Question 1

Once the process is clearly defined, it should be the responsibility of the team to control the process.

Accepted Answer

Once the process is defined, the team members should take ownership of the process and ensure its proper execution. They should monitor the process and make necessary modifications to achieve the desired outcomes.

Question 2

A _____ serves the purpose of breaking down the barriers that exist in a hierarchical organization with a long history of division of labor and division of tasks.
A) virtual team
B) cross-functional team
C) process improvement team
D) self-directed team

Accepted Answer

A cross-functional team is made up of members from different functional areas of a company, who work together to achieve a common goal. By bringing together individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds, a cross-functional team can break down the barriers that exist in a hierarchical organization and promote collaboration across different departments. This helps to overcome the traditional division of labor and tasks, and leads to more efficient and effective problem-solving and decision-making. The other options are also types of teams that can promote collaboration and improve organizational performance, but they do not specifically address breaking down hierarchical barriers.

Question 3

Tensions among team members can be productive and help the performance of the team.

Accepted Answer

While tensions among team members can sometimes be uncomfortable, they can also spark healthy debate and creative problem-solving. If managed appropriately, disagreements can lead to a more thorough examination of ideas and potential solutions. This can ultimately improve the performance and effectiveness of the team.

Question 4

Leaders lose power in the transition to teams.

Accepted Answer

Leaders often shift roles rather than lose power, focusing on coordination, guidance, and support to empower team members and facilitate team dynamics.

Question 5

Virtual teams report higher levels of participation, higher satisfaction, and better cost performance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Virtual teams report higher levels of participation,...

Question 6

Discuss best practices for implementing teams. How can managers ensure that implementing a team concept will be effective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss best practices for implementing teams. How...

Question 7

Without a commitment to achieving a goal or completing a task, a group is not a team.

Accepted Answer

A group becomes a team when there is a shared commitment towards achieving a common goal or completing a task. Without this commitment, the group may not work together effectively and may not be able to produce the desired results. Thus, a commitment is essential for a group to be considered a team.

Question 8

A contributor is a person who is viewed as a good people person and who can resolve conflict and build informal relaxed relationships.

Accepted Answer

A contributor is generally someone who adds value or provides input to a project or task, not specifically someone known for resolving conflict or building relationships, which are more characteristic of a mediator or team builder role.

Question 9

How do you assess team performance? What are some questions you should use to evaluate team performance? Discuss, providing relevant examples where appropriate.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do you assess team performance? What...

Question 10

According to Parker (1990), there are four primary styles of team players. Define each of the styles and discuss the different ways each style contributes to the team.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Parker (1990), there are four...

Question 11

Commitment from top management is imperative.

Accepted Answer

Commitment from top management sets the tone for the entire organization and helps ensure that goals are prioritized, resources are allocated, and efforts are focused in the right direction.

Question 12

Some of the more effective team building occurs on an informal basis.

Accepted Answer

Informal team building activities, like team lunches or after-work social events, can build strong relationships and increase teamwork among team members. These activities provide a relaxed atmosphere for team members to bond and learn more about each other, which can lead to better communication and collaboration in the workplace.

Question 13

Compare and contrast groups and teams. How are they similar? How do they differ?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast groups and teams. How...

Question 14

Emotional intelligence has been found to be an important factor in predicting team performance.

Accepted Answer

Various studies have found that emotional intelligence plays a significant role in predicting team performance. Teams comprising members with high emotional intelligence tend to exhibit better communication, collaboration, trust, and problem-solving skills, resulting in improved performance and productivity.

Question 15

Compare and contrast the different types of teams. Do certain types of team work better in certain situations? Discuss, providing relevant examples where appropriate.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the different types of...

Question 16

It is crucial to the success of teams that team members respect and trust each other.

Accepted Answer

Trust and respect are fundamental to building positive relationships within a team. Without these qualities, team members may struggle to communicate effectively, address conflicts constructively, and collaborate towards shared goals. On the other hand, when team members respect and trust each other, they are more likely to listen to different perspectives, offer support, and work towards a common vision. This can lead to higher levels of satisfaction, productivity, and innovation within the team.

Question 17

During the conforming stage, the team must learn to cope with conflict, differences, and disruptions.

Accepted Answer

During the conforming stage, the team is actually in the process of building relationships and getting to know each other, typically avoiding conflict to maintain harmony. The stage where the team learns to cope with conflict, differences, and disruptions is known as the "storming" stage.

Quiz 10: Working in Groups and Teams