Social Psychology: Groups and Identity

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a formal group in an organization?

It is formed spontaneously among employees.

It is structured with designated work assignments. (correct)

It focuses primarily on social interactions.

It consists of individuals who share a social bond.

Which of the following best describes an informal group in a workplace setting?

A group that operates under strict performance guidelines.

A group with a defined hierarchical structure.

A team created for specific organizational projects.

A group formed to meet the need for social interaction. (correct)

Why do people often have strong feelings about the groups they belong to?

Group membership is irrelevant to personal identity.

Strong feelings stem merely from competition.

Group dynamics have no effect on individual behavior.

Shared experiences can enhance emotional bonds. (correct)

What aspect does social identity theory focus on?

The reasons individuals identify with groups. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios are informal groups likely to form?

In response to social needs among employees. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a formal group?

It revolves around social interactions among members. Signup and view all the answers

How does a shared painful experience influence group dynamics?

It strengthens emotional bonds and trust. Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary reason fans identify strongly with their sports teams?

Their self-image becoming tied to the team's performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional reaction individuals have to the outcomes of their group according to social identity theory?

Feelings of happiness or sadness based on group success Signup and view all the answers

What can happen when a social identity is threatened?

Individuals might endorse deviant behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates 'ingroup favoritism'?

Believing members of one's political party are superior to others Signup and view all the answers

Why do social identities contribute to better health and lower levels of depression?

They help reduce internal attribution of negative situations Signup and view all the answers

What is 'collective identification' within a work group?

Connecting with the unique attributes of a group Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is likely if individuals have low identification with their organizations?

Decreased satisfaction and fewer organizational citizenship behaviors Signup and view all the answers

How might the presence of ingroups and outgroups lead to discrimination?

By fostering animosity towards outgroups Signup and view all the answers

What is social identity threat similar to?

Stereotype threat Signup and view all the answers

What describes relational identification within the workplace?

Identifying with team members through shared responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

When individuals celebrate the failure of a rival group, what feeling are they demonstrating?

Pleasure from schadenfreude Signup and view all the answers

What factor might increase susceptibility to ingroup favoritism?

Low levels of openness Signup and view all the answers

How can social identities fluctuate throughout a person's life?

Some groups become more significant over time Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative outcome of strong religious identification in communities?

Increased discrimination towards outgroups Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a formal group in an organizational context?

It is defined by the organization’s structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes an informal group?

It emerges based on social needs. Signup and view all the answers

What does social identity theory suggest about people's feelings towards their groups?

People tie their self-esteem to group outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Schadenfreude refers to the feeling of pleasure from which of the following?

Watching a rival group fail. Signup and view all the answers

How can social identities contribute to mental health, according to research?

They help alleviate negative attributions about situations. Signup and view all the answers

What type of identification occurs when individuals connect due to their organizational roles?

Relational identification. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates collective identification?

Employees feeling proud of their organization’s reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of feeling social identity threat among individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds?

They can regain confidence with prior encouragement. Signup and view all the answers

Why do people often feel strong emotions connected to their groups?

Shared experiences amplify perceptions of events. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a formal group within an organization?

A project team assembled for a specific task. Signup and view all the answers

In what manner do social identities commonly affect individual self-definition?

Through the constant evaluation of multiple identities. Signup and view all the answers

The director of human resources at a Nissan plant also conducts which activity that reflects informal group dynamics?

Directing a gospel choir with diverse employees. Signup and view all the answers

Using a U.S. expatriate in Rome as an example, what can influence the salience of social identities?

Surroundings can shift identity importance. Signup and view all the answers

What can result from a group's underperformance according to social identity theory?

Rejection of that part of one’s social identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a consequence of low identification with an organization?

Decreased satisfaction and engagement Signup and view all the answers

What is ingroup favoritism?

Perceiving members of your ingroup as better than those outside the group Signup and view all the answers

Which personality traits are associated with susceptibility to ingroup favoritism?

Low openness and low agreeableness Signup and view all the answers

Which identity may become more significant during relocation, such as moving from one city to another?

Social identity Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the group that is identified as 'not belonging' to the ingroup?

Outgroup Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of formal groups in an organization?

They are defined by the organization's structure. Signup and view all the answers

How can social identities impact mental health and well-being?

They help in understanding personal worth and decrease depression levels Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of identification within an organization?

Relational and collective identification Signup and view all the answers

How does social identity threat impact individuals from devalued groups?

It can lower their performance unless encouraged. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen when individuals experience low identification with their organizations?

Decreased engagement in work activities Signup and view all the answers

What psychological concept explains why people emotionally react to their group's successes or failures?

Social identity theory Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is suggested to increase susceptibility to ingroup favoritism?

Low openness Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential behavior individuals might exhibit when their social identity is threatened?

Endorsement of behaviors to restore group standing Signup and view all the answers

What does social identity threat cause individuals to fear?

Negative judgment due to association with a devalued group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes informal groups?

Created out of social needs without formal structure Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to occur when group members share painful experiences together?

Amplified perception of group events and increased trust Signup and view all the answers

What happens to individuals' self-image when their group is successful?

Their self-esteem generally rises. Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone have conflicting social identities?

When they find different roles in life competing for their attention Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between social identities and health outcomes?

Positive social identities contribute to better health and lower depression Signup and view all the answers

Ingroup favoritism can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Heightened animosity towards outgroups Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of encouraging low-status individuals in high-pressure situations?

Higher confidence and performance effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence group identity according to social identity theory?

Individual career success Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding members of formal groups?

Their tasks and roles are directed toward organizational goals. Signup and view all the answers

How do members of an ingroup typically perceive their outgroup?

As identical and lacking diversity Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an ingroup if it becomes deeply involved in religious practices?

Stronger ties within the ingroup with possible discrimination towards outgroups Signup and view all the answers

What role does social contact play in the formation of informal groups?

It satisfies the need for social interaction among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does low identification with one's organization have on job applications?

Decreased likelihood of applying to organizations aligned with one's collective identity Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with low openness and/or low agreeableness are particularly prone to which phenomenon?

Ingroup favoritism Signup and view all the answers

Social identity threat can impact which aspect of an individual's performance?

Confidence and effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of norms in a group?

They are socially validated standards of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

The tendency for group members to influence one another emotionally can lead to which of the following?

Uniform interpretation of shared emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of conformity in a group setting?

Changing one’s opinion to match group sentiments Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from Solomon Asch's conformity studies?

75 percent of participants conformed at least once despite knowing the answer was incorrect. Signup and view all the answers

How do norms affect group behaviors according to the research?

They dictate acceptable behavior and influence decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What does social identity threat particularly relate to?

Concerns about being evaluated negatively based on group association Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of group norms influences emotional experiences among members?

They create uniform emotional experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Ingroup and outgroup dynamics can be heavily influenced by what factor?

Religious practices and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome when individuals experience strong social identity threat?

Diminished confidence and performance Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers mean when they say norms dictate shared emotions?

Norms lead individuals to interpret emotions similarly. Signup and view all the answers

What drives an individual’s pressure to conform to group norms?

Fear of exclusion or rejection Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary conclusion of the Hawthorne Studies regarding worker productivity?

Group dynamics played a crucial role in influencing behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the effect of norms on employee behavior?

Group norms can supersede financial incentives for productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'reference groups' refer to in the context of conformity?

Groups with norms that individuals are likely to conform to and feel significant about. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what percentage of participants gave a nonconforming response at least once during the study?

95% Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of special status influence the performance of the small group of women in the Hawthorne Studies?

They showed significantly increased performance due to perceived elite status. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key finding regarding the relationship between positive cooperation norms and group behaviors?

High levels of extraversion predict helping behaviors better under positive cooperation norms. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of group norms on worker output in the bank wiring observation room?

The group established a fair output standard that members adhered to. Signup and view all the answers

Why might strong positive norms enhance creativity in gender-diverse groups?

They reduce uncertainty about interactions, facilitating idea exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What did participants in the challenging experiment generally prefer over conformity?

Independence. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior was NOT associated with group norm enforcement in the Hawthorne Studies?

Encouragement. Signup and view all the answers

What does it imply if individuals do not conform to all the groups they belong to?

Conformity pressures vary across different reference groups. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

Aligning employee thinking with CSR values can strengthen positive norms. Signup and view all the answers

How did researchers manipulate environmental factors during the Hawthorne Studies?

By varying the level of illumination in the workplace. Signup and view all the answers

How do informal groups typically affect individuals in a work environment?

They can enhance social contact and personal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory explains why individuals feel strongly about their groups?

Social Identity Theory. Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the success of a group as per social identity theory?

Increased pride and self-esteem for group members. Signup and view all the answers

What does relational identification involve?

Identifying with groups through roles within those groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of social identity is emphasized when individuals connect through their collective characteristics?

Collective identification. Signup and view all the answers

What can low identification with a group lead to in an organizational context?

Decreased satisfaction and fewer organizational citizenship behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Why might social identities be significant to people?

They can lower levels of depression and contribute to better health. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason people identify with specific groups over time?

Changes in personal relevance of social identities. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might a person feel schadenfreude regarding another group?

When a disrespected group experiences misfortune. Signup and view all the answers

What does the informal group typically fulfill in a work environment?

A need for social contact among employees. Signup and view all the answers

How does social identity potentially impact happiness?

It helps individuals avoid attributing negative situations to internal reasons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about social identities is correct?

They may conflict with each other, depending on circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for voluntary behavior that violates significant organizational norms?

Deviant workplace behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is not an example of deviant workplace behavior?

Completing tasks on time Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of workplace incivility for employees?

Increased psychological stress Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the likelihood of deviant workplace behavior flourishing within a group?

Supportive group norms Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does deviant behavior have on group performance?

Negative moods within the group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to occur in groups characterized by dysfunction?

Lower levels of group performance Signup and view all the answers

How might increased work demands indirectly lead to deviant behavior?

By causing a lack of sleep Signup and view all the answers

What group context factor has been shown to shape employees' antisocial actions?

Group norms Signup and view all the answers

What best defines group status?

The rank given to members by others Signup and view all the answers

How can status disparities impact individual behavior in a group?

They motivate re-evaluation of one's position Signup and view all the answers

Which culture is more likely to prioritize collective goals over individual achievements?

Collectivist culture Signup and view all the answers

What can be a long-term effect of repeated exposure to incivility in the workplace?

Desire to change jobs Signup and view all the answers

What impact do positive group norms generally have on employee behavior?

They foster cooperation and commitment Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors does not directly influence group dynamics?

Time of day Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the nominal group technique?

It enhances independent thinking while formalizing the meeting. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the interacting group aids in achieving commitment to solutions?

The high level of group discussion and collaboration. Signup and view all the answers

What does research suggest about the effectiveness of nominal groups compared to brainstorming groups?

They generally outperform brainstorming groups in generating ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT indicated as influencing group performance?

Physical distance between group members Signup and view all the answers

What impact does status inequity have on group dynamics?

It may create frustration and reduce productivity. Signup and view all the answers

In what context are larger groups said to be more effective?

For fact-finding activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about group norms is accurate?

They establish standards of behavior within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What role does diversity play in group performance according to the information?

Its effects on performance can vary. Signup and view all the answers

How should management address the pervasive issue of status differences in groups?

Facilitate inclusive discussions to gather input from all members. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommendation for increasing employee satisfaction?

Accurately manage perceptions of individual job roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is one source from which status can derive according to status characteristics theory?

An individual's personal characteristics Signup and view all the answers

How might high-status individuals behave differently in group settings?

They may deviate from norms with low identification Signup and view all the answers

What effect does status inequity have on group members?

It can inspire various types of corrective behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the performance of groups with too many high-status individuals?

Their performance suffers due to counterproductive norms Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of large differences in status within a group?

Decreased health and wellbeing of lower-status members Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that status is typically determined among business executives?

Personal income or company growth rate Signup and view all the answers

How does 'stigma by association' impact individuals linked to stigmatized groups?

It can lead to negative evaluations of those associated Signup and view all the answers

What can occur when individuals from diverse backgrounds join a group?

Heightened likelihood of conflicts due to differing status criteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of high-status individuals entering a lower-status group?

Complexity in integrating new status hierarchies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects the concept of 'us and them' mentality in group status?

Ingroups are often perceived as superior by their members Signup and view all the answers

What might a high-status individual do during discussions that lower-status members are less likely to do?

Speak out and interrupt others Signup and view all the answers

Why is equitable status hierarchy important for group performance?

It fosters resentment and conflict if perceived as inequitable Signup and view all the answers

What specific challenge can arise when management forms teams with employees from varied functions?

Conflict stemming from separate status hierarchies Signup and view all the answers

What behavior increases among individuals aiming for higher status in a group?

More assertiveness and command issuance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of larger groups when it comes to productivity?

Higher likelihood of social loafing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to social loafing?

Diffusion of responsibility Signup and view all the answers

How does group cohesiveness correlate with productivity?

Cohesiveness affects productivity based on performance-related norms Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about social loafing?

Social loafing occurs in all cultural contexts equally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is NOT effective in reducing social loafing?

Creating a large group size Signup and view all the answers

What role does culture play in social loafing?

Collectivist cultures show lower rates of social loafing Signup and view all the answers

What effect does high diversity within a group have?

Can both positively and negatively impact group dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a suggested method to enhance group cohesiveness?

Provide individual rewards Signup and view all the answers

What outcome can result from high cohesiveness with low performance norms?

Increase in social loafing behavior Signup and view all the answers

How does the time spent together in a group influence cohesiveness?

Strengthens relationships and motivation to stay Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with lower rates of social loafing?

High levels of conscientiousness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies effectively counteracts social loafing?

Publicly sharing performance ratings Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between group size and opportunities for diverse input?

Larger groups are better for gaining diverse input Signup and view all the answers

What happens when group performance norms are high and cohesiveness is low?

Productivity can still increase, but less than in high-cohesiveness situations Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main effects of group diversity on group morale in the early stages?

It lowers group morale. Signup and view all the answers

What was observed about groups with increased tenure diversity?

Performance dropped off as tenure diversity increased. Signup and view all the answers

How does surface-level diversity affect group dynamics?

It cues teams to anticipate differences of opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible negative outcome of faultlines in diverse groups?

Competition among subgroups that harms performance. Signup and view all the answers

In what context can faultlines based on skill, knowledge, and expertise be beneficial?

When the organizational culture focuses on results. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does gender diversity have on group performance according to the research mentioned?

It enhances performance in certain contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed about diverse juries compared to homogenous juries?

They make fewer factual errors and deliberate longer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge posed by gender diversity in groups?

It can raise group conflict unless inclusiveness is stressed. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there are high levels of tenure diversity in a group with weak HR practices?

Team conflict and performance issues may increase. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why subgroups can negatively affect group performance?

Increased trust between subgroup members. Signup and view all the answers

What should leaders do to reduce conflict in diverse groups?

Focus the group on common tasks and learning. Signup and view all the answers

How do faultlines typically affect the overall satisfaction of a group?

They lower overall group satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

What does research suggest about the long-term benefits of diversity in groups?

It can lead to improved open-mindedness and creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of groupthink?

Suppression of dissenting opinions Signup and view all the answers

What is one major strength of group decision making?

Groups generate more complete information and knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is groupthink most likely to occur?

When there is a strong group identity and perceived threats Signup and view all the answers

What is a common drawback of group decision making?

Group discussions may be dominated by a few members. Signup and view all the answers

What action can managers take to minimize groupthink?

Appoint a devil’s advocate to challenge majority viewpoints Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to groupthink in decision making?

Pressure for conformity within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible outcome of group polarization?

Members adopt more extreme versions of their pre-discussion positions Signup and view all the answers

How do discussions within groups influence decision-making?

They can lead to extreme positions due to diffused responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What does groupshift refer to in the context of group decision making?

The exaggeration of initial positions during discussions. Signup and view all the answers

How can conflicts about tasks within a group affect performance?

They can potentially increase group performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique allows group members to work independently while still being physically present?

Nominal group technique Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals sometimes make better decisions than groups?

Groups often face pressures toward conformity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of traditional brainstorming sessions?

They often result in a phenomenon called production blocking Signup and view all the answers

Why are larger group sizes more likely to contribute to feelings of intimidation?

Members feel less personal responsibility in larger settings Signup and view all the answers

In terms of effectiveness, how do group decisions generally compare to individual decisions?

Group decisions are usually less accurate than the best individual's judgment. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is encouraged during brainstorming sessions?

Withholding criticism during idea generation Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic may slow down the group decision-making process?

Conformity pressures among members. Signup and view all the answers

What does group polarization mean in the context of group decisions?

Initial positions of individual members become more extreme Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of diversity in group decision making?

It may lead to more creative and varied solutions. Signup and view all the answers

How does group size affect individual opinions during discussions?

Larger groups may stifle individual contributions Signup and view all the answers

What is often a key impact of group members participating in decision making?

Greater enthusiasm and support for the outcome. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a weakness of group decision making?

Increased accountability for all members. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a devil’s advocate play in a group?

Challenges the consensus and presents alternative ideas Signup and view all the answers

What might be a beneficial use of faultlines within team settings?

They can facilitate focused collaboration towards a common goal. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the essence of brainstorming?

All ideas are permissible to foster creativity Signup and view all the answers

What can managers do to enhance effective group decision-making?

Encourage open discussion of risks before benefits Signup and view all the answers

What defines effective group decision-making that combines efficiency and effectiveness?

Quality outcomes balanced with time spent in discussion. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation might lead to a conservative groupshift?

Overestimation of risks involving decision alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining and Classifying Groups

A group is two or more individuals who interact and depend on each other to achieve specific goals.
Formal groups are structured by the organization, having defined tasks and roles aligned with organizational objectives. A flight crew is an example.
Informal groups aren't formally structured, arising from social needs. Lunching together, for example

Social identity theory explains why people emotionally react to their group's success or failure. Self-esteem is tied to the group's outcomes.
We bask in reflected glory when our group does well, and feel worsened self-esteem when the group underperforms.
People develop multiple identities (organizational, professional, etc.) throughout life, some more significant than others.

Ingroups and Outgroups

Ingroup favoritism is when we perceive ingroup members positively while viewing outgroup members similarly.
Outgroups are by necessity connected to ingroups and can range from clearly defined groups to encompassing all non-members.
Group animosity is common between ingroups and outgroups, where religion can be a powerful factor.

Social identity threat is a perceived negative evaluation due to belonging to a devalued group, affecting confidence and performance.

Group Property 2: Norms

Norms are shared standards of behavior in groups, guiding proper conduct.
Norms influence behavior strongly via emotional and conformity pressures, with minimum external control needed.
Conformity is an adjustment of behavior to match group norms.
Reference groups are important to individuals, and their norms impact our actions.
Norms have a major impact on employee behavior and are strongly connected to group productivity.
The Hawthorne Studies demonstrated the power of group dynamics and attention in affecting productivity.

Positive and Negative Norms and Outcomes

Positive norms, like corporate social responsibility, can drive good outcomes. But other factors such as individual personality traits and group alignment with a norm are also important.
Negative norms lead to deviant workplace behavior, a voluntary action violating rules that can damage organizations and individuals.
Group dynamics and norms significantly influence whether or not antisocial behaviors will flourish in the workplace.

Group Property 3: Status

Status is a socially assigned position or rank given to groups or individuals.
Status influences behavior and conformity. High-status individuals are potentially more free from conformity pressures.
Status is determined by power, contribution, and personal attributes.
Status perceptions affect group interaction; higher-status members may dominate discussion.
Perceived status inequality may cause corrective actions and tension amongst group members.

Group Property 4: Size and Dynamics

Group size can affect performance: larger groups often yield more diverse perspectives. Smaller groups usually operate more efficiently.
Social loafing is when individuals exert less effort in a group than individually. It is culturally influenced (more common in individualistic cultures).
Social loafing decreases satisfaction and performance, especially in larger groups.
Strategies to prevent social loafing include setting group goals, increasing intergroup competition, and measuring individual contributions.

Group Property 5: Cohesiveness

Cohesiveness is the degree to which group members are attracted to and want to stay in the group.
The effect of cohesiveness on productivity is dependent on performance norms. High cohesiveness and high performance norms are ideal.
Strategies for increasing cohesiveness include smaller group size, encouraging goal agreement, increased time together, stimulating competition, rewarding groups, and isolating the group.

Group Property 6: Diversity

Group diversity can increase conflicts, especially initially.
Diversity benefits are more likely to surface over time and with effective management, but the financial implications of those diversity benefits are not always clear, so it's difficult to demonstrate a noticeable return.
Differences in tenure and values or opinions are likely to show more conflict. Effective leadership can reduce conflicts and focus groups.
Surface-level diversity alerts to possible deep-level diversity, which in turn is associated with outcomes that are less understood.
Faultlines, where subgroups emerge based on shared characteristics, are usually detrimental to group functioning. Strategic use of faultlines can yield benefits in certain environments, such as a results-driven organizational culture. Crosscutting the roles within identified faultlines can force cohesion.
Diversity can boost group outcomes in some situations.

Group Decision Making

Group decisions often combine varied perspectives and insights, leading to more accurate results compared to solitary decisions, but less accurate than the most accurate person in the group.
Group decisions are usually less efficient than individual decisions, but greater commitment is an outcome of group decision making.
Groupthink, where pressure to conform overshadows critical thinking, and group shifts, which are shifts toward risk or conservatism, are inherent difficulties in group decision making.
Strategies for dealing with groupthink and groupshift include managing group size, encouraging leader impartiality, using devil's advocates, and carefully structuring the discussion.
Group decision-making techniques like brainstorming and nominal group technique offer alternatives to the traditional interacting group, and each has its own pros and cons.

Implications for Managers

Managers must be sensitive to group dynamics (roles, norms, cohesiveness), and use them effectively for positive results.
Reducing workplace deviance requires managing group norms.
Addressing status disparities helps ensure balanced group participation.
Utilizing appropriate group sizes and measures of individual performance improve outcomes in larger groups.
Ensuring clear job roles improves employee satisfaction.

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Description

This quiz explores concepts in social psychology, focusing on group dynamics, social identity theory, and the distinctions between ingroups and outgroups. Understand how group interactions and identities affect self-esteem and emotional reactions based on group performance.