Question 1

Group communication that diverts the group from fulfilling its shared purpose is referred to as:
A) Counteractive communication
B) Disruptive communication
C) Promotive communication
D) Analytic communication

Accepted Answer

Disruptive communication is communication that interrupts or distracts from the group's shared purpose. This type of communication can prevent the group from achieving its goals and can create conflict or confusion within the group. Counteractive communication refers to communication that directly opposes or contradicts the communication of another group member. Promotive communication is communication that supports or reinforces the ideas and contributions of other group members. Analytic communication is a type of communication that involves critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation of information.

Question 2

Previous research on leadership in groups has indicated that leaders require:
A) A born talent for leadership
B) No technical skill or training
C) Focusing only on their personal perspectives
D) Skill and knowledge in problem-solving

Accepted Answer

Previous research has shown that leaders require skill and knowledge in problem-solving to be effective. While some may argue that a born talent for leadership can be helpful, it is not considered essential. Technical skill and training can also be beneficial, but without the ability to solve problems and make effective decisions, a leader may struggle to guide a group towards success. Focusing only on personal perspectives can actually hinder effective leadership as it fails to take into account the needs and perspectives of the group as a whole.

Question 3

A group's culture is reflected in its members':
A) Intrapsychic communication
B) Language and special terms
C) Individual values
D) Task

Accepted Answer

The language and special terms used by group members reflect their shared culture and values. Through language, group members convey their beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions, which are all important components of a group's culture. This is why it's common for certain groups to have their own jargon or slang that only they understand. While individual values certainly contribute to group culture, they do not reflect it in the same tangible way that language does. Task refers to the activities and goals of the group, which may be influenced by its culture, but do not necessarily reflect it. Intrapsychic communication refers to a person's internal thoughts and feelings, which are not necessarily visible or shared with others in the group.

Question 4

Group communication that returns the group to its task or purpose after the group has gotten off track is referred to as:
A) Counteractive communication
B) Disruptive communication
C) Promotive communication
D) Analytic communication

Accepted Answer

Counteractive communication is specifically aimed at bringing a group's focus back to its main task or purpose after being sidetracked.

Question 5

Group expectations about behavior:
A) Always require mutual respect
B) Never break down individuality
C) Set norms for how members interact
D) Never involve punishment

Accepted Answer

Group expectations often set norms for how members interact, guiding behavior within the group.

Question 6

Gouran and Hirokawa's functional theory of group decision-making suggests group should begin by:
A) Developing an action plan to implement the solution they choose
B) Evaluating solutions
C) Generating solutions
D) Defining the problem

Accepted Answer

According to Gouran and Hirokawa's functional theory of group decision-making, the first step should be defining the problem, as this helps to establish a clear goal and common understanding among group members. Only after the problem has been defined can the group move on to generating and evaluating solutions and developing an action plan.

Question 7

Power in groups is:
A) Always held by the designated leader
B) Sometimes based on communication competence
C) Based only on roles
D) Decided by majority rule.

Accepted Answer

Power in a group can be based on communication competence, such as the ability to effectively persuade or negotiate. It is not always held by the designated leader or based only on roles. Majority rule may play a role in decision-making, but it is not necessarily the sole factor in determining power dynamics within a group.

Question 8

You seek legal advices from lawyers, because they have ________ power.
A) Coercive
B) Referent
C) Legitimate
D) Expert

Accepted Answer

Lawyers have expert power, which is derived from their knowledge, skills, and expertise in a particular area. They are sought after for their specialized knowledge and ability to provide legal advice and guidance. The other options, coercive power (the ability to use threats or punishment to force compliance), referent power (the power that comes from being admired or respected), and legitimate power (power that comes from a position or title), are not necessarily relevant to the relationship between lawyers and their clients seeking legal advice.

Question 9

A leader who pays attention to members' feelings, comfort, and satisfaction with outcomes is identified as:
A) A socioemotional leader
B) A team leader
C) A task leader
D) A motivational leader

Accepted Answer

A socioemotional leader is one who focuses on the emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships within a team. They pay attention to members' feelings, comfort, and satisfaction with outcomes. This type of leadership style can lead to increased morale, motivation, and job satisfaction among team members.

Question 10

Group communication that helps keep people on track and moving forward is referred to as:
A) Counteractive communication
B) Disruptive communication
C) Promotive communication
D) Analytic communication

Accepted Answer

Promotive communication is communication within a group that is aimed at keeping people focused, on track, and moving forward. It helps to facilitate productive discussions and decision-making processes. Counteractive and disruptive communication, on the other hand, are types of communication that hinder progress and can be harmful to group dynamics. Analytic communication is a type of communication that involves breaking down complex ideas into simpler parts for better understanding. While important, it is not specifically related to keeping a group on track and moving forward.

Question 11

Irving Janis identified groupthink as a phenomenon that occurs in groups that are:
A) More concerned with making good decisions than with getting along
B) Equally concerned with making good decisions and getting along
C) More concerned with getting along than with making good decisions
D) More concerned with making good decisions than making money

Accepted Answer

Irving Janis identified groupthink as a phenomenon that occurs in groups that are more concerned with getting along than with making good decisions. In groupthink, members prioritize conformity and consensus over critical thinking and dissent, which can lead to flawed decision-making. The desire to maintain group harmony and avoid conflict is often prioritized over questioning assumptions or examining alternative perspectives.

Question 12

You listen to your professor, follow the schedule on the syllabus, and submit your assignments on the due date, because your professor has __________ power.
A) Coercive
B) Referent
C) Legitimate
D) Expert

Accepted Answer

Legitimate power is the authority that a person may hold based on their position or role within an organization. In this case, the professor has the power to set the schedule and assignment due dates because they hold the legitimate authority as the instructor of the course.

Question 13

Singers, celebrities, popular politicians, and star actors tend to have _________ power.
A) Coercive
B) Referent
C) Legitimate
D) Expert

Accepted Answer

Referent power is based on the charisma, likability, and attractiveness of an individual. Singers, celebrities, popular politicians, and star actors have referent power because they are admired and respected by many people. Coercive power involves the use of force or authority to control others, legitimate power is derived from a person's position or status, and expert power is based on a person's knowledge or expertise in a certain area. While these types of power may still apply to some of the individuals mentioned, referent power is the most relevant in this case.

Question 14

Group commitment, or 'togetherness,' is most evident when:
A) Group members are not dedicated to their shared goal
B) Group members demonstrate concern for each others' well-being
C) Group members strive for individual recognition
D) Group members disrespect each other

Accepted Answer

Group commitment, or 'togetherness,' is most evident when group members demonstrate concern for each others' well-being. This means that they are invested in each other's success and are willing to support and help each other achieve the shared goal. When there is a strong sense of togetherness within a group, members are more likely to work collaboratively and have a greater chance of achieving success as a team. The other choices listed - A, C and D - are all examples of behaviors that are detrimental to group commitment and cohesion.

Question 15

A leader who focuses on getting the job done, keeps members on track, and follows a strict agenda is identified as:
A) A socioemotional leader
B) A team leader
C) A task leader
D) A motivational leader

Accepted Answer

A task leader is a leader who is focused on the accomplishment of goals and objectives of the team. This type of leader prioritizes task completion over the emotional well-being of the members and follows a strict agenda to achieve the desired results.

Question 16

Both Tuckman and Fisher recognize in their models of group development that:
A) Groups will generally not get into conflicts until they have had some time to meet and interact
B) Groups generally will not address conflict at all
C) Groups will begin with any conflicts they have
D) Groups will end when they run into a conflict

Accepted Answer

Both Tuckman and Fisher's models of group development acknowledge that groups typically go through a phase where conflicts emerge after some initial forming and norming stages, indicating that conflicts tend to arise after the group has had some time to meet and interact.

Question 17

Going along with the group even if you disagree is termed as:
A) cohesiveness
B) conformity
C) a group history
D) a group future

Accepted Answer

The term that best fits the description given is conformity. Conformity means yielding to group pressures even if it contradicts one's own feelings or beliefs. Cohesiveness refers to the strength of the bonds within a group, while group history and group future are not related to the given scenario.

Question 18

A leader who ensures that the team can survive even if a new leader takes over is identified as:
A) A socioemotional leader
B) A team leader/steward
C) A task leader
D) A motivational leader

Accepted Answer

A team leader/steward is responsible for ensuring that the team can continue to function effectively, even if the leader changes. This includes developing and nurturing talent, as well as creating structures and processes that enable smooth transitions. A socioemotional leader focuses on building and maintaining relationships within the team, a task leader is focused on accomplishing specific goals, and a motivational leader focuses on inspiring and energizing the team to achieve their objectives. While all of these leadership styles can be effective in certain situations, only a team leader/steward is specifically focused on ensuring the longevity and continuity of the team.

Question 19

Cohesiveness, or the ability of group members to work in unison, is:
A) Always desirable in a group
B) Desirable if it does not lead to groupthink
C) Desirable if it helps members create romantic relationships
D) Never desirable in a group

Accepted Answer

Cohesiveness can be desirable in a group, as it helps members work together effectively and can improve group performance. However, if group members become too cohesive, they may fall victim to groupthink, where they prioritize harmony over critical thinking and decision making. Therefore, cohesiveness should be balanced with a diversity of perspectives and a willingness to challenge group norms. The other options are incorrect as they either make unfounded claims (C) or directly contradict the benefits of cohesion (A and D).

Quiz 7: Groups and Leaders

Group communication that diverts the group from fulfilling its shared purpose is referred to as:

Previous research on leadership in groups has indicated that leaders require:

A group's culture is reflected in its members':

Group communication that returns the group to its task or purpose after the group has gotten off track is referred to as:

Group expectations about behavior:

Gouran and Hirokawa's functional theory of group decision-making suggests group should begin by:

Power in groups is:

You seek legal advices from lawyers, because they have ________ power.

A leader who pays attention to members' feelings, comfort, and satisfaction with outcomes is identified as:

Group communication that helps keep people on track and moving forward is referred to as:

Irving Janis identified groupthink as a phenomenon that occurs in groups that are:

You listen to your professor, follow the schedule on the syllabus, and submit your assignments on the due date, because your professor has __________ power.

Singers, celebrities, popular politicians, and star actors tend to have _________ power.

Group commitment, or 'togetherness,' is most evident when:

A leader who focuses on getting the job done, keeps members on track, and follows a strict agenda is identified as:

Both Tuckman and Fisher recognize in their models of group development that:

Going along with the group even if you disagree is termed as:

A leader who ensures that the team can survive even if a new leader takes over is identified as:

Cohesiveness, or the ability of group members to work in unison, is: