Deck 14: Connecting Through Participating in Groups and Teams

Question 1

Everyone in Nelson's study group silences their phones when they meet. When one woman's phone chimes repeatedly during a session, everyone stares at her until she puts it away. This is demonstration of __________.

A) an agenda
B) an unwritten norm
C) a group conflict
D) a formal rule

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which leadership role is most directly related to task needs?

A) initiating
B) ensuring member satisfaction
C) maintaining effective interaction
D) promoting interpersonal relationships

Answer 2

A

Question 3

What type of group is mostly focused on social and interpersonal relationships?

A) problem-solving groups
B) work teams
C) primary groups
D) secondary groups

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A group is defined as a collection of individuals who influence one another, take on roles, interact, and __________.

A) are independent
B) have both a past and a future
C) are interdependent
D) maintain personal relationships

Question 5

Research findings related to communication behaviors of groups comprised of both men and women indicates that __________.

A) women are more likely to dominate conversation
B) women are more likely to be task-oriented
C) men are more likely to offer positive responses to others' comments
D) men are more likely to be goal-oriented

Question 6

The best example of a primary group is __________.

A) a fantasy football group
B) a city council
C) a study group
D) a group of hospital volunteers

Question 7

The type of group responsible for an entire work process or part of a process that consists of people with different and complementary abilities, who are likely to be very interdependent and identify themselves as members is a __________.

A) work team
B) primary team
C) focus group
D) social group

Question 8

Another term for the patterns of values, beliefs, norms, and behavior shared by group members is __________.

A) group makeup
B) group goals
C) group culture
D) group expectations

Question 9

Dawn says everyone in her parent-teacher group is dedicated to testing for lead in the school's drinking fountains and ensuring the safety of the water supply. Dawn is speaking about the group's __________.

A) cohesiveness
B) independence
C) commitment
D) interdependence

Question 10

In a small group, the overarching role of the leader is to __________.

A) be the focus of attention for discussion
B) ensure accomplishment of the task
C) select other group members
D) receive credit for the group's accomplishments

Question 11

Leaders high in a consideration dimension tend to focus on __________.

A) defining the task and setting goals
B) making sure everyone knows who's in charge
C) making sure rules are followed
D) interpersonal relationships and being liked by group members

Question 12

When a group leader works to organize and develop the group so that its members realize personal satisfaction from working together, the leader is addressing __________.

A) task needs
B) content needs
C) maintenance needs
D) unimportant needs

Question 13

Perhaps the most essential characteristic of a small group is __________.

A) interdependence
B) social facilitation
C) cohesiveness
D) commonality of attitudes, beliefs and values

Question 14

Which statement is accurate regarding communication in social media groups?

A) Asynchronous communication means that message responses have no time delays.
B) People interacting on social media never feel disconnected.
C) Only text communication can take place online in groups.
D) Face-to-face interactions are typically richer than social media interactions.

Question 15

Annabeth belongs to a women's group formed to provide school supplies and backpacks for low income children in the community. This is an example of a __________.

A) primary group
B) therapy group
C) secondary group
D) focus group

Question 16

Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between group size and group effectiveness?

A) A group that is too large can limit the information and the ideas generated.
B) Efficient groups usually consist of an odd number of members.
C) Large groups make it easy to follow a set agenda.
D) A group that is too small can limit the contributions that each person makes.

Question 17

Generally, the ideal small group size involves how many members?

A) 2 to 3
B) 5 to 7
C) 7 to 12
D) 12 to 20

Question 18

When does cohesiveness negatively influence group behaviors?

A) when members wish to remain in the group
B) when members disagree about the correct solution
C) when members lose the ability to question group decisions
D) when members share common goals

Question 19

Secondary groups exist to __________.

A) share kinship
B) make money
C) achieve goals
D) socialize together

Question 20

"Members will respect each other's right to state an opinion" is an example of a group's __________.

A) interdependence
B) cohesiveness
C) purpose
D) norm

Question 21

When the harmony of the group is seen as more important than new ideas and changing previous assumptions, that group is displaying __________.

A) norming
B) groupthink
C) commitment
D) high ethical standards

Question 22

What is the general goal of most problem-solving groups?

A) to fill the task and maintenance needs of members
B) to reach consensus on a decision or solution
C) to constructively manage group conflict
D) to implement the decision chosen by the leader

Question 23

As a high-level manager in his firm, Kenneth keeps tight control over his department by setting policy and making all decisions for his group. Everyone who works for Kenneth knows what to expect: he will specify exactly what he wants them to do and when he expects it done. In this setting, Kenneth can be described as a(n) __________ leader.

A) autocratic
B) democratic
C) transformational
D) laissez-faire

Question 24

During discussions in a small group working on solving campus security problems, Huan always finds fault with everyone else's ideas but doesn't seem to contribute many of his own. Huan's behavior role can probably be labeled as __________.

A) task-oriented
B) self-centered
C) maintenance-oriented
D) leadership

Question 25

An ethical perspective for members to consider is the collectivistic nature of group interactions. This means that __________.

A) the success of the group is more important than any one individual
B) individual members' best interests must take priority over group goals
C) it is suggested that the group ignore unpopular or minority views
D) it is never acceptable to withhold information or opinions from the group

Question 26

Adam and Galanes suggest that individuals can and should behave ethically during conflict by __________.

