C) obliging
D) integrating

Question 58

The Student Government Association supports an annual fundraiser for an important cause. This year, Alyssa, the SGA treasurer, strongly advocated for a pink-ribbon walk in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. As Alyssa listened openly to the others, she realized they could find a way to support more than one cause through this and other new events. She worked collaboratively with the others on getting her needs met and theirs as well. She used the ______ conflict-handling style.

A) avoiding
B) dominating
C) compromising
D) integrating

Question 59

When selecting the ______ conflict-handling style, individuals refuse to avoid sacrificing either their needs or the needs of their group members for the good of the group.

A) avoiding
B) compromising
C) integrating
D) denying

Question 60

In the ______ conflict handing style, individuals communicate in a way that stresses openness and the candid exchange of logic and emotion. They are often unwilling to sacrifice either their own, or the group's, overall goals.

A) avoiding
B) dominating
C) compromising
D) integrating

Question 61

Small group communication requires, at a minimum, two people.

Question 62

In a group task, a decision or solution cannot be made without the input of all your group members.

Question 63

In the storming stage of group development, the group does the most work toward completing the assigned task.

Question 64

In the norming stage, group communication becomes open and task oriented.

Question 65

Tuckman's model of small group development only applies to school and work groups.

Question 66

The forming stage features high level of group member self disclosure.

Question 67

The encourager role and the harmonizer role are both considered building and maintenance roles because they are used to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships within a group.

Question 68

Orienters help the group avoid groupthink, which occurs when a group makes a faulty decision due to its members' collective unwillingness or inability to critically examine an issue.

Question 69

In the Communication Age, the information giver is expected to be proficient in using technology and seeking relevant information on the Internet.

Question 70

The recorder role features engagement with parties outside the immediate group members.

Question 71

The information-giver role includes carrying out procedural duties and possibly sending e-mails to the group after the meeting.

Question 72

Some group members aren't equipped to fill all roles in a small group.

Question 73

The flexibility of shared leadership permits the most competent group member(s) to assume the role when needed and usually rotates among group members over the life span of a task.

Question 74

In an emergent leader approach to leadership, the group leader is selected immediately following the formation of the group.

Question 75

In long group meetings, it is typically better to push through until the end so as not to break the rhythm, rather than allowing for breaks.

Question 76

Relational communication competencies can help a group navigate the relational obstacles that typically arise when working on a task.

Question 77

The dominating conflict-handling style is an ideal style to ensure the most work gets done in a group.

Question 78

A disadvantage to the obliging conflict-handling style is that the group members will get side-tracked easily.

Question 79

The integrating conflict-handling style leads to the highest self-reports of satisfaction in a small group setting.

Question 80

An integrating conflict-handling style should be used regardless of the nature of the issue or specific group members involved because it is the preferred style.