Deck 11: Groups and Teams

Question 1

Doctors on the emergency-trauma team of Massachusetts General having created a 'seamless' approach between various functions for treating critical patients is an example of cross-functional teams.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

With the advent of advanced information technology,the requirement that groups be made up of members in face-to-face interactions is no longer necessary.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Role conflict can occur when an employee is asked to perform a task that conflicts with his/her educational background.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Technically,there is no difference between the terms small groups and primary groups.

Question 5

Teams with self-leadership have been found to have varying levels of success,depending on whether the group's task is primarily conceptual or primarily behavioral in nature.

Question 6

Group dynamics are the interactions and forces among group members in crisis situations.

Question 7

Coalitions and groups have common similarities with other types of groups,yet they are not as powerful and effective in organizations.

Question 8

The dysfunctional aspects of informal organizations have received less attention as compared to the functional aspects.

Question 9

The fact that almost all the large,successful organizations use teams has made it abundantly clear that teams are the answer.

Question 10

The propinquity theory is analytical and explains some of the complexities of group formation and the modern development of globalization and electronic,online networking and telecommunicating.

Question 11

The exchange theory of groups is based on reward-motivation outcomes of interaction.

Question 12

According to various studies conducted over the years,it can be concluded that consensus may be preferred for larger,diversified firms.

Question 13

When groups are established,social comparisons and competition exist between members.

Question 14

Although there is no one definition of the term group,there is a universal agreement on what is meant by group dynamics.

Question 15

One of the main differences between a work group and a team is that a team has a strong,clearly focused leader.

Question 16

Today's social environment surrounding groups is changing.

Question 17

Research shows that a group discussion enhances the initial tendency of individual members in a given direction.

Question 18

Teams go beyond traditional formal work groups by having a collective,synergistic effect.

Question 19

Models of the dynamics of group formation and functioning should progress further when issues such as demographic diversity and globalization are incorporated.

Question 20

Leadership has a serious positive impact on a low-cohesive group.

Question 21

Team-building processes can take place in levels as high as corporate boards.

Question 22

Which of the following observations about primary groups is true?

A) A primary group has to meet only the criterion of small size
B) Usually no attempt is made to assign precise numbers to the primary group
C) Not all work groups have primary group qualities
D) All primary groups are small groups

Question 23

In the context of group dynamics,a study by Bandura and his colleagues revealed that socioeconomic status enhanced perceived personal _____,which in turn contributed substantially to a sense of collective _____ to effect social change through unified action.

A) self-esteem; efficacy
B) self-worth; self-esteem
C) equity; identity
D) self-efficacy; efficacy

Question 24

In which of the following theories do propinquity,interaction,and common attitudes play an important role?

A) Exchange theory
B) Balance theory
C) Interaction theory
D) Punctuated equilibrium model

Question 25

A comprehensive study has found that self-managed teams have had a positive impact on absenteeism and turnover.

Question 26

A more comprehensive theory of group formation than mere propinquity comes from the classic theory of George Homans based on activities,interactions,and:

A) reward-cost outcomes.
B) intensities.
C) sentiments.
D) common attitudes.

Question 27

According to Theodore Newcomb's balance theory of group formation,once a relationship is formed,the participants strive to maintain a symmetrical balance between the _____ and the common attitudes.

A) performance
B) motivation
C) attraction
D) network

Question 28

A new group technique being developed involves the clash of ideas rather than the clash of people.Identify the term used to describe this.

A) Appreciative inquiry
B) Creative abrasion
C) Personal abrasion
D) Brainstorming

Question 29

Which of the following is characteristic of a coalition?

A) Has a formal internal structure
B) Involuntarily constructed by the members for a specific purpose
C) Mutual perception of membership
D) Subservient to the formal organization's structure

Question 30

Which of the following means that individuals affiliate with one another because of spatial or geographical proximity?

A) Propinquity
B) Intensity
C) Certainty
D) Extensibility

Question 31

These studies gave the primary group the impetus toward a broader conception as compared to what was initially limited to a socializing group.

A) The ERG theory
B) The Hawthorne studies
C) The Two-factor theory
D) The Hierarchy of Needs theory

Question 32

The norming stage of group development is characterized by:

A) confusion.
B) high cohesion.
C) conflict.
D) uncertainty of purpose.

Question 33

The view that group dynamics consists of a set of techniques includes which of the following variables?

A) Internal nature of groups.
B) Personal abrasion.
C) The Johari window.
D) Overall cooperation.

Question 34

The phase when group members suddenly recognize that if they do not change tactics,the group's goal or mission will not be accomplished is characteristic of which one of the following group theories?

A) Exchange theory
B) Interaction theory
C) Punctuated equilibrium theory
D) Balance theory

Question 35

Team cohesion should be built by either establishing homogenous groups or overcoming potential problems associated with diversity.

Question 36

Selection of group members seems to play an important role in the effectiveness of the group.

Question 37

In-groups are those:

A) to which the individual actually belongs.
B) to which an individual would like to belong.
C) who have or share dominant values.
D) on the outside looking in.

Question 38

Reduction in the usage of designated leader titles has no effect on creating an effective team-oriented climate in an organization.

Question 39

Which classic theory states that persons are attracted to one another on the basis of similar attitudes toward commonly relevant objects and goals?

A) Balance theory
B) Equity theory
C) Punctuated equilibrium model
D) Lobbying

Question 40

Lewin's original perception of group dynamics includes:

A) group therapy.
B) democratic leadership.
C) sensitivity training.
D) the groups' structure and processes.

Question 41

This occurs when members reduce their effort and performance levels when acting as part of a group.

A) Role conflict
B) Groupthink
C) Social loafing
D) Norm violation

Question 42

The buffer:

A) acts as a facilitator and bridge between units which would not otherwise interact.
B) protects and filters negative news that might cause group members to be upset and cause morale to suffer.
C) is empowered by the group to act on its behalf to get resources and make deals.
D) promotes and tells others how successful and important the group is to outsiders.

Question 43

Groupthink:

A) occurs when the individual employee is unclear about the dictates of a given situation.
B) is a deterioration of mental efficiency,reality testing,and moral judgment that results from in-group pressures.
C) is a situation where group members who are chronically exposed to antisocial behaviors are likely to engage in them.
D) occurs when members reduce their effort and performance levels when acting as part of a group.

Question 44

According to Richard Hackman,the conditions or the induction that a leader can imbibe to satisfactorily create conditions that promote group effectiveness include all of the following except:

A) letting the group members set themselves a compelling direction for the group's work.
B) designing and enabling group structure.
C) ensuring that the group operates within a supportive context.
D) providing expert coaching.

Question 45

"Factional" groups:

A) form for political,friendship,or common interest reasons.
B) have members that come from a limited number of entities.
C) are informally designated work groups.
D) include functional departmental committees as examples.

Question 46

To improve coordination among the cross-functional teams,organizations can carry out all of the following steps except:

A) choose the members carefully.
B) clearly establish the purpose of the teams.
C) ensure that specific members especially understand how the group functions.
D) achieve noticeable results so that morale remains high and the members can see the impact of their efforts.

Question 47

Identify the differentiating characteristic of a work group as compared to a team.

A) The work group has a strong,clearly focused leader.
B) The work group has individual and mutual accountability.
C) The work group has collective work-products.
D) The work group has a specific purpose.

Question 48

Which of the following is not a suggestion to reduce the effects of social loafing?

A) Keep teams smaller in size
B) Specialize tasks so that individual member contributions are identifiable
C) Select only motivated employees when building teams
D) Measure group performance

Question 49

Groups of people who work interdependently with shared purpose across space,time,and organization boundaries using technology to communicate and collaborate are called:

A) traditional collocated teams.
B) same-location teams.
C) face-to-face teams.
D) virtual teams.

Question 50

All of the following are ways to use groups to enhance satisfaction and performance except:

A) having groups charged with selection,training,and rewarding of members.
B) distributing resources on a group rather than an individual basis.
C) ensuring there is no intergroup rivalry.
D) organizing work around intact groups.

Question 51

Which of the following is a major factor that can increase group cohesiveness?

A) Large group size
B) Intragroup competition
C) Domination by one or more members
D) Frequency of interaction

Question 52

Identify the primary cause of social loafing.

A) Excessive performance feedback within the group
B) The "sucker effect" of not wanting to do more than the perception of effort being given by others
C) Tasks that are inherently motivating
D) Situations in which the performances of others will not cover for the reduced effort given by some member

Question 53

This can occur when the members of the group stress one set of norms while the leader and rules of the formal organization emphasize others.

A) Role ambiguity
B) Frustration
C) Role conflict
D) Groupthink

Question 54

Which of the following is characteristic of a team as compared to a work group?

A) The team's purpose is the same as the organization's.
B) The team encourages open-ended,active problem-solving meetings.
C) The team measures effectiveness indirectly.
D) The team discusses,decides,and delegates.

Question 55

What,according to Warren Bennis,do effective groups having shared dreams and managing conflict abandon in the pursuit of a dream?

A) Rewards
B) Individual egos
C) Personal lives
D) Preformed work concepts

Question 56

Which of the following is a symptom of groupthink?

A) There is the illusion of extreme vulnerability.
B) There are self-appointed mindguards who protect the group from adverse information.
C) There is nonresistance by the members of the group to discount warnings.
D) The group condemns questionable ethical or moral issues or stances.

Question 57

The unpreparedness of U.S.forces at Pearl Harbor and the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba have been cited as examples for:

A) role ambiguity.
B) role conflict.
C) risky shift position.
D) groupthink.

Question 58

A boundary spanner:

A) promotes and tells others how successful and important the group is to outsiders.
B) is empowered by the group to act on its behalf to get resources and make deals.
C) acts as a facilitator and bridge between units which would not otherwise interact.
D) protects and filters negative news that might cause group members to be upset and cause morale to suffer.

Question 59

Which of the following is a positive impact of groups on individual employee effectiveness?

A) Improved decision making and control
B) Fulfill important social needs
C) Facilitation of change as well as organizational stability
D) Strength in numbers of ideas and skills

Question 60

Which of the following is a characteristic of a "hot group"?

A) Requires leadership to be less unobtrusive
B) Requires more informal feedback
C) Requires that interpersonal relationships take priority over tasks
D) Requires more micromanaging

Question 61

Which of the following is an example of synchronous technologies?

A) Videoconferencing
B) Chat rooms
C) Web pages
D) Bulletin boards

Question 62

Compare and contrast between work groups and teams.

Question 63

Briefly discuss the practicalities of group formation.

Question 64

Besides going through the steps of training,teams also must be monitored and measured continuously on all of the following areas except:

A) roles and norms that are negative.
B) goal achievements.
C) the team's mission.
D) feelings of empowerment.

Question 65

Compare and contrast small and large groups.

Question 66

Describe a cross-functional team.How can organizations improve coordination with cross-functional teams?

Question 67

A comprehensive meta-analysis concluded that self-managed teams had a positive impact on:

A) general attitudes.
B) absenteeism.
C) turnover.
D) productivity.

Question 68

Briefly discuss the different definitions of "group dynamics."

Question 69

Briefly discuss George Homans' classic theory of group formation.

Question 70

Explain the propinquity theory of group formation with an example.What is its drawback?

Question 71

Define "factional" groups.

Question 72

Describe a virtual team and a self-managed team.Why are these types of teams effective?

Question 73

All of the following are the characteristics of quality team-building programs except:

A) it must fit with the corporate culture.
B) it must have well-designed goals.
C) it must ensure that employees remain within the comfort zone.
D) it must allow members to translate skills to the workplace.

Question 74

What are some informal roles found in work groups?

Question 75

Briefly summarize some generally recognized identifiable stages of the group development model.

Question 76

What are some dysfunctions of groups and teams? Briefly define each.

Question 77

Compare and contrast between membership and reference groups.Provide an example for each.

Question 78

To improve global teams,research indicates that creating a "_____" team culture can be linked to improved performance.

A) focused
B) divergent
C) practicing
D) hybrid

Question 79

Discuss the comprehensive definition of a group that exists in an organization.

Question 80

How can leadership enhance team effectiveness?