Question 1

Which of the following best describes the group's internal characteristics at very low levels of conflict?

Accepted Answer

At very low levels of conflict, groups can become stagnant because the lack of conflict means there is little to no challenge of ideas, leading to complacency and a lack of innovation or progress.

Question 2

Manny's Many Conflicts (Scenario)
Manny Gill is reflecting on several recent conflicts at work and how they were resolved. He has spent weeks of careful negotiations with the labour union representing most of his workers. The previous round of negotiations had not gone well, and Manny saw an opportunity to try to mend the relationship between labour and management. In the end, both sides had to give up some of their demands in order to achieve a settlement before the current agreement expired. However, Manny was not about to give up any ground on his dispute with the production manager over the latest budget allocation. His position may not be popular, but Manny knew he was right! Then there was his brief encounter with Jeff, who complained that Sherry kept leaving the photocopier tray empty. Manny did not have time to deal with such squabbles, so he told Jeff to sort it out with Sherry directly. At home, he was hoping to catch the game on TV last night, but his wife wanted to watch a light romantic comedy instead. Manny agreed to watch the movie with her since it really seemed to be important to her. Besides, he could always catch the game highlights on the news at eleven!
-Which conflict-resolution technique was ultimately used to achieve a settlement in the labour negotiation?

Accepted Answer

The passage states that "both sides had to give up some of their demands in order to achieve a settlement before the current agreement expired," indicating that a compromise was made.

Question 3

Effective communication and ________ are most relevant to group performance when tasks are complex and interdependent.

Accepted Answer

Controlled conflict is most relevant to group performance when tasks are complex and interdependent because it allows for the open exchange of ideas and perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making.

Question 4

Manny's Many Conflicts (Scenario)
Manny Gill is reflecting on several recent conflicts at work and how they were resolved. He has spent weeks of careful negotiations with the labour union representing most of his workers. The previous round of negotiations had not gone well, and Manny saw an opportunity to try to mend the relationship between labour and management. In the end, both sides had to give up some of their demands in order to achieve a settlement before the current agreement expired. However, Manny was not about to give up any ground on his dispute with the production manager over the latest budget allocation. His position may not be popular, but Manny knew he was right! Then there was his brief encounter with Jeff, who complained that Sherry kept leaving the photocopier tray empty. Manny did not have time to deal with such squabbles, so he told Jeff to sort it out with Sherry directly. At home, he was hoping to catch the game on TV last night, but his wife wanted to watch a light romantic comedy instead. Manny agreed to watch the movie with her since it really seemed to be important to her. Besides, he could always catch the game highlights on the news at eleven!
-Which conflict-resolution technique did Manny try first in the labour negotiation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Manny's Many Conflicts (Scenario)
Manny Gill is reflecting...

Question 5

Which conflict resolution technique involves high levels of both cooperativeness and assertiveness?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating is the conflict resolution technique that involves high levels of both cooperativeness and assertiveness. In this approach, both parties work together to find a mutually beneficial solution that satisfies the needs and wants of everyone involved. It is a win-win situation where both parties walk away feeling satisfied with the outcome.

Question 6

The historical practice of minimizing conflict did not produce harmony and loyalty.Instead it ________.

Accepted Answer

Minimizing conflict may have caused employees to suppress their frustrations and concerns rather than addressing them, which can lead to unresolved issues and further tension in the workplace.

Question 7

Manny's Many Conflicts (Scenario)
Manny Gill is reflecting on several recent conflicts at work and how they were resolved. He has spent weeks of careful negotiations with the labour union representing most of his workers. The previous round of negotiations had not gone well, and Manny saw an opportunity to try to mend the relationship between labour and management. In the end, both sides had to give up some of their demands in order to achieve a settlement before the current agreement expired. However, Manny was not about to give up any ground on his dispute with the production manager over the latest budget allocation. His position may not be popular, but Manny knew he was right! Then there was his brief encounter with Jeff, who complained that Sherry kept leaving the photocopier tray empty. Manny did not have time to deal with such squabbles, so he told Jeff to sort it out with Sherry directly. At home, he was hoping to catch the game on TV last night, but his wife wanted to watch a light romantic comedy instead. Manny agreed to watch the movie with her since it really seemed to be important to her. Besides, he could always catch the game highlights on the news at eleven!
-Which conflict-resolution technique is Manny using in his dispute with the production manager?

Accepted Answer

Manny is not willing to give up any ground in his dispute with the production manager, indicating that he is using the forcing conflict-resolution technique. This approach involves using one's power to win a conflict and get what they want, regardless of the other party's needs or desires. Manny is not interested in compromising, but rather is focused on asserting his perspective and winning the argument.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the group's internal characteristics at optimal levels of conflict?

Accepted Answer

At optimal levels of conflict, the group's internal characteristics tend to be self-critical. This means that the group is reflective, open to feedback, and willing to examine its own behavior and decisions critically. This is a positive characteristic that can lead to improved performance and decision-making. Stagnant and apathetic groups are unlikely to be effective, while uncooperative groups are likely to be dysfunctional.

Question 9

What is the reason that a low-to-moderate level of task conflict consistently has a positive effect on group performance?

Accepted Answer

A low-to-moderate level of task conflict stimulates discussion and debate among group members, which increases the likelihood of considering diverse viewpoints and ideas. This, in turn, can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to problems, ultimately improving group performance.

Question 10

Tomorrow's organizations will use blogs and social networking sites to ________.

Accepted Answer

Employees are allowed to criticize company decisions on blogs and social networking sites.

Question 11

________ conflict relates to the content and goals of the work.

Accepted Answer

Task conflict arises due to disagreements about the content and goals of the work to be done, such as differences in opinions about how to approach a task or what the end result should be. This type of conflict can actually be productive if managed well, as it can lead to more creative solutions and improved outcomes.

Question 12

The labour mediator's report contained some suggestions that favoured management,and others that favoured the union.Both sides would have to give and take.She used which conflict-resolution technique?

Accepted Answer

The labour mediator used the compromising conflict resolution technique, as both management and the union would have to make concessions in order to achieve a mutually acceptable solution.

Question 13

Studies demonstrate that a low-to-moderate level of ________ conflict consistently demonstrates a positive effect on group performance because it stimulates discussions of ideas that help groups perform better.

Accepted Answer

Task conflict refers to disagreements about the substance of the work being done. When managed constructively, task conflict can stimulate different perspectives, insights, and ideas about the task at hand, leading to better decisions and outcomes for the group. In contrast, relationship conflict, which is based on personal differences, is generally associated with negative effects on group performance.

Question 14

According to the interactionist view,________ conflicts support the goals of the organization.

Accepted Answer

The interactionist view states that conflicts are natural and can be beneficial to an organization. Functional conflicts, which focus on constructive dialogue and problem-solving, can lead to better decision-making and improved creativity. Therefore, functional conflicts can support the goals of the organization. Goal-oriented, strategic, and relationship conflicts are not necessarily productive and may hinder organizational success.

Question 15

Francine's team has developed some very innovative solutions to the problems facing the company,but they feel there is still room for improvement in their report.Francine's team appears to be operating at which level of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Optimal level of conflict suggests that while the team has achieved significant progress (evidenced by their innovative solutions), they recognize the potential for further improvement. This level of conflict is beneficial as it drives continuous improvement without causing dysfunction.

Question 16

Which conflict-resolution technique is best used when the issues are more important to others than they are to yourself?

Accepted Answer

Accommodating is the best choice when the issues are more important to others than they are to yourself. This technique involves putting the concerns and interests of others before your own, which can help to maintain positive relationships and show a willingness to cooperate.

Question 17

________ conflict refers to how the work gets done.

Accepted Answer

This type of conflict refers to the disagreements or difficulties in how tasks are accomplished or decisions are made within a team or organization. It may involve disagreements over procedures, protocols, or methods of completing tasks. The other options are not directly related to the process of tasks or decision-making. Formal conflict refers to conflicts that arise due to differences in formal roles or positions within an organization, while informal conflict refers to conflicts that arise outside of formal roles or positions. Task conflict refers to differences in opinions or viewpoints about the content or substance of the work itself.

Question 18

Manny's Many Conflicts (Scenario)
Manny Gill is reflecting on several recent conflicts at work and how they were resolved. He has spent weeks of careful negotiations with the labour union representing most of his workers. The previous round of negotiations had not gone well, and Manny saw an opportunity to try to mend the relationship between labour and management. In the end, both sides had to give up some of their demands in order to achieve a settlement before the current agreement expired. However, Manny was not about to give up any ground on his dispute with the production manager over the latest budget allocation. His position may not be popular, but Manny knew he was right! Then there was his brief encounter with Jeff, who complained that Sherry kept leaving the photocopier tray empty. Manny did not have time to deal with such squabbles, so he told Jeff to sort it out with Sherry directly. At home, he was hoping to catch the game on TV last night, but his wife wanted to watch a light romantic comedy instead. Manny agreed to watch the movie with her since it really seemed to be important to her. Besides, he could always catch the game highlights on the news at eleven!
-Which conflict-resolution technique did Manny use with Sherry?

Accepted Answer

Manny used the conflict-resolution technique of avoiding with Sherry. He did not directly address the issue or involve himself in the conflict, but instead told Jeff to sort it out with Sherry directly.

Question 19

In which of the following conflict resolution techniques are conflicts resolved by seeking an advantageous solution for all the parties involved?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating involves working together to find a solution that satisfies everyone's interests. It often involves creative problem-solving and active communication to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. This technique is the best choice for resolving conflicts in a way that benefits all parties involved.

Question 20

Studies demonstrate that ________ conflicts are almost always dysfunctional.

Accepted Answer

Relationship conflicts are almost always dysfunctional as they are focused on interpersonal issues between individuals and can negatively affect team dynamics and productivity. In contrast, task conflicts, which are focused on work-related goals and strategies, can be beneficial for team performance as they can lead to creative problem-solving and innovation. Informal conflicts refer to personal issues outside of the workplace and process conflicts involve disagreements about how work should be accomplished. While these conflicts may not always be productive, they are not necessarily always dysfunctional.

Quiz 16: Managing Groups and Teams