08_Work Teams and Groups

Question 1

Three Factors that Influence Conformity to Group norms

Answer 1

Task Demands

Group characteristics

Participation in Defining Norms

Question 2

4 Characteristics of Situations that Increase Conformity

Answer 2

Ambiguous

Highly complex

Involves problem with no solution

Require collaboration to achieve common goal

Question 3

Conformity to Group norms:

Consensus

Answer 3

Conformity increases as consensus increases

*A single dissenter can significantly lower conformity

Question 4

Conformity to Group norms:

Effect of Participation in Defining Norms

Answer 4

Increased conformity to norms when members have helped define them

Question 5

When can a member violate group norms and not be faced with disapproval or rejection?

Answer 5

When they have “Idiosyncrasy Credits”:

Prestige, status, and respect by functioning competently in the group or as group leader

Question 6

Three Factors That Influence Group Cohesiveness

Answer 6

Group size (5 - 10 = most effective)

Homogeneity

Shared Goals

Question 7

Steiner’s 5 types of Group Tasks

Answer 7

Additive

Compensatory

Disjunctive

Conjunctive

Discretionary

Question 8

Additive Task

Answer 8

Individual contributions of group members

are added together to form the product

Question 9

Compensatory Task

Answer 9

Inputs of members are averaged together

to fit a single product

Question 10

Disjunctive Task

Answer 10

Group member select the solution
offered by 1 of the group members

(Ideally, that of the best member)

Question 11

Conjunctive Task

Answer 11

Group’s overall performance is limited

by the worst-performing member

Question 12

Discretionary Task

Answer 12

Group members decide how to

combine the contributions of individual members

Question 13

Tasks on which Group performance is superior to individual performance

Answer 13

Additive

Compensatory

Question 14

Tasks on which productivity is equal to performance of the worst member

Answer 14

Conjunctive tasks

Question 15

Tasks that depend on how effectively the contributions of group members are combined

Answer 15

Discretionary tasks

Question 16

Group Performance:

Two Main Factors That Affect Productivity

Answer 16

Cohesiveness

Performance-related Norms

Question 17

Group Performance:

Type of tasks better suited for heterogenous groups

Answer 17

Complex tasks

Tasks that require create creativity

Question 18

Group Performance:

Type of tasks better suited for homogenous groups

Answer 18

Simple tasks

Tasks that require cooperation and quick action

Question 19

Social Loafing

Answer 19

When an individual exerts less effort as a group member then they would if working alone

Question 20

Factors that increase likelihood of Social Loafing

Answer 20

When a group members:

know their contributions will not be recognized
or
believe that outcomes do not depend on their effort

*Also occurs with increased group size

Question 21

Individual Performance:

Social Facilitation

Answer 21

When the mere presence of others increases task performance (of Predominant Behavior)

**Most likely to occur when task is simple or well learned

Question 22

Individual Performance:

Social Inhibition

Answer 22

Presence of others decreases performance

More likely when task is complex or new

Question 23

5 Stages of Group Development

Tuckman and Jensen

Answer 23

Forming stage

Storming stage

Norming stage

Performing stage

Adjourning stage

Question 24

Centralized Communication Network

Answer 24

All communication must pass through a central person or position (wheel; the Y; chain)

More efficient for simple tasks

Central person is likely to be satisfied

Question 25

Decentralized Communication Network

Answer 25

Information flows freely between members without going through a central person (circle; all-channel)

Better for complex tasks

Provides greater flexibility and exchange of ideas

Increases satisfaction of all participants