A) avoiding rhetorical sensitivity
B) criticizing the person and not the idea
C) ignoring and avoiding disagreements
D) expressing disagreements openly and honestly

Question 27

Amita dreaded the group project in her marketing class, because one group member spent all his time texting during their work sessions. Amita knew that she and the other three group members would have to work extra hard to get a good grade. What disadvantage of group work does this describe?

A) groupthink
B) social loafing
C) grouphate
D) pressure to fail

Question 28

Jeannie's work team needs to resolve the holiday scheduling issue. Everyone wants the same days off, but the department must be staffed at all times. Jeannie wants to be fair, but a solution must be found quickly. She suggests they apply Dewey's reflective thinking steps because __________.

A) it is a proven way to resolve any interpersonal conflicts within the group
B) it guarantees the group leader has greater influence than other members
C) it generates multiple solutions in a very short amount of time
D) it provides a logical and rational way of generating solutions

Question 29

According to functional theory, which task requirement does not need to be met for group members to successfully complete their goal?

A) Members understand the problem being discussed.
B) Members know the minimum criteria for a successful solution
C) Members identify which solutions will most benefit them.
D) Members select the best solution

Question 30

Potential differences between male and female leadership styles were found in an extensive review of research by Alice Eagly and Blair Johnson. The differences appeared in the dimensions of __________ and in participative versus directive leadership styles.

A) effectiveness versus ineffectiveness
B) task versus maintenance behaviors
C) conflict escalation versus conflict management
D) rapid versus slow task accomplishment

Question 31

One of the greatest weaknesses of beginning group participants is their tendency to __________.

A) arrive late at meetings
B) focus strictly on task roles
C) arrive at meetings unprepared
D) contribute opinions without being asked

Question 32

Research indicates that leaders with a democratic style tend to produce more __________ among group members.

A) hostility and aggression
B) originality and individuality
C) lethargy and task-avoidance
D) conflict and dissension

Question 33

Several women on campus decided to form a late-night "buddy" group so that no one has to walk home alone from a party or a study session. Which advantage of group membership does this provide?

A) provides multiple sources of information
B) help achieve goals that might not otherwise be accomplished
C) helps meet need for security
D) contributes to positive social identity

Question 34

Which guideline helps support ethical group behavior?

A) Group members do not have the right to state personal opinions.
B) Unpopular opinions should be withheld if all other group members are in agreement.
C) Group members must exercise caution in sharing information that might benefit the group.
D) Confidential information shared in the group should remain confidential.

Question 35

According to Wilmot and Hocker's perspective on conflict, communication behavior __________.

A) is unrelated to conflict
B) is the cause of all conflict
C) often creates or reflects conflict
D) plays little role in defusing conflict

Question 36

According to Dewey's reflective thinking steps, the first step in group problem solving and decision making is to identify the problem or topic for discussion. The second step is to __________.

A) decide how to implement the solution
B) determine how the problem might have been avoided
C) analyze the problem and its causes
D) suggest possible solutions

Question 37

The most successful small groups include members who __________.

A) fill the task and building/maintenance roles and avoid the self-centered roles
B) strictly focus on the group's task roles
C) strictly focus on the group's building/maintenance roles
D) avoid filling any specific group roles

Question 38

When is an especially important time for groups to evaluate their own effectiveness?

A) before beginning their initial task
B) after completion of a task
C) when conflict arises
D) when the group forms

Question 39

The technique used by groups to generate as many ideas as possible within a limited amount of time is called __________.

A) consensus building
B) personal inventory
C) cross-indexing
D) brainstorming

Question 40

What is a significant disadvantage of working in decision-making and problem-solving groups, rather than working alone?

A) The process takes more time than working alone.
B) Conflicting opinions or ideas may be presented.
C) Almost everyone wants to be the leader, not the follower.
D) Individual members are unable to meet their social identity needs.

Question 41

Discuss three recommendations for reaching consensus in groups. Provide an example to illustrate your response.

Question 42

Select any secondary group you are familiar with, or have participated in. First, discuss its size and how this affects communication within the group. Then, describe the group's informal and formal norms. How do these norms affect the group's performance?

Question 43

Discuss the differences between synchronous and asynchronous communication, and explain how this affects communication within social media groups.

Question 44

List and briefly explain philosopher John Dewey's five steps for discussing problems in small groups. Discuss, with supporting detail, how you might apply these steps as the leader of a small group assigned to the problem of "inadequate parking on campus." (If desired, you may designate another problem to be resolved.)

Question 45

What ethical principles should guide communication that takes place in small groups? Why are these ethical principles important for effective group communication?

Question 46

Define work team, and discuss the reasons why work teams are different from groups.

Question 47

Explain the differences between the three different types of leadership styles discussed in the text as classified by power distribution. Which leadership style do you think you exhibit during group interactions? Explain your answer.

Question 48

Compare and contrast primary groups and secondary groups. Consider the groups you are a member of, and include an example of each type, indicating why it is primary or secondary.

Question 49

Why is it important for groups to evaluate themselves? Identify at least five questions groups should ask when evaluating their performance.

Question 50

Discuss the three characteristics of small groups. After explaining those characteristics, use examples from your own experiences to illustrate them.