Deck 10: Working in Groups

Question 1

The social unease and inhibitions that accompany the getting-acquainted stage in a group is described as

A) norming behavior.
B) storming behavior.
C) primary tension.
D) secondary tension.
E) receptivity to feedback.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

All of the following answers represent an advantage of working in groups except:

A) For complex problems requiring multiple skills and experiences, groups outperform individuals acting alone.
B) Group work enhances learning when members share information, think critically, and set high standards.
C) Group work provides opportunities for making friends and socializing.
D) Working in groups requires time, energy, and resources.
E) Successful group work enhances members' esteem and pride.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a group that has the freedom to develop its own goals?

A) a gathering of neighbors meeting to discuss ways to reduce crime in their neighborhood
B) a group of students assigned a topic for a class project
C) a group of employees asked to develop recommendations for safer storage of hazardous chemicals
D) a group of students asked to serve on a task force about instituting a tobacco ban on campus
E) a group of coworkers meets to brainstorm ideas for the next public relations campaign for a client

Answer 3

A

Question 4

What is the ideal group size for a problem-solving discussion?

A) 3-5 people
B) 4-6 people
C) 5-7 people
D) 6-8 people
E) 7-9 people

Question 5

Bruce Tuckman describes four stages of group development. In what order do these stages usually occur?

A) forming, norming, storming, and performing
B) storming, forming, norming, and performing
C) norming, forming, storming, and performing
D) forming, norming, performing, and storming
E) forming, storming, norming, and performing

Question 6

The frustration and personality conflicts experienced by group members as they compete for social acceptance and achievement are sources of

A) norming behavior.
B) performing behavior.
C) primary tension.
D) secondary tension.
E) conforming norms.

Question 7

A well-known study by Carl Larson and Frank LaFasto concludes that "in every case, without exception, where an effectively functioning team was identified," it had

A) competent group members.
B) a clear, understandable goal.
C) a results-driven structure.
D) principled leadership.
E) external support and recognition.

Question 8

TV talk show guests who interact with other guests and a host for the benefit of an audience are participating in a

A) symposium.
B) forum.
C) panel discussion.
D) governance group.
E) service group.

Question 9

What type of group is created by a larger group or by a person in a position of authority for the purpose of doing or completing a specific assignment or task?

A) self-help group
B) panel discussion
C) committee
D) governance group
E) virtual group

Question 10

A college's Board of Trustees establishes policies. This type of group would be classified as a

A) symposium.
B) forum.
C) panel discussion.
D) governance group.
E) service group.

Question 11

What type of group is responsible for making decisions, solving problems, implementing projects, or performing assigned duties in an organization?

A) self-help group
B) panel discussion
C) committee
D) governance group
E) work group

Question 12

A local Parents Without Partners chapter is an example of a

A) public group.
B) social group.
C) learning group.
D) service group.
E) self-help group.

Question 13

Which of the following behaviors is representative of primary tension?

A) Several members may speak at the same time.
B) Members are noisy and dynamic.
C) Members sit up, lean forward, and squirm in their seats.
D) Members engage in irrelevant small talk.
E) Members express their opinions and openly disagree with one another.

Question 14

Which of the following situations best represents group communication as defined in the textbook?

A) people talking in an elevator
B) people discussing the weather at an airport
C) fans cheering at a baseball game
D) jury members deliberating a court case
E) a congregation listening to a sermon

Question 15

Jackie wants her employer to adopt the use of energy saving light bulbs and volunteers to serve on an inventory control committee. While she publicly supports the committee's work, Jackie finds ways of using the committee to advance her energy saving goals. Jackie's private goal conflicts with the group's common goal. This kind of conflict is known as

A) the storming stage.
B) a hidden agenda.
C) primary tension.
D) tertiary tension.
E) implicit norms.

Question 16

A virtual group is one that

A) relies on technology to communicate.
B) exists only for a short period of time.
C) lacks a leader.
D) lacks a clear purpose.
E) has the same dynamics as other groups.

Question 17

Secondary tension is often characterized by which of the following behaviors?

A) members do not interrupt one another
B) members are noisy and physically active
C) members are overly polite
D) members engage in irrelevant small talk
E) members are hesitant to express their opinions

Question 18

A family is an example of a

A) primary group.
B) social group.
C) public group.
D) service group.
E) none of the above

Question 19

You have joined a newly formed group responsible for developing a recycling program for your community. At first, group members are somewhat uncomfortable working with people they don't know. Which of Tuckman's stages of group development is your group experiencing?

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

Question 20

__________ is a necessity for effective group communication in both face-to-face and virtual meetings.

A) Interdependence
B) Interruption
C) Interaction
D) Individualism
E) Insightfulness

Question 21

When a group member exhibits a unique set of skills or behavioral patterns that serve specific functions within the group, that member has assumed a

A) norm.
B) role.
C) performing stage.
D) self-centered response.
E) maintenance response.

Question 22

Alex tells Mary, "I don't care which set of procedures we use for determining days off. Just tell me what to do to put them into effect." Alex is fulfilling which of the group role?

A) follower
B) tension releaser
C) dominator
D) recognition seeker
E) deserter

Question 23

Which theory of leadership explains how leaders can become more effective once they have carefully analyzed themselves, their group, and the circumstances in which they must lead?

A) Trait Leadership Theory
B) Styles Leadership Theory
C) Situational Leadership Theory
D) Functional Leadership Theory
E) Emergence Leadership Theory

Question 24

Group researchers have categorized the general types of conflict that occur in groups as one of three types. Which answer accurately lists those three types of conflict?

A) forming, storming, and norming
B) task, social, and maintenance
C) primary, secondary, and tertiary
D) task, relationships, and process
E) competition, compromise, and collaboration

Question 25

When members provide useful information, ask important questions, analyze problems, and help the group stay organized, they are exhibiting what type of role behavior?

A) maintenance
B) performing
C) task
D) opinion-giving
E) information

Question 26

Which leadership theory is based on the assumption that leaders are born, not made?

A) Trait Theory
B) Styles Theory
C) Situational Theory
D) The 5-M Model of Leadership Effectiveness
E) none of the above

Question 27

__________ are sets of expectations held by group members concerning what kinds of behavior or opinions are acceptable or unacceptable, good or bad, right or wrong, appropriate or inappropriate.

A) Tensions
B) Hidden agendas
C) Roles
D) Cohesions
E) Norms

Question 28

As he received an award for his leadership of a community engagement project, Jason said, "We are so appreciative of your support. Our team has spent many tireless nights working on this initiative. We couldn't be more proud of receiving this award." His use of "we" and "our" represents which general strategy for promoting group cohesion?

A) Establish group identity and traditions.
B) Make as many positive statements as possible.
C) Recognize the importance of meeting a goal.
D) Recognize and reward contributions.
E) Devote the majority of the time to socializing.

Question 29

After several meetings of a newly formed recycling committee, group members have learned how to work harmoniously as a cohesive team and make decisions about the best ways to achieve a common goal. Because members feel comfortable with one another, they are willing to disagree and express their opinions. Communication has become more open and task oriented. Which of Tuckman's stages of group development is your group experiencing?

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

Question 30

Your textbook contends that effective groups learn how to balance conflict and

A) cohesion.
B) secondary tension.
C) hidden agendas.
D) conformity.
E) nonconformity.

Question 31

Sam's classmates have nicknamed him "The Encourager" because he always provides words of encouragement to his classmates before they make presentations in front of the class. What type of role is Sam performing in this class?

A) maintenance
B) performing
C) task
D) opinion-giving
E) information

Question 32

According to your textbook, which of the following strategies can help you and your group deal with self-centered members?

A) comply, communicate, or console the member
B) correct, coerce, or condemn the member
C) instruct, coach, or punish the member
D) accept, confront, or exclude the member
E) ignore, defy, or chastise the member

Question 33

If "task-motivated" describes your leadership style, Situational Leadership Theory predicts that you will be least successful when

A) the group's task is highly structured.
B) there are poor leader-member relationships.
C) you have a great deal of reward, coercive, and legitimate power.
D) you have no power.
E) you have a moderate degree of power and task structure.

Question 34

Before the meeting ends, Tom says, "Before our next meeting, let me know if you will need a projector and laptop again." This statement would most likely be made by a group member functioning in the role of

A) harmonizer.
B) standard monitor.
C) observer/interpreter.
D) gatekeeper.
E) procedural technician.

Question 35

Vu tries to maintain strict control over the Spring Festival planning committee. He insists on controlling the direction and outcome of the committee's discussion. Which leadership style is Vu using?

A) democratic
B) autocratic
C) situational
D) laissez-faire
E) aristocratic

Question 36

"I checked with the reference librarian and she said…" This statement would most likely be made by a group member functioning in which of the following roles?

A) information seeker
B) information giver
C) opinion seeker
D) opinion giver
E) clarifier/summarizer

Question 37

As the staff discussed the annual golf retreat, Susan spoke up and said, "I know we always have our annual retreat at a golf resort, but many of our new staff members don't play golf and may feel unduly pressured to play or be totally left out." Susan's demonstrating which type of nonconformity behavior?

A) regular nonconformity
B) group nonconformity
C) role nonconformity
D) constructive nonconformity
E) destructive nonconformity

Question 38

If a group member were to say, "That's a stupid idea. Think you could come up with anything better?" as a way of intimidating others, asserting authority, or monopolizing discussion, you are witnessing someone fulfilling which of the common self-centered roles?

A) clown
B) tension releaser
C) dominator
D) recognition seeker
E) deserter

Question 39

Which of the following statements is characteristic of a cohesive group?

A) Members interact with one another less frequently.
B) Members make a lot of negative statements about the group.
C) The group exerts greater influence over members to conform to group expectations.
D) The group lacks creativity.
E) The group spends more time socializing than working.

Question 40

Even though Wayne is chairperson of the finance committee, he does little or nothing to help the group. He tends to let the group take charge of all decisions and actions. Which leadership style is Wayne using?

A) democratic
B) autocratic
C) situational
D) laissez-faire
E) functional

Question 41

Virtual groups communicate electronically across time, distance, and organizational boundaries.

Question 42

In terms of the 5-M Model of Leadership Effectiveness, what leadership function is best characterized by a leader who is well-organized and fully prepared for all meetings, helps solve task-related and procedural problems, and knows when to monitor and intervene to improve group performance?

A) minimize conflict
B) model leadership behavior
C) motivate members
D) manage group process
E) make decisions

Question 43

A summary of research on leadership and gender concludes that women

A) talk more than men when they are in leadership positions.
B) are more likely to be autocratic leaders.
C) are less likely to be preselected as leaders, and that their same leadership behavior is often evaluated more positively when attributed to a male leader.
D) are more likely to seek and gain leadership positions if they are motivated by personal growth and achievement, rather than developing close relationships with group members.
E) are better leaders than men are.

Question 44

In problem-solving groups with more than 7 members, members tend to divide into subgroups.

Question 45

When you work closely with group members, your communication choices may have ethical consequences that extend well beyond the group itself.

Question 46

In general, the approaches and outcomes of cooperating groups are not just better than those of the average group member, but are better than even the group's best problem solver functioning alone.

Question 47

All of the following strategies improve your chances of a becoming a group leader except:

A) Talk early and often.
B) Let members know that you want to be the leader.
C) Know more and share what you know with members.
D) Offer good ideas and informed opinions.
E) Demonstrate your expertise.

Question 48

In terms of the 5-M Model of Leadership Effectiveness, what leadership function is best characterized by a leader who behaves consistently and assertively, confronts problems head-on, works to generate solutions, and champions the group and its goals?

A) minimize conflict
B) model leadership behavior
C) motivate members
D) manage group process
E) make decisions

Question 49

Groups always perform better than individuals working alone.

Question 50

Group members come together for a reason: a collective purpose or goal that defines and unifies the group.

Question 51

In the definition of group communication, interaction refers to how the behavior of each group member affects every other member.

Question 52

Researchers Kozlowski and Ilgen assert that teams are at the center of how work gets done in modern times.

Question 53

On college campuses, intramural athletic teams as well as sororities and fraternities are examples of social groups.

Question 54

Panel discussions are created by a larger group or by a person in a position of authority to take on specific tasks.

Question 55

Work groups collaborate to achieve specific goals on behalf of a business or organization.

Question 56

The ideal size of a problem-solving group is four members.

Question 57

According to a study by Larson and LaFasto, leadership is the single and most important factor that separates successful groups from unsuccessful groups.

Question 58

In a group symposium, group members interact with one another on a common topic for the benefit of an audience.

Question 59

What type of leader gains satisfaction from working well with other people even if the cost is failing to complete a task?

A) task-motivated leader
B) leader-member leader
C) autocratic leader
D) relationship-motivated leader
E) situational leader

Question 60

Labor unions, veterans' groups, fire and police auxiliary groups, neighborhood and community associations are examples of self-help groups.

Question 61

Group norms express the values of a group rather than the way members dress, speak, listen, and work.

Question 62

In most groups, primary tension decreases as members feel more comfortable with one another.

Question 63

Effective groups learn how to balance conflict and cohesion.

Question 64

Bruce Tuckman identified the following four stages in the life cycle of groups: forming, storming, norming, and performing.

Question 65

A Clarifier/Summarizer is a group task role.

Question 66

An Opinion Seeker is fulfilling a group maintenance role.

Question 67

In the performing stage of group development, group members define their roles and determine group procedures.

Question 68

Effective groups strive for total conformity to the group's norms.

Question 69

Unlike people, groups do not move through stages as they develop and mature.

Question 70

During the storming stage of group development, members hesitate to express strong opinions or assert their personal needs.

Question 71

Groups may experience some form of primary and secondary tension during the forming and storming stages of group development.

Question 72

A hidden agenda occurs when the group's private goals conflict with the individual's goals.

Question 73

A group experiencing second tension is likely to have several members speaking at the same time.

Question 74

The following statement is an example of constructive nonconformity: "We should change our rule that 'everyone must speak before we vote' to 'everyone who wants to speak must be given a chance to speak before we vote.'"

Question 75

When a group cannot resolve secondary tension, don't joke about the tensions because it will increase member uneasiness.

Question 76

When group members experience primary tension, members rarely interrupt one another and are very polite.

Question 77

Celebration dinners, letters of appreciation, certificates, and gifts to reward individual effort and initiative are strategies for respecting group members.

Question 78

A task role is a pattern of behaviors associated with an expected function within a particular group context.

Question 79

When a group recognizes the existence of any hidden agendas, they should share them immediately with the rest of the group.

Question 80

Group norms do not have positive or negative effects on member behavior and group success.