Deck 11: Problem Solving

Question 1

Which of the following is a factor that hurts team problem-solving?

A)Rational, logical thinking.
B)Taking time to analyze the problem.
C)Rushing to implementing solutions.
D)All of the above.
E)None of the above.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

"Process mapping" leads to _____ for problem-solving teams.

A)Construction of a shared mental model.
B)Identification of strengths and weaknesses of the team.
C)Identification of flaws in various solutions.
D)Reduction of conflict.
E)Construction of alternative perspectives.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Correctly defining the problem for a group to solve is more difficult when:

A)There is a lot of uncertainty.
B)Group norms allow conflict to be expressed.
C)The problem is acute rather than chronic.
D)All of the above are true.
E)None of the above are true.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following statements is regarding team problem solving?

A)Team should include critical thinkers.
B)Team should analyze the problem, develop alternatives, and select the best solution.
C)Process should include social, emotional, and political factors.
D)Team discussions should include differing opinions..
E)All of the above are true.

Question 5

Sometimes groups do not select the best solution to a problem because:

A)Finding the best solution takes too long.
B)There are trade-offs among alternative good solutions.
C)The problem solving process is disrupted by emotional issues.
D)Politics may make good solutions difficult to implement.
E)All of the above are true.

Question 6

____________ is the most overlooked step in problem-solving.

A)Identification.
B)Evaluation.
C)Implementation.
D)Defining.
E)None of the above.

Question 7

One of the most important factors for improving the likelihood that a solution to a problem will be implemented is:

A)How creative the solution is.
B)Whether the people implementing the solution participated in the decision.
C)Whether there was limited conflict in the group during the problem solving process.
D)All of the above are true.
E)None of the above are true.

Question 8

Effective problem solving groups tend to:

A)View problems from a variety of perspectives.
B)Focus primarily on the social aspects of problem solving.
C)Emphasize the majority position early in the discussion.
D)Use criteria to evaluate only one solution at a time.
E)All of the above are true.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an effective problem-solving team?

A)It listens to minority opinions.
B)It tests alternative solutions.
C)It views problem from a variety of perspectives.
D)It manages only task, not relational, aspects of problem-solving.
E)It gathers data from outside the team.

Question 10

In problem solving, a Criteria Matrix is used to:

A)Define the real problem that needs to be solved.
B)Help select which people should be on the decision team.
C)Identify the best decision making technique to use.
D)Help select among a set of alternative solutions.
E)Outline the important implementation issues.

Question 11

A good solution to a problem should:

A)Balance needs of various members.
B)Be cost-effective.
C)Not consume too much time.
D)Foster group harmony.
E)All of the above.

Question 12

The four stages a team uses when solving problems are:

A)Defining, describing, analysis, and implementation.
B)Recognition, analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
C)Forming, storming, performing, and adjourning..
D)Forming, storming, norming, and performing.
E)Descriptive, functional, prescriptive, and ideal.

Question 13

Which of the following does NOT affect whether a team identifies a problem?

A)Team's performance.
B)Group norms toward conflict.
C)Openness in communication.
D)Severity of the problem.
E)Team's motivation to succeed.

Question 14

The first step in problem solving is to:

A)Propose as many cost-effective solutions as possible.
B)Discuss and document individual views until everyone agrees the nature of the problem.
C)Devise a strategy for implementing a solution.
D)Evaluate team resources to ensure problem can be solved.
E)Evaluate individual resources to ensure problem can be solved.

Question 15

Problems vary in their levels of:

A)Severity.
B)Familiarity.
C)Complexity.
D)All of the above.
E)None of the above.

Question 16

Name five factors that improve team problem-solving.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in the Rational Problem Solving Approach?

A)Define the problem.
B)Generate alternative solutions.
C)Encourage group polarization.
D)Make a decision.
E)All of the above are steps in the Rational Approach.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of problem-solving teams?

A)Established for brief periods.
B)Work on a variety of issues.
C)Usually comprised of members from various organizational levels.
D)Members all know each other well beforehand.
E)All of the above.

Question 19

Discuss the three approaches to understanding/examining team problem-solving.

Question 20

The main approaches to examining how groups solve problems are:

A)Descriptive, functional, and prescriptive.
B)Routine, complex, and creative.
C)Consultative, democratic, and consensus.
D)Linear, progressive, and iterative.
E)Mathematical, verbal, and visual.

Question 21

Problem-solving teams are often permanent.

Question 22

All groups go through sequential stages in problem-solving.

Question 23

Evaluation refers to process of defining the nature of the problem and its causes.

Question 24

Effective problem-solving teams tend to have high conformity.

Question 25

To arrive at effective solutions, teams should dissuade dissenting opinions.

Question 26

In problem solving, a Force Field Analysis can be used to:

A)Understand the driving and restraining forces affecting a change.
B)Help the group to better define the problem.
C)Help the group to develop implementation approaches.
D)Identify problems that will occur after a solution has been selected.
E)All of the above are uses for Force Field Analysis.

Question 27

Those who participate in generating solutions are more likely to accept implementation.

Question 28

A(n) ____________is a practical guide to translating a solution into reality, and should be a step-by-step approach.

A)Process map.
B)Action plan.
C)Criteria matrix.
D)Force field analysis.
E)Action research.True/False

Question 29

Force field analysis can be used to examine change only at the beginning stage of the problem-solving process.

Question 30

Uncertainty affects problem identification.

Question 31

Action plans during the implementation stage of problem-solving should remain as ambiguous as possible to allow for change.