There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically. For example, a member may side with a group leader into order to gain the leader's attention and backing. In this particular case, ____________ will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts.

There are several problem-solving realities that can prevent a group from working effectively and ethically. For example, a member may side with a group leader into order to gain the leader's attention and backing. In this particular case, ____________ will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts.

a. politics
b. pre-existing preferences
c. power
d. procedural paralysis
e. polychronics


Answer: a

Which is the correct order of the four steps in the Decreasing Options Technique?

Which is the correct order of the four steps in the Decreasing Options Technique?

a. generate ideas, post ideas, sort ideas, dot ideas
b. dot ideas, sort ideas, post ideas, generate ideas
c. generate ideas, post ideas, dot ideas, sort ideas
d. post ideas, generate ideas, dot ideