Deck 10: Enhancing Group and Team Performance

Question 1

Tomas thought to himself about possible solutions to his group's problem before he provided those ideas aloud to the group. The technique Tomas used is called silent brainstorming or _____.

A) vigilant thinking
B) nominal group technique
C) interaction
D) groupthink

Answer 1

B

Question 2

During a recent meeting, group members shared in a give-and-take discussion and were responsive to the comments of others in the group. This type of discussion can be said to constitute _____.

A) structure
B) reflective thinking
C) interaction
D) evaluation

Answer 2

C

Question 3

According to the text, which of the following is a question that a vigilant thinker should consider?

A) What goal does the group want to achieve?
B) How can conflict be minimized in the group?
C) How can I achieve my agenda?
D) How can we avoid groupthink?

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Alfredo was leading a group recently in which most of the group members agreed with one of the major decisions, but that decision was not unanimously supported. There was, however, enough agreement in the end that the decision was supported by all members. This is an example of a _____.

A) full agreement
B) groupthink
C) brainstorming
D) consensus

Question 5

James, Matt, Karla, and Ann have formed a research group to study a communication theory. They each are responsible for contributing five articles to the group. They meet in the library and identify twenty articles that deal with their theory. They divide up the articles, and they schedule a meeting in which they will give a report to the other group members over their five articles. This group is using which function effectively?

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

Question 6

Jake's communication teacher had just assigned groups for a problem-solving discussion project. After briefly introducing themselves, Jake's group quickly began talking over the topic they would select. Charise suggested, "Let's just discuss alcohol abuse on campus; there's lots of information available, and we all know someone it applies to." Jeremy piped in, "Yes, let's do it. Why waste time haggling over topics? Let's just get on with it." Jake replied, "Why don't we hold off deciding until we think of some additional topics. That way, we'll have several to choose from and we can compare them." Which function is Jake suggesting for his group?

A) Identify a clear goal
B) Gather and use information effectively
C) Develop options
D) Develop a results-driven structure

Question 7

James, Matt, Karla, and Ann meet to discuss how they will put together their class presentation on a communication theory. Ann expresses concern because she feels the presentation is not equally distributed among group members. James quickly dismisses her concern without further discussion. James would be advised to remember which of the following functions of effective group members?

A) Identify a clear, elevating goal
B) Develop options
C) Develop sensitivity toward others
D) Gather and use information effectively

Question 8

When a group first gets together, it needs to determine what it is going to do. In other words, it needs to determine the group's _____.

A) goal
B) socialization
C) structure
D) leader

Question 9

What is nominal group technique?

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

Question 10

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 of the 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 11

Groups that are organized around the action steps needed to achieve their goals are _____.

A) vigilant
B) functional
C) laissez-faire
D) results-driven

Question 12

The three primary strategies groups can use to reach a consensus include all of the following EXCEPT _____.

A) be goal oriented
B) listen
C) promote honest dialogue and discussion
D) avoid dissenters

Question 13

Koresh's group was considering how to approach the general topic of meth labs in their panel discussion. Some wanted to discuss the problem on a national scale, but Koresh wanted to limit the topic to what was happening within the local area only. They had been arguing this for some time, and group members were getting frustrated. Finally, Sam suggested that they use a chalkboard, and make a written list of the pros and cons of each option. They did this, and it became clear that the best choice would be to limit the topic to the local area. Which function did Sam suggest for his group?

A) Identify a clear goal
B) Gather and use information effectively
C) Develop sensitivity toward others
D) Evaluate ideas

Question 14

Which of these techniques does the text suggest as a way to help clarify a problem?

A) Force field analysis
B) Journalists' six questions
C) Nominal group technique
D) T chart

Question 15

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

A) problem definitions
B) criteria
C) relationships
D) solutions

Question 16

The reflective thinking model is based on the _____ method.

A) psychosocial
B) scientific
C) spatial
D) biological

Question 17

Sumit's group begins brainstorming ideas. Becky states an idea and Sumit says, "I think that's the best idea I've heard yet." Based on this example, what should Sumit 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 18

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

A) creativity
B) driving force
C) vigilant
D) reflective thinking

Question 19

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

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

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE of consensus?

A) The decision is determined by majority vote.
B) One-hundred percent of the group voted for the proposal.
C) All group members can support the group's decision.
D) The majority of the group members can support the decision.

Question 21

Gloria is a leader who leads by developing a shared vision and uses listening and relationship-building skills to create a climate of trust. Which type of leader is Gloria?

A) Situational
B) Transformational
C) Democratic
D) Laissez-faire

Question 22

Which of the following is seen as a cause of groupthink?

A) The group has assigned a devil's advocate.
B) The group is using electronic brainstorming.
C) The group feels apathetic about the task.
D) The leader is keeping the group focused on the goal.

Question 23

Zack was elected by his group to be the leader. During the group meetings, he did not recommend any procedures for discussing decisions, he did not volunteer any information, and he only did what he was asked to do specifically. What leadership style was Zack using?

A) Democratic
B) Laissez faire
C) Authoritarian
D) Participative

Question 24

Step two in developing a meeting agenda involves _____.

A) determining meeting goals
B) organizing the agenda
C) researching action items
D) identifying what needs to be discussed

Question 25

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) using democratic leadership style
D) understanding the leadership style that is appropriate for the given situation

Question 26

As the text notes, most meetings have one or more of the following goals: _____.

A) giving information, managing conflict, solving a problem
B) researching a topic, taking action, managing conflict
C) giving information, discussing information, taking action
D) discussing information, managing conflict, solving a problem

Question 27

Which approach to leadership identifies the key task and process roles that need to be performed in a group?

A) Situational
B) Trait
C) Transformational
D) Functional

Question 28

Which of the following is an example of deep-level diversity?

A) A person's gender
B) Someone's opinion about the government
C) The clothes a person is wearing
D) A person's ethnicity

Question 29

Marianna said, "Suzie, you've done some research on honors programs in other departments. What have you found out 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 30

The ability to influence the behavior of others through communication is the definition of _____.

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

Question 31

Tamara is a group leader and recently she made a suggestion to her group members. While they did not all fully support the idea, they wanted to avoid conflict with Tamara, so there was very little disagreement during the brief discussion. Thus, she was sure that the group was all in agreement and her idea went forward. This is an example of______.

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

Question 32

Once Parul's group had decided the best topic for their presentation, Parul assigned Carson to do research on the topic and Millie to interview the college dean. Which step in the reflective-thinking process does this exemplify?

A) Take action
B) Analyze the problem
C) Generate creative solutions
D) Identify and define the problem

Question 33

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 34

According to the survey noted in the text, the most common problem that occurs in meetings is _____.

A) the length of the meeting
B) getting off the subject
C) people coming unprepared
D) people arriving late

Question 35

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 36

In what situation would it be appropriate to utilize an authoritarian leadership style with your group?

A) When you need input from all group members.
B) When there is a need for a quick, important decision.
C) When you have more than fifteen people in the group.
D) When you have an agenda.

Question 37

The instructor assigned Jan to be the group's leader, but she has become a "dictator" in group meetings. She rarely allows other group members offer suggestions and always controls how much gets accomplished. What's the term for Jan's leadership style?

A) Democratic
B) Laissez faire
C) Authoritarian
D) Participative

Question 38

Which approach to leadership assumes that leaders are born, not made?

A) Trait approach
B) Functional approach
C) Styles approach
D) Situational approach

Question 39

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 40

Which of the following is TRUE of authoritarian leaders?

A) Authoritarian leaders direct and control others.
B) Authoritarian leaders solicit input from others and seek to lead by involving others
In the decisions.
C) Authoritarian leaders intentionally influence others only when asked or directed
By others to lead.
D) Authoritarian leaders are also democratic leaders.

Question 41

Identifying and defining the problem includes a discussion of who is harmed by the problem, and when the harmful effects occur.

Question 42

According to the trait leadership approach, certain traits will mean that a person is destined to lead.

Question 43

A results-driven structure for group work means the group should identify a goal.

Question 44

The nominal group technique is the same thing as silent brainstorming.

Question 45

The key to brainstorming is to praise each suggestion as it is made to encourage members to keep participating.

Question 46

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 47

Which of the following statements would be the best way to bring the group back on track?

A) "Tom, your comment was irrelevant."
B) "You need to focus on the task at hand."
C) "You're not listening to what I have to say."
D) "I think we need to spend time discussing the next item on the agenda."

Question 48

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

Question 49

The traits approach to leadership suggests that when we become leaders, we begin to develop traits that will help us to learn better ways to lead.

Question 50

Effective group members tend to ignore areas of agreement.

Question 51

Pat's group is trying to come up with ideas and has decided to have a meeting in order to think of as many ideas as possible. This example illustrated groupthink.

Question 52

A group that is focused on the action steps needed to achieve their goal is using a results-driven structure.

Question 53

When some group members are shy or uncomfortable talking in groups, it is a good idea to use nominal group technique to generate possible solutions to a problem.

Question 54

One way to describe groupthink is logical consensus.

Question 55

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

Question 56

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

Question 57

It is usually better to spend time discussing which solutions you prefer before you analyze a problem.

Question 58

Vigilant thinkers pay attention to the structure of the problem-solving group.

Question 59

Consensus is reached when everyone agrees enthusiastically and completely with what the group has decided.

Question 60

Force field analysis is an effective tool for identifying the problem.

Question 61

Describe the situational approach to leadership.

Question 62

Explain the purpose of structure and interaction within a group.

Question 63

Nominal group technique is a form of _____.

Question 64

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

Question 65

Briefly explain the concept of transformational leadership.

Question 66

Briefly explain the three steps for building an agenda.

Question 67

A transformational leader provides the group with a new vision.

Question 68

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

Question 69

_____ is an agreement arrived at by a group through interaction in which all members of the group agree to support the decision.

Question 70

What are the five steps of the reflective thinking process?

Question 71

Briefly define the difference between authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership styles.

Question 72

Identify and explain the eight steps used in brainstorming. Which step is the most important and why?

Question 73

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

Question 74

The give and take of discussion in a group is known as _____.

Question 75

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

Question 76

The minimum number of people who must be present at a meeting to conduct business is called a quorum.

Question 77

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 78

Define and give examples of metadiscussion.

Question 79

A process leader will demonstrate "people skills."

Question 80

Explain the basis of a results-driven structure.