Deck 10: Enhancing Group and Team Performance

Question 1

1-17 Nominal group technique includes

A) silent brainstorming by individuals followed by sharing ideas with the group.
B) group members shout 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.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

1-16 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.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

1-2 According to Hirokawa,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

1-3 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 is lots of information available,and we all know someone it applies to." Jeremy piped in,"Yes,let's do.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) Suggest options
D) Develop a results-driven structure

Question 5

1-13 In the force field analysis technique,a driving force is one which

A) increases the chances of accomplishing a goal.
B) is an obstacle to accomplishing a goal.
C) encourages group members to participate in the evaluation process.
D) becomes a blocking behavior in the group interaction.

Question 6

1-11 A technique that can be used to clarify the problem is _____.

A) the force field analysis technique
B) the Journalists Six Questions
C) the Nominal Group technique
D) a T chart

Question 7

1-9 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.

Question 8

1-10 The reflective thinking model refers to

A) an exercise to build team relationships.
B) a structure to help groups solve problems effectively.
C) a recommended method for writing research papers.
D) a method designed to help group members think creatively.

Question 9

1-18 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.

Question 10

1-8 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 amongst 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 11

1-14 The generation,application,combination,and extension of new ideas is called

A) creativity.
B) driving force.
C) vigilant.
D) reflective thinking.
E) both b and c

Question 12

1-4 A vigilant thinker is focused on the _____ of problem solving.

A) Goal
B) Results
C) Process
D) none of the above

Question 13

1-19 Which of the following is true of consensus?

A) The decision is determined by majority vote.
B) 100 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 14

1-7 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 15

1-1 The functional approach to group communication _____.

A) attempts to describe types of behaviors that lead to better quality solutions
B) defines stages of group interaction that occur in decision-making groups
C) describes the personality traits of effective leaders and group members
D) attempts to define the structure of various types of work groups

Question 16

1-5 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 17

1-20 The major advantage of a decision reached by consensus is that _____.

A) it takes time to develop
B) it is a quick,efficient way to arrive at a decision
C) groups are always able to come up with a consensus
D) group members can verbalize support for the decision

Question 18

1-6 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 apocopate information
C) Develop options
D) Evaluate ideas

Question 19

1-12 When a group establishes standards for evaluating possible solutions,they are developing their _____.

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

Question 20

1-15 Which of the following would be a restraining force for the problem of saving money for college?

A) Interest rates earn you money effortlessly
B) You were taught the habit of saving as a child
C) Having money put into savings before you get your paycheck
D) You own an old car that constantly needs expensive repairs

Question 21

1-36 Herb detested going to his group meetings because they were disorganized and generally a waste of time.What simple device would help this group?

A) A clear problem to solve
B) A meeting agenda
C) A clear definition of group member roles
D) Some problem solving

Question 22

1-28 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 23

1-21 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(n)_____.

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

Question 24

1-35 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) All of the above

Question 25

1-39 Which of the following is an effective strategy for organizing a meeting agenda?

A) Put the least important items at the beginning of the meeting.
B) Start with announcements.
C) Make your first agenda item something that will actively involve group members.
D) Place your most important item last.

Question 26

1-33 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 27

1-22 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 in 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 28

1-31 Situational leadership is an interactive process in which a leader adapts his or her approach based on which of the following factors?

A) The quality of group member relationships
B) The nature of the task
C) Time limitations
D) All of the above

Question 29

1-23 Which of the following is discussed 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 30

1-37 The types of goals discussed at most meetings include

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 31

1-32 The readiness of group members plays an important role in which approach to leadership?

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

Question 32

1-27 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 33

1-29 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 34

1-38 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 35

1-30 When might 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 36

1-24 Which of the following is recommended as a way to combat groupthink?

A) Don't agree with someone just because he/she has high status.
B) Use someone outside the group to evaluate your decisions.
C) Assign someone to be a devil's advocate.
D) All of the above are recommended.

Question 37

1-40 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 38

1-34 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 39

1-26 Which approach to leadership assumes that leaders are born,not made?

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

Question 40

1-25 Which of the following can be valuable in evaluating the pros and cons of solutions that have been generated?

A) T chart
B) Journalist's Six Questions
C) Force field analysis
D) Dewey's Reflective Thinking Model

Question 41

2-10 The key to brainstorming is to praise each suggestion as it is made to encourage members to keep participating.

Question 42

2-15 Effective group members tend to ignore areas of agreement.

Question 43

1-41 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 44

2-2 Vigilant thinkers pay attention to the structure of the problem-solving group.

Question 45

2-11 The nominal group technique is the same thing as silent brainstorming.

Question 46

2-12 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 47

2-13 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 48

2-7 "The solution should be acceptable to the dean" is an example of criteria for a successful decision.

Question 49

2-8 Force field analysis is an effective tool for identifying the problem.

Question 50

2-3 A results-driven structure for group work means the group should identify a goal.

Question 51

2-5 Identifying and defining the problem includes a discussion of who is harmed by the problem,and when the harmful effects occur.

Question 52

2-16 A group who highly admires their leader is less likely to engage in groupthink than a group with an unpopular leader.

Question 53

2-14 Consensus is reached when a majority of the group votes in favor of a proposal.

Question 54

2-17 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 55

2-9 After conducting a force field analysis,the group should strive to minimize the driving forces and maximize the restraining forces.

Question 56

1-42 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 57

2-4 A group that is focused on the action steps needed to achieve their goal is using a results-driven structure.

Question 58

2-1 One of the advantages of working in groups is that groups typically solve a problem more quickly than individuals can do alone.

Question 59

2-6 It is usually better to spend time discussing which solutions you prefer before you analyze a problem.

Question 60

2-18 According to the trait leadership approach,certain traits will mean that a person is destined to lead.

Question 61

4-5 _____ is the generation,application,combination,and extension of ideas.

Question 62

3-10 Briefly define the meaning of metadiscussion.

Question 63

3-9 Briefly explain the three steps for building an agenda.

Question 64

4-2 Thinkers who consider the process of how problems are solved are known as _____.

Question 65

2-19 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 66

3-7 Which approach to leadership is an interactive process in which factors such as culture,time limitations,group member personalities,and the work that the group needs to do are considered in the selection of an appropriate leadership style to choose?

Question 67

2-22 Most meetings have one or more of the following three goals: (1)giving information, (2)discussing information,and (3)taking action.

Question 68

2-21 A transformational leader provides the group with a new vision.

Question 69

3-8 Briefly explain the concept of transformational leadership.

Question 70

3-2 What are structure and interaction in a group,and why does your book say groups need a balance of them?

Question 71

4-1 The _____ approach to leadership attempts to identify key communication behaviors that help a group arrive at a quality decision.

Question 72

3-5 What is consensus? Identify and explain three strategies that group members can use to achieve a consensus.

Question 73

3-6 Briefly define the difference between authoritarian,democratic,and laissez-faire leadership styles.

Question 74

3-1 What are three (of four)advantages mentioned in your book for working in groups?

Question 75

3-4 Identify and explain the eight steps used in brainstorming.Which step is the most important,and why?

Question 76

3-3 What are the five steps of the reflective thinking process?

Question 77

2-20 Process functions are leader behaviors that help maintain a positive group climate.

Question 78

2-23 One of the functions of a gatekeeper is to encourage quiet people in the group to speak up and discourage long-winded ones.

Question 79

4-4 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 80

4-3 The give and take of discussion in a group is known as _____.