2064 CMST Final Ch. 8, 9, 10
"How can the company assist employees with their childcare needs?" This group discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
a
A company's recycling task force gathered information on various recycling programs and met several times to choose which program would best suit the needs of the company. The group's recommendation was presented to the company's vice president of operations, who ultimately chose a program other than the one recommended by the task force. Which method of decision making was used in this situation? a. authority rule b. consensus c. majority vote d. minority rule e. 2/3 vote
a
All of the following benefits can result when a group uses structured problemsolving procedures effectively EXCEPT a. increased time and effort. b. balanced participation. c. conflict resolution. d. organization. e. group empowerment.
a
All of the following statements describe decision making in groups EXCEPT a. Groups usually take less time to makea decision than an individual working alone. b. A group generates more ideas than an individual working alone. c. Groups generally produce better decisions than individuals. d. all of the above e. none of the above
a
All of the following traits characterize highly argumentative group members EXCEPT a. they promote hostility in the group. b. they show genuine interest in the group's discussions. c. they focus on issues rather than personalities. d. they are often chosen as group leaders. e. they are viewed as highly credible members.
a
Argumentation is a. the thinking we use to analyze what we read, see, and hear in order to arrive at a justified conclusion. b. the way we advocate proposals, examine competing ideas, and influence one another. c. a hostile confrontation between two or more people. d. a form of debating in which a judge makes the final decision. e. a claim supported by evidence and reasons for accepting it.
a
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Which of these styles is most like the Myers-Briggs's personality trait of thinker? a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
a
Joe gets angry with Delores during a committee meeting because she interrupts his remarks and suggests that his ideas are a waste of time. What type of conflict is occurring in this situation? a. affective b. collaborative c. substantive d. competitive e. procedural
a
Mediation experts Stephen Littlejohn and Kathy Domenici suggest the following strategies for resolving conflict constructively EXCEPT a. Show strength and conviction by supporting your own position. b. Speak to be understood rather than win. c. Focus on your own perspective rather than criticizing others' behavior. d. Explore ideas in new ways. e. Recognize that there are many perspectives rather than polarizing a dispute into only 2 points of view.
a
There are 12 members in your group. How many members must be in favor of a proposal when deciding by authority rule? a. 1 b. 6 c. 7 d. 10 e. 12
a
There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically. For example, a member may side with a group leader into order to gain the leader's attention and backing. In this particular case, ____________ will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts. a. politics b. pre-existing preferences c. power d. procedural paralysis e. polychronics
a
When a member concedes some goals in order to achieve others, what conflict style is the member using? a. compromise b. collaboration c. avoidance d. accommodation e. competition
a
Which conflict style has a high concern for group goals and a low concern for the member's personal goals? a. accommodation b. collaboration c. competition d. avoidance e. compromise
a
Which conflict style would be appropriate if the issue is very important to others but is not very important to you; you realize that you are wrong or that you have changed your mind; it is more important to preserve group harmony than resolve the issue? a. accommodation b. collaboration c. competition d. avoidance e. compromise
a
Which is the correct order of the four steps in the Decreasing Options Technique? a. generate ideas, post ideas, sort ideas, dot ideas b. dot ideas, sort ideas, post ideas, generate ideas c. generate ideas, post ideas, dot ideas, sort ideas d. post ideas, generate ideas, dot ideas, sort ideas e. post ideas, generate ideas, sort ideas, dot ideas
a
Which of the following problem-solving procedures is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process? a. the Standard Agenda b. the Single Question Format c. Nominal Group Technique d. brainstorming e. Functional Theory
a
Which of the following statements characterizes constructive conflict? a. Members focus on the issues. b. Members' contributions are devalued. c. Members protect and defend their own ideas. d. Members avoid conflict. e. Members resist change and try to maintain traditional procedures.
a
The conflict style characterized by an "I win-you lose" approach is called. a. competition b. avoidance c. compromise d. collaboration e. accommodation
a.
The statement, "I know that all of us want this project to succeed" is an example of what part of the AEIOU Model? a. assume that the other person means well b. express your feelings c. identify what you would like to happen d. outcomes you expect are made clear e. understanding on a mutual basis is achieved
a.
When members of a group are experiencing interpersonal disagreements as a result of differences in personalities they are experiencing what type of conflict? a. affective b. collaborative c. substantive d. competitive e. procedural
a.
Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members gather information and attempt to understand the nature and cause(s) of a problem? a. investigation b. imagination c. incubation d. insight e. interrogation
a.
When a member searches for new solutions that will achieve both the individual goals of group members and the group goals, what conflict style is the member using? a. competition b. avoidance c. collaboration d. accommodation e. compromise
c
All of the following steps are part of the Standard Agenda format for group problem solving EXCEPT a. task clarification b. establishment of procedure c. problem identification d. fact finding e. solution suggestions
b
During Phase 1 (Idea Generation) of Nominal Group Technique, a. members explain their support or nonsupport for each item. b. members, in turn, present one idea from their privately written list. c. members discuss the merits of each idea before voting occurs. d. members vote by ranking or rating ideas privately and in writing. e. the group decision is the mathematically pooled outcome of members' individual votes.
b
Effective argumentation in groups a. promotes misunderstanding. b. promotes critical thinking. c. prevents persuasion. d. promotes groupthink. e. promotes hostility.
b
Family members disagree about where to go for a vacation this year. Some members want a location where there will be a lot to do. Other members just want to relax. They discuss many possible sites before deciding on a cruise. They agree that a cruise offers opportunities for both relaxation and recreation. Which approach to conflict did this family use? a. accommodation b. collaboration c. competition d. avoidance e. compromise
b
If you assume that group members mean well and you feel free to express your feelings and ideas to others, you are on your way to dealing with conflict using a. the 4Rs Method. b. the A-E-I-O-U Model. c. negotiation. d. mediation. e. arbitration.
b
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Group members who say "It just feels like the right thing to do" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
b
One of the reasons groups are often reluctant to think creatively is that they have preconceived notions about what can and can't be done. In such cases, your group may want to try the _____________ method of enhancing creativity. a. control judgment b. ask "what if?" c. encourage innovation d. use metaphors e. use imitation
b
Researchers investigating the usefulness of brainstorming and Nominal Group Technique conclude that Nominal Group Technique (NGT) works better for generating ideas for all of the following reasons EXCEPT a. waiting to speak in brainstorming may disrupt the thinking process. b. members in brainstorming sessions produce fewer ideas than NGT groups. c. members who fear evaluation may not be willing to contribute ideas. d. members who make more contributions in brainstorming may earn high status and influence. e. members may loaf and let others do all the thinking and talking.
b
The first 3 steps in the Single Question Format for problem solving are a. analyze the issues, identify the problem, identify possible solutions. b. identify the problem, create a collaborative setting, analyze the issues. c. create a collaborative setting, analyze the issues, identify the problem. d. analyze the issues, identify possible solutions, answer the single questions. e. task clarification, fact finding, solution selection.
b
There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically. For example, if members resist or dismiss information that doesn't mesh with their personal inclinations and attitudes, what problem-solving reality may impair group effectiveness? a. politics b. pre-existing preferences c. power d. procedural paralysis e. polychronics
b
What are the signs of a false consensus? a. Every group member agrees to support a decision or action. b. In order to avoid disagreement and conflict, group members agree on a common decision. c. In order to achieve consensus, all group members take part in shaping a decision. d. A decision is made that avoids a win/loss vote. e. Consensus presents a united front to outsiders.
b
When a member attempts to change the topic, which conflict style is a member using? a. accommodation b. avoidance c. collaboration d. competition e. compromise
b
When face-to-face interaction is not convenient or possible, which of the following communication technologies is best suited for groups dealing with conflict? a. audioconferences b. videoconferences c. bulletin boards d. email e. text messaging
b
Which method of conflict resolution employs the services of an impartial third party for the purpose of guiding, coaching, and encouraging the disputants toward agreement? a. arbitration b. mediation c. negotiation d. the 4Rs Method e. the A-E-I-O-U Model
b
You can help promote constructive conflict by abiding by all of the following principles EXCEPT a. Disagreement does not result in punishment. b. Members encourage tough competition among one another in order to make the best decisions. c. Members will work with one another toachieve mutually satisfying resolution of conflicts. d. Lower-status members are free todisagree with higher-status members. e. the group has an agreed-upon approach for conflict resolution and decision making.
b
General criteria that should be considered when evaluating a solution to a problem include each of the following EXCEPT: a. Is the solution reasonable? b. Is the solution supported by consensus? c. Are there resources to implement the solution? d. Is there enough time to implement the solution? e. Does the solution protect the group's values?
b.
The statement, "Like most of you, I'm frustrated with the process" is an example of what part of the AEIOU Model? a. assume that the other person means well b. express your feelings c. identify what you would like to happen d. outcomes you expect are made clear e. understanding on a mutual basis is achieved Difficulty: 2
b.
Which if the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members engage in free thinking by removing procedural and mental roadblocks? a. investigation b. imagination c. incubation d. insight e. interrogation
b.
What do the 4Rs stand for in the 4Rs Method of Analyzing a Conflict? a. React, Reply, Reason, Reprimand b. Recognize, Reflect, Reconsider, Relate c. Reasons, Reactions, Results, Resolution d. Resources, Repetitions, Readiness, and Resolution e. Recognize, Reflect, Reconsider, Reject
c
"How many of our company employees hire a daycare provider to watch their children during the workday?" This group discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
c
A Congressional debate on a bill to increase penalties for fraud committed by business CEOs is a question of a. fact. b. value. c. policy. d. procedure. e. conjecture.
c
All of the following answers represent basic stages in the development of group creativity EXCEPT a. investigation. b. imagination. c. interpretation. d. incubation. e. insight.
c
All of the following behaviors are more characteristic of the ways in which women respond to conflict EXCEPT a. Women are more likely to leave a group that experiences continuous conflict. b. Women are more likely to focus on substantive issues than men. c. Women are more likely to address conflict privately rather than in front of the entire group. d. Women tend to cooperate morethan men under ideal conditions. e. Women are more likely to avoid conflict than men are.
c
All of the following methods are appropriate for minimizing the potential for groupthink EXCEPT a. Ask each member to serve in the role of critical evaluator. b. If possible, have more than one group work on the same problem independently. c. Avoid asking questions and do not demand justifications from others. d. Discuss the potential negative consequences of any decision or action. e. Before finalizing the decision, give members a second chance to express doubts.
c
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Groups members who say "If you think it's okay, then I'll do it" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
c
Problem solving occurs when a group a. reaches a conclusion. b. passes judgment on an issue under consideration. c. develops a plan for reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of a problem. d. chooses among alternatives. e. analyzes the history, causes, and effects of a problem.
c
The first 3 steps in the Standard Agendaformat of group problem solving are a. problem identification, fact finding, solution evaluation and selection. b. problem identification, task clarification, solution implementation. c. task clarification, problem identification, fact finding. d. fact finding, problem identification, task clarification. e. fact finding, solution criteria, solution selection.
c
The major advantage and reason for using the DOT method is that it a. focuses on preparation, competence, and communication functions. b. requires members to analyze questions of fact, value, conjecture, and policy. c. helps reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas. d. relies on the creativity of all members. e. helps avoid negative evaluation and criticism of ideas and solutions.
c
The members of a civic association's committee on community safety disagree on whether to install more expensive street lighting throughout the development. What type of conflict is the group experiencing? a. affective b. collaborative c. substantive d. competitive e. procedural
c
There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically. For example, a strong and stubborn leader can lead group members off on tangents and irrelevant discussions that have nothing to do with the group's goal. In this particular case, ____________ will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts. a. politics b. pre-existing preferences c. power d. procedural paralysis e. polychronics
c
When a member is more concerned with his or her own goals than meeting the needs of the group, which conflict style is the member using? a. accommodation b. collaboration c. competition d. avoidance e. compromise
c
When helping group members from collectivist cultures maintain and save "face," you should keep in mind all of the following perspectives about conflict and "face" EXCEPT a. The need to save "face" during a conflict derives from the personal relationships among members. b. Conflict resolution requires that "face" issues be mutually managed before discussing other issues. c. In individualistic cultures, "saving face" is more important than winning an argument. d. Conflict resolution succeeds when group members save "face" and also claim they have "won." e. Cultures that place a great deal of value on "saving face" discourage personal attacks.
c
Which of the following statements best describes a highly argumentative group member? a. The member is not confrontational. b. The member has less influence in group decision making. c. The member is less likely to be persuaded by others. d. The member is less likely to be chosen as the group leader. e. all of the above
c
Which of the following statements is characteristic of a cohesive group? a. Members interact with each other less. b. Members make a lot of negative statements about the group. c. Members want to conform to group expectations. d. The group lacks creativity. e. none of the above
c
Your group needs to come up with a discussion topic for a class assignment. The group works together, suggesting as many topics as possible. Members welcome all ideas and do not criticize the suggestions of other members. Which decision-making method is the group using? a. the Functional Approach b. the Single Question Format c. brainstorming d. consensus seeking e. Nominal Group Technique
c
Your textbook offers all of the following guidelines for making an effective apology EXCEPT a. Take responsibility for your actions with "I" statements. b. Clearly identify the behavior that was wrong. c. Explain why your actions are justified. d. Acknowledge how others might feel. e. Express regret.
c
In a collaborative setting group members agree to the following EXCEPT: a. we will listen to all points of view b. we will ask for facts and opinions c. we will acknowledge personal agendas d. we will be tough on issues e. we will be supportive of one another
c.
The conflict style characterized by a "Give a little, get a little" approach is called. a. competition b. avoidance c. compromise d. collaboration e. accommodation
c.
When members of a student government council try to answer the question, "should student activities fees be raised?" They are primarily focusing on what type of conflict? a. affective b. collaborative c. substantive d. competitive e. procedural
c.
Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members allow for a period of time to reflect on ideas in new ways? a. investigation b. imagination c. incubation d. insight e. interrogation
c.
Consider using the Decreasing Options Technique (DOT) when a. the group is small, with no more than 7 members. b. members cannot generate many ideas or solutions. c. the group wants to hear from expert and influential members. d. the group wants to ensure equal opportunities for input by all members. e. the group has plenty of time to discuss multiple or controversial ideas.
d
"Who will be the next student governmentpresident?" This discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
d
All of the following are considered guidelines for effective brainstorming EXCEPT a. Evaluate ideas only at the end. b. Post the ideas for all to see. c. Wait awhile for group members to think before starting the brainstorming. d. Avoid combining ideas. e. Do not praise other members' ideas as they're suggested.
d
All of the following guidelines help a group achieve consensus EXCEPT a. Get everyone involved in the discussion. b. Welcome differences of opinion. c. Listen carefully to other members. d. Use techniques such as trading one decision for another. e. Don't be stubborn and argue only for your own position.
d
Argumentativeness is a a. claim supported by evidence and reasons for accepting it. b. process of reasoned interaction intended to help participants make the best decision in a given situation. c. decision based on listening to and analyzing arguments. d. willingness to argue controversial issues with others. e. form of debating in which a judge makes the final decision.
d
As a decision-making method, voting works best when a. a group is not pressed for time. b. an issue is highly controversial. c. a group is small enough to make vote counting easy. d. there is no other way to break a deadlock. e. the group usually uses voting to make decisions.
d
As leader of her group, Mira frequently reminds members that their combined contributions are essential to group success. Which strategy for developing group cohesiveness is Mira using? a. establishing a group identify b. establishing group traditions c. respecting group members d. emphasizing teamwork e. recognizing and rewarding contributions
d
Getting bogged down in analyzing the problem is referred to as a. groupthink. b. conjecture. c. consensus. d. analysis paralysis. e. fact finding.
d
Lee Towe presents 4 sources of action that guide how we solve problems. Which source does Towe describe as "We have developed a new way to do it"? a. inertia b. instruction c. imitation d. innovation e. investigation
d
Nang tries to change the subject whenever group members argue. She also refuses to comment on controversial issues. What conflict style does Nang use? a. accommodation b. collaboration c. competition d. avoidance e. compromise
d
When a member gives in to others at the expense of his or her own goals, what conflict style is the member using? a. collaboration b. compromise c. avoidance d. accommodation e. competition
d
Which dialectic tension is represented in the 5 traditional conflict styles: accommodation, avoidance, collaboration, competition, and compromise? a. reward ↔ punish b. reliance on emotions ↔ reliance on reasoning and logic c. homogeneous ↔ heterogeneous d. concern for personal goals ↔ Concern for group goals e. open system ↔ closed system
d
Which of the following characteristics makes the Single Question Format different compared to the Standard Agenda? a. It focuses on decision making and creativity. b. It focuses on the competent performance of each problem-solving phase. c. It focuses on task clarification solution implementation. d. It focuses on goal clarity and cultivating a supportive communication climate. e. It focuses on seeking consensus and avoiding false consensus.
d
Which of the following elements in the Harvard Negotiation Project's principled negotiation process asks a group to seek fair standards for resolving a conflict or choosing an option? a. people b. interests c. options d. criteria e. goals
d
Which of the following is NOT part of the 4R method of Conflict Management? a. Reasons b. Reactions c. Results d. Reinterpretation e. Resolution
d
Which of the following suggestions can help you apologize to a group when an apology is appropriate? a. Identify member responsibility for problems with "you" statements. b. Clearly identify who is to blame for the problem. c. Disregard how others might feel as the result of your actions. d. Follow through on any promises to correct the situation. e. Plead for forgiveness because you have apologized.
d
Which symptom of groupthink is expressed when one group member confronts another by saying "Why aren't you in favor of this? You're the only one who's against it. Give it up!"? a. rationalization b. self-censorship c. mindguarding d. pressure on dissent e. illusion of invulnerability
d
_______________ was developed by Delbecq and Van de Ven as a way of maximizing participation in problem-solving and program-planning groups while minimizing some of the interpersonal problems associated with group interaction. a. The Standard Agenda b. Brainstorming c. The DOT Method d. Nominal Group Technique e. Single Question Format
d
Constructive conflict is characterized by each of the following EXCEPT: a. focus on issues b. respect for others c. supportiveness d. conflict avoidance e. flexibility
d.
In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at five decision making styles. Group members who say "I just can't deal with this right now" are most likely using the decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
d.
The conflict style characterized by a "We win" approach is called. a. competition b. avoidance c. compromise d. collaboration e. accommodation
d.
Which of the following is the stage of the creative problem solving process in which group members recognize a breakthrough and work to build upon or improve an idea? a. investigation b. imagination c. incubation d. insight e. interrogation
d.
The conflict style characterized by an "I give in" approach is called. a. competition b. avoidance c. compromise d. collaboration e. accommodation
e.
"Is it appropriate for parents to bring their children to work when they can't get a babysitter or their daycare center closes for a day?" This group discussion question represents a question of a. policy. b. procedure. c. fact. d. conjecture. e. value.
e
A company's recycling task force is composed of 15 members. If the task force makes decisions based on a consensus, how many members must be in favor of the group decision? a. 5 b. 7 c. 8 d. 10 e. 15
e
All of the following answers are characteristic of groupthink EXCEPT a. overconfidence. b. discounting of warnings. c. stereotyping of outsiders. d. mindguarding. e. critically evaluating options.
e
An argument is a. the thinking we use to analyze what we read, see, and hear in order to arrive at a justified conclusion. b. the way in which we use critical thinking to advocate proposals, examine competing ideas, and influence one another. c. a hostile confrontation between two or more people. d. a form of debating in which a judge makes the final decision. e. a claim supported by evidence and reasons for accepting it.
e
Attribution Theory is useful in explaining the sources of group conflict. All of the following answers are examples of how attributions can prompt anger among group members EXCEPT a. What other members do seems abnormal. b. What other members do seems unfair. c. What other members do seems to constrain what I want to do. d. What other members do seems intended to harm me or others. e. What other members do seems to reflect member needs.
e
In what way is Functional Theory different than the Standard Agenda method of problem solving? a. Competent performance of each function is more important than performing the function in an exact order. b. Functional Theory recognizes that group goals and unspoken assumptions can affect the choice of solutions. c. Functional Theory emphasizes the group's ability to recognize and understand both the pros and cons when considering a solution. d. Communication is the instrument used, with varying degrees of success, to reach decisions and generate solutions. e. all of the above
e
Some club members want to increase membership dues by $7.00. Other club members want to increase them by $3.00. They have reached an impasse on the issue, so they decide to split the difference and raise the dues by $5.00. What type of conflict style did the group use? a. accommodation b. collaboration c. competition d. avoidance e. compromise
e
The Functional Theory approach to problem solving focuses on a. giving group members a chance to hear and understand the opinions and needs of others. b. planning and coordinating the many steps needed to carry out a solution or agreedupon action. c. allowing ideas to be generated by individuals working alone rather than emerging from group interaction. d. generating as many ideas as possible in a short period of time. e. preparation, competence, and communication.
e
The members of a civic association committee charged with addressing safety issues in the community disagree over whether to begin by surveying residents about their safety concerns or to start by consulting local law enforcement for safety suggestions. What type of conflict is the group experiencing? a. affective b. collaborative c. substantive d. competitive e. procedural
e
Which of the following conflict management methods is expressed as "We should express our concerns about the conflict and suggest a solution"? a. arbitration b. mediation c. negotiation d. the 4Rs Method e. the A-E-I-O-U Model
e
Which symptom of groupthink is expressed when a group member says "Of course, we're right. We have a perfect safety record, have done this many times, and nothing's gone wrong"? a. morality b. stereotyping outsiders c. mindguarding d. illusion of unanimity e. illusions of invulnerability
e
Group members who say "Let's do it now and worry about the consequences later" are most likely using the decision-making style. a. rational b. intuitive c. dependent d. avoidant e. spontaneous
e.
Voting works best when a. a group is pressed for time. b. the issue is not highly controversial. c. a group is too large for any other method. d. there are no other alternatives to break a deadlock. e. All of the above.
e.
When members of a group disagree over the method or process the group is using to achieve its goal they are experiencing what type of conflict? a. affective b. collaborative c. substantive d. competitive e. procedural
e.
Which is NOT a part of the AEIOU Model? a. assume that the other person means well b. express your feelings c. identify what you would like to happen d. outcomes you expect are made clear e. all are part of the AEIOU Model
e.
