Group Decision Making and Performance
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Questions and Answers

What is the main drawback of group decision making related to time?

  • It eliminates the need for individual opinions
  • It requires additional research
  • It tends to be time consuming (correct)
  • Decisions are made too quickly

    • Which of the following best describes groupthink?

  • A situation where conformity pressures prevent critical appraisal (correct)
  • A strategy to enhance creativity during brainstorming
  • Encouraging dissent amongst group members
  • Encouraging a variety of opinions to emerge

    • In what way can diversity within a group impact its performance initially?

  • It increases group conflict, particularly in the short term (correct)
  • It has no significant effect on group dynamics
  • It always improves performance from the start
  • It reduces conflict among group members

    • What is one of the strengths of group decision making?

    <p>Complete information and knowledge from all members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes groupshift in decision making?

    <p>The change in a group's decision compared to individual preferences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of interacting groups during decision making?

    <p>Members engage in both verbal and nonverbal interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technique is designed to minimize interpersonal communication during decision making?

    <p>Nominal group technique</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of using the nominal group technique over brainstorming?

    <p>It leads to higher performance in decision making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a brainstorming session, what is specifically prohibited?

    <p>Criticism of ideas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the nominal group technique?

    <p>Independently writing down ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tends to happen in interacting groups due to groupthink?

    <p>Pressure towards conformity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of brainstorming?

    <p>Increasing self-censorship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of group is likely to produce the highest number and quality of ideas?

    <p>Nominal group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary downside of interacting groups in terms of social pressure?

    <p>High levels of social pressure inhibit participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do brainstorming groups compare to nominal groups in terms of task orientation?

    <p>Nominal groups have higher task orientation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of effective group decision making?

    <p>Potential for interpersonal conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recommended approach when dealing with status differences in groups?

    <p>Use larger groups for fact-finding to reduce input inhibition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of group dynamics should managers pay special attention to in order to decrease deviant workplace activities?

    <p>Group norms related to behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does group size appear to influence individual performance in fact-finding activities?

    <p>Larger groups help measure individual contributions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effectiveness of brainstorming groups in terms of interpersonal conflict?

    <p>Low potential for interpersonal conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it essential to ensure that individuals perceive their job roles accurately in group settings?

    <p>To enhance employee satisfaction and performance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is most likely to inhibit input from lower-status members in groups?

    <p>High status differences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts related to ingroups and outgroups:

    <p>Ingroup favoritism = Seeing members of our group as superior Outgroup = Identified group outside one's own Social identity threat = Concern about negative evaluation due to group affiliation Stereotype threat = Fear of being judged based on social group characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following role-related terms with their definitions:

    <p>Role perception = One's understanding of how to behave in a situation Role expectations = How others expect one to behave in a situation Role conflict = Facing opposing expectations from different groups Psychological contract = Implicit agreement regarding expectations in a relationship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model:

    <p>Initial phases = Establishing norms and expectations Midpoint transitions = Reevaluating goals and strategies Role of time = Periods of stability followed by rapid change Final phases = Achievement of group goals and reflection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following definitions of norms to their respective descriptions:

    <p>Norms = Standards of behavior accepted by group members Social norms = Shared rules guiding behavior within groups Ingroup norms = Standards accepted by one's own group Outgroup norms = Behavioral standards of groups external to one’s own</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of role play and its implications:

    <p>Role play = Adopting expected behaviors in a specific context Zimbardo’s prison experiment = Illustrated rapid role assimilation Role assimilation = Integrating new behaviors as part of identity Social dynamics = Interplay of individual roles within a group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of groups with their definitions:

    <p>Formal groups = Defined by the organization's structure Informal groups = Networks that are not formally structured Task groups = Formed to complete a specific objective Social groups = Based on shared interests or identities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the group development models with their descriptions:

    <p>Punctuated equilibrium model = Groups go through periods of stability and sudden change Tuckman's model = Stages of forming, storming, norming, and performing Social identity theory = Relates to individuals' emotional ties to group performance Wheel model = Focuses on one leader at the center guiding development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the concepts with their influence on group behavior:

    <p>Cohesiveness = Enhances group performance when positive Diversity = Brings in a range of perspectives Role requirements = Change according to situation Status differences = Impact communication and participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the topics of group effectiveness with their descriptions:

    <p>Decision making strengths = Leverages diverse ideas for solutions Decision making weaknesses = Can lead to slower processes Group size = Influences interaction dynamics Norms = Guide the expected behavior in a group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the elements of social identity theory with their significance:

    <p>Emotional reactions = Associates self-esteem with group success Social identities = Help define individual belonging Group performance = Affects individual motivation and participation Internal group dynamics = Shape how members interact with each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the deviant workplace behaviors with their corresponding categories:

    <p>Leaving early = Production Sabotage = Property Showing favoritism = Political Sexual harassment = Personal aggression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the categories of deviant behavior with their examples:

    <p>Production = Intentionally working slowly Property = Stealing from the organization Political = Gossiping and spreading rumors Personal aggression = Verbal abuse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the sources of status characteristics theory with their definitions:

    <p>Power = The ability to influence others Contribution = Helping achieve group goals Personal characteristics = Individual traits influencing status Freedom = Deviation from norms based on status</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the effects of status inequity with their outcomes:

    <p>Resentment = Negative feelings due to perceived inequity Disequilibrium = A disruption in group dynamics Corrective behavior = Actions taken to restore balance Assertiveness = Higher status individuals being more outspoken</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the terms with their definitions related to cultural norms:

    <p>Collectivist culture = Group-oriented and cooperative Individualist culture = Emphasis on personal achievement Norms = Expected behaviors within a society Orientation = Adaptation to new cultural standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the consequences of high status with their implications:

    <p>More freedom = Greater deviation from norms Enhanced assertiveness = Ability to influence group interactions Stigma by association = Negative perceptions tied to group relationships Increased visibility = More attention from peers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of deviant workplace behavior with their economic impacts:

    <p>Wasting resources = Increased operational costs Lying about hours worked = Loss of trust Stealing from coworkers = Financial losses Blaming coworkers = Disrupted team morale</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the individual behaviors with their potential workplace implications:

    <p>Gossiping = Undermined teamwork Intentionally working slowly = Decreased productivity Sexual harassment = Legal ramifications for the organization Stealing from the organization = Financial penalties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the elements of status and size differences with their effects:

    <p>High status individuals = More leeway in behavior Group interaction = Dynamic based on status Status inequity = Can lead to conflict Perceived stigma = Affects relationships within groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Group Decision Making

    • Group decision making can be effective, but it can also be time-consuming and subject to conformity pressures.
    • There are three main types of group decision-making: interacting groups, brainstorming groups, and nominal groups.
    • Interacting groups are face-to-face, reliant on verbal and nonverbal communication. These groups can be prone to conformity pressure.
    • Brainstorming groups aim to generate ideas without criticism. They encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
    • Nominal groups are physically present but operate independently. They encourage individual thinking while still allowing for group interaction.
    • Nominal groups are typically more effective than brainstorming groups in terms of the number and quality of ideas generated.
    • The nominal group technique involves a structured process, including silent idea generation, presentation, discussion, and ranking of ideas.

    Group Performance

    • Group size can impact performance. Larger groups are beneficial for collecting diverse input, while smaller groups are better at task execution.
    • Social loafing occurs when individuals exert less effort in a group setting than they would individually.

    Group Cohesiveness

    • Group cohesiveness refers to the degree of attraction among group members.
    • Highly cohesive groups with supportive norms can lead to high productivity. However, if norms are counterproductive, cohesiveness can negatively impact performance.

    Group Diversity

    • Diversity refers to the degree of similarity or difference among group members.
    • Diverse groups may experience initial conflict but can ultimately perform better due to increased open-mindedness and creativity.
    • Faultlines are divisions that can emerge within groups based on demographics, expertise, or other factors.

    Status Differences

    • Groups with significant status differences can inhibit input from lower-status members.
    • Managers should recognize the impact of status on group dynamics.

    Managing Groups

    • To mitigate deviant workplace behavior, managers should ensure that group norms do not support antisocial behavior.
    • Large groups are suitable for fact-finding, while smaller groups are better for action-taking tasks.
    • Individual performance measures should be implemented in larger groups to ensure accountability.
    • Managers should make sure employees perceive their job roles accurately to increase job satisfaction.

    Groups

    • Groups are defined as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives.
    • Formal groups are those defined by the organization's structure with defined roles and responsibilities.
    • Informal groups are alliances that are neither formally structured nor organizationally determined and can be based on shared interests or friendship.

    Social Identities

    • Social identity theory suggests individuals identify with groups and have emotional reactions to their performance. This influences self-esteem.

    Ingroups and Outgroups

    • Ingroup favoritism occurs when we see members of our group as better than other people, and people not in our group as all the same.
    • Whenever there is an ingroup, there is by necessity an outgroup which is usually an identified group known by the ingroup's members.
    • Social identity threat is similar to stereotype threat, individuals believe they will be personally negatively evaluated due to their association with a devalued group, making them lose confidence and performance effectiveness.

    Stages of Group Development

    • Punctuated-Equilibrium Model:
      • Groups go through a period of inertia, followed by a burst of energy and activity to meet deadlines.

    Role Requirements

    • Role: a set of expected behavior patterns attributed to someone occupying a given position in a social unit.
    • Role perception: one's perception of how to act in a given situation.
    • Role expectations: how others believe one should act in a given situation.
    • Psychological contract: an unwritten agreement that sets out mutual expectations between an employee and an employer.
    • Role conflict: situation in which an individual faces divergent role expectations.
    • Interrole conflict occurs when the expectations of different, separate groups are in opposition.
    • Role play and assimilation: individuals can easily and rapidly assume roles that are very different from their inherent personalities.

    Impact of Norms on Behavior

    • Norms are acceptable standards of behavior within a group that are shared by the group's members.
    • Deviant workplace behavior includes production, property, political, and personal aggression, violating norms and causing conflict.
    • Norms and culture: norms differ across cultures, and people adapt to new societies and their cultures.

    Status, Size, and Group Performance

    • Status is a socially defined position or rank given to groups or group members by others.
    • Status characteristics theory: status is derived from one of three sources:
      • The power a person wields over others.
      • A person's ability to contribute to a group's goals.
      • An individual's personal characteristics.
    • High status individuals often have more freedom to deviate from norms.
    • High status people are often more assertive in group interactions.
    • Status inequity can create disequilibrium and lead to resentment and corrective behavior.
    • Stigma by association occurs when an individual is negatively perceived due to their association with a group.
    • Group size affects the group's overall behavior.
      • Large groups are good for gaining diverse input.
      • Smaller groups are better doing something with input and making decisions.
    • Social loafing is the tendency for individuals to expend less effort when working collectively than alone.

    Cohesiveness and Diversity

    • Group cohesiveness is the degree to which members are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group.
    • Diversity: the degree to which members of the group are similar to, or different from, one another.
      • Culturally and demographically diverse groups may perform better over time.

    Group Decision Making

    • Group decision making strengths:
      • More complete information and knowledge
      • Increased diversity of views
      • Increased acceptance of solutions
    • Group decision making weaknesses:
      • Time consuming
      • Conformity pressures
      • Dominance of a few members
      • Ambiguous responsibility
    • Groupthink: a situation in which group pressures for conformity deter the group from critically appraising unusual, minority, or unpopular views.
    • Groupshift: a change between a group’s decision and an individual decision that a member within the group would make.
    • Evaluating Group Effectiveness:
      • Interacting groups have high task orientation and commitment but high potential for interpersonal conflict
      • Brainstorming groups have a moderate number of ideas with low social pressure and focus on task orientation.
      • Nominal groups have a high number of ideas and focus on task orientation with moderate social pressure and commitment.

    Implications for Managers

    • Recognize that groups can dramatically impact individual behavior.
    • Pay attention to roles, norms, and cohesion within groups.
    • Pay attention to the status aspect of groups.
    • Use larger groups for fact-finding activities and smaller groups for action-taking tasks.
    • With larger groups, provide measures of individual performance.
    • Make sure people perceive their job roles accurately to increase employee satisfaction.

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    Description

    Explore the dynamics of group decision making and performance in this quiz. Learn about the different types of groups such as interacting, brainstorming, and nominal groups, and understand their effectiveness. Discover how group size can influence outcomes and the techniques that lead to better decision-making.

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