Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between formal and informal groups in an organization?

Accepted Answer

Formal groups are defined by the organization's structure, whereas informal groups are alliances not formally structured or organizationally determined.

Question 2

According to social identity theory, why do individuals experience emotional reactions to the success or failure of their group?

Accepted Answer

Because their self-esteem becomes tied to the performance of the group.

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates ingroup favoritism?

Accepted Answer

A team member believes their project group is more competent than other groups and views outsiders as less capable.

Question 4

In the punctuated-equilibrium model of group development, what typically occurs at the midpoint of the group's timeline?

Accepted Answer

A transition occurs, leading to increased activity and changes in approach.

Question 5

Role conflict is most likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

An individual faces divergent expectations from different groups they belong to.

Question 6

Philip Zimbardo's prison experiment demonstrated that:

Accepted Answer

Participants quickly and easily assumed roles that were very different from their inherent personalities.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a group norm influencing individual behavior?

Accepted Answer

A team member adjusts their emotional response to match the group's shared interpretation of an event.

Question 8

How does group size typically affect group performance?

Accepted Answer

Large groups are better for gaining diverse input, while smaller groups are better for acting on that input.

Question 9

Social loafing refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for individuals to expend less effort when working collectively than when working alone.

Question 10

According to status characteristics theory, which of the following is NOT a source of status within a group?

Accepted Answer

The amount of time a person spends in meetings.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between group cohesiveness and productivity when group norms support high performance?

Accepted Answer

High cohesiveness and high performance norms lead to high productivity.

Question 12

Which is a major weakness of group decision making?

Accepted Answer

Time consuming process.

Question 13

Groupthink is most likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

Group pressures for conformity deter the group from critically appraising minority or unpopular views.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Encouragement of diverse opinions.

Question 15

To minimize groupthink, a group leader should:

Accepted Answer

Encourage thoughtfulness and criticism among group members.

Question 16

Which group decision-making technique restricts discussion and interpersonal communication during the decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Nominal group technique.

Question 17

During a nominal group session, what is the final step in determining the group's decision?

Accepted Answer

Each group member rank-orders the ideas, and the idea with the highest aggregate ranking determines the final decision.

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents the midpoint in the punctuated-equilibrium model, where transition occurs?

Accepted Answer

$$(A+B)/2$$

Question 19

A group is experiencing status inequity, leading to resentment and corrective behavior. Which concept explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Status inequity.

Question 20

Which of the following is a strength of brainstorming in group decision making?

Accepted Answer

It encourages free-wheeling of ideas without criticism.

Chapter 9

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards