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1. What should a group do first when trying to solve a problem?
A) Define the problem
B) Generate possible solutions
C) Establish criteria for evaluating solutions
D) Select the best solution
2. When following a standardized problem-solving plan, what is the next step after
generating possible solutions?
A) Brainstorm ideas
B) Select the best solution
C) Define the problem
D) Establish criteria for evaluating solutions
3. In which stage of problem solving do group members often jump around from topic to
topic, refer to common knowledge, and avoid unique perspectives on the problem?
A) Establish criteria for evaluating solutions
B) Define the problem
C) Select the best solution
D) Generate possible solutions
4. Brainstorming is a technique that is often used when __________.
A) defining the problem
B) establishing criteria for evaluating solutions
C) generating possible solutions
D) selecting the best solution
5. When __________, the group discusses factors that will be used to assess possible
answers.
A) establishing criteria for evaluating solutions
B) generating possible solutions
C) selecting the best solution
D) defining the problem
6. In which stage of problem solving does the group make a decision based on its evaluation
of criteria?
A) Define the problem
B) Generate possible solutions
C) Select the best solution
D) Establish criteria for evaluating solutions
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7. Krystal’s group was having great difficulty coming to a decision. Frustrated, she finally
consulted with her instructor, who met with the group and offered an alternative solution that the
group agreed on. What method did Krystal’s group use to come to a decision?
A) Arbitration
B) Mediation
C) Groupthink
D) Convergence
8. When working through their problem-solving agenda, a group should __________.
A) make sure all members understand the task
B) wait until the process ends before reviewing it
C) ignore any obstacles it faces
D) refrain from changing its procedures for any reason
9. When a group asks the question, Are fellow members beginning to lose interest in the
project? it is __________.
A) carefully observing its process
B) creating rules to follow
C) making sure group members understand the task
D) getting rid of roadblocks
10. Ginneh’s group agreed early on to vote on all decisions made by the group, no matter how
big or how small the issue. Unfortunately, the group became stuck when voting on the font it
would use when typing up its report. The group finally decided to let Ginneh, the designated
leader, make relatively minor decisions—such as the choice of font—on her own. Which method
did Ginneh’s group use to maximize its problem-solving agenda?
A) Getting rid of roadblocks
B) Making sure group members understand the task
C) Ignoring obstacles
D) Carefully observing its process
11. A group support system is used to __________.
A) encourage face-to-face meetings rather than virtual meetings
B) organize and focus discussion sessions
C) increase power distance within the group
D) replace effective group problem solving
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12. Compared to groups that meet face-to-face, virtual groups __________.
A) feel more positive about the group
B) feel more connected
C) feel less positive about the group’s effectiveness
D) experience less difficulty carrying out group social functions
13. What can virtual groups do to function more effectively?
A) Discourage members from interacting with one another socially
B) Ensure that all members understand the technology being used
C) Agree to work without a leader
D) Designate one person to control access to group documents
14. When an army lieutenant appoints a staff sergeant to lead a task force on prisoner
violence, the staff sergeant is considered a(n) __________ leader.
A) designated
B) emergent
C) implied
D) moderate
15. Which statement about the leader of a group is false?
A) The leader has total control over the group.
B) Part of the leader’s job is to organize group meetings.
C) An effective leader encourages members to participate.
D) A good leader mediates conflict to help the group function more effectively.
16. Tina was appointed the leader of a committee, but over time, the rest of the group began
to consider Gary the leader and came to him with their ideas and issues. Gary is an example of
a(n) __________.
A) arbitrator
B) designated leader
C) emergent leader
D) mediator
17. What type of leader is more likely to carry more legitimacy in virtual groups than
face-to-face groups?
A) Designated
B) Emergent
C) Assumed
D) Implied
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18. Which is a characteristic of effective group leaders?
A) They address the group’s procedural needs.
B) They dominate discussions and decisions.
C) They help cultivate groupthink.
D) They make important decisions for the group.
19. Which is an appropriate behavior for the leader of a group?
A) Interrupting others to make a point
B) Showing up on time and being prepared for meetings
C) Making members feel uncomfortable so that they’re more alert
D) Assuming member silence is intentional rather than a signal delay
20. To facilitate discussion in the group, the leader might say __________
A) “None of these solutions are likely to work.”
B) “Most importantly, I’m going to tell you what I think.”
C) “Peter, that’s really irrelevant to the issue.”
D) “Renata, what do you think about that solution?”
21. In today’s group meeting, Felicity keeps talking about her upcoming weekend in
Vancouver, and now the group is beginning to get off task. What should Marc, the leader of the
group, say if he wants to get everyone back on task?
A) “How much does the trip cost? I’d like to come.”
B) “No one wants to hear about your trip.”
C) “Your trip sounds fun, but we need to talk about our group project.”
D) “Since you like to talk so much, maybe you can do the introduction for our
presentation.”
22. Which is a sign that a group is engaging in groupthink?
A) The group agrees more than it disagrees.
B) Group members argue before coming to a decision.
C) The group discusses the pros and cons of all options.
D) Group members are offering ideas that the rest of the group doesn’t like.
23. As a group nears what appears to be the end of the group project, the leader should
__________.
A) ask members to look for flaws in their decision
B) assume that groupthink has set in
C) encourage members to combine all the proposed solutions
D) suggest that members redefine the problem
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24. One method of managing group conflict effectively is to __________.
A) allow emotions to erupt
B) focus on disagreements
C) refer to ideas by topic, not by person
D) take a self-oriented role
25. What should the leader of a group do if a member withdraws from the discussion after a
conflict has been worked through?
A) Allow the member to quietly refrain from participating
B) Ask the member’s opinion on the topic being discussed
C) Demand that the member take part in the conversation
D) Suggest that the member consider leaving the group
26. In a problem-solving group, you should employ a multistep procedure to help get the
work done in a focused and effective way.
A) True
B) False
27. If you skip or rush through any of the steps on a written agenda, it could affect the
group’s ability to work effectively and successfully.
A) True
B) False
28. After you’ve defined the problem, the next step is to select the best solution.
A) True
B) False
29. Research indicates that it’s best to allow group members to list their solution ideas alone
before sharing them with the group.
A) True
B) False
30. Voting is the only way to make group decisions.
A) True
B) False
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31. Arbitration and mediation are the same thing.
A) True
B) False
32. Groups that charge ahead quickly, hoping to figure out a solution, often find themselves
in trouble later in the process.
A) True
B) False
33. A group has a far better chance of success if its members are interested, motivated,
capable, and respectful, and if it has the resources it needs.
A) True
B) False
34. Everyone in your group will see the problem the same way if it is written down and
distributed to all members.
A) True
B) False
35. Your group should encourage members to share unique thoughts and information about
the problem.
A) True
B) False
36. A failure to be vigilant about group work or to be willing to change procedures can lead
to problems.
A) True
B) False
37. Group decision support systems tend to increase power distance in groups.
A) True
B) False
38. Unless agreed to by the group, the leader does not have total control.
A) True
B) False
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39. Emergent leaders have to rely on their ability to communicate, their expertise in either
the problem at hand or group dynamics, and their likability.
A) True
B) False
40. Virtual groups with no designated leader have difficulty identifying their emergent
leader.
A) True
B) False
41. Designated leaders must gain the respect and acceptance of group members.
A) True
B) False
42. In order to be a good leader, you must listen to group members and make them feel
comfortable presenting their ideas and concerns.
A) True
B) False
43. To be effective, leaders must model the behavior they expect from the members of the
group.
A) True
B) False
44. Members of virtual groups tend to have difficulty identifying good and bad leadership
behaviors.
A) True
B) False
45. As a leader, your leadership role entitles you to make the decisions for the group.
A) True
B) False
46. Leadership is the responsibility of all members.
A) True
B) False
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47. Constructive conflict can draw members closer together.
A) True
B) False
48. An effective way to deal with conflict in a group is to deflect or ignore it.
A) True
B) False
49. To manage an existing personality conflict, it is best to discuss the problem in front of
the entire group.
A) True
B) False
50. When conflicts erupt, the leader should criticize the members of the group that are
engaged in the conflict.
A) True
B) False
51. A(n) ____________ is the realization that reality doesn’t match with what’s desired.
52. The goal of ______________ is to generate as many ideas as possible without judging
them.
53. Using factors, or ______________, to make decisions is something you likely do all the
time, although you may not call it by these names.
54. A(n) ______________ occurs any time you make a choice between alternative solutions.
55. Group ______________ refers to a decision that everyone can support.
56. Some groups in conflict should consider ______________, which means asking an
outside person to make a decision for your group.
57. During group conflict, asking an outside person to suggest an alternative is called
______________.
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58. Group support systems and ____________ are computer-aided programs designed to
quicken the pace of problem solving without sacrificing its quality.
59. A(n) ______________ is an individual who acts in ways that move the group toward its
goal.
60. ______________ is behavior that moves the group toward its goal.
61. When a leader of a group is appointed by an external party to expedite the group’s
mission, that leader is known as a(n) ______________ leader.
62. When, over time, members of a group come to recognize one member as being in
charge, the group has created what is known as a(n) ______________ leader.
63. ______________is a group’s tendency to uncritically accept ideas and information
because of strong feelings of loyalty or single-mindedness within the group.
64. The expressed struggle between members who see each other as getting in the way of
goals, resources, values, and beliefs is called ______________.
65. Why is it important for a task group to identify the problem it is working on? What steps
can be taken to be sure the problem is thoroughly identified?
66. Discuss how a group can tell if it is experiencing roadblocks. How can a group get rid of
roadblocks that get in the way of completing its task? Provide an example of a roadblock.
67. What are the benefits of using technology to help a group solve its problem? What are
some of the challenges?
68. What’s the difference between a designated and an emergent leader? What are the pros of
having each type lead a group?
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69. Define conflict, and provide recommendations for a leader who is having conflict in his
or her group.
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Answer Key
1. A
2. D
3. B
4. C
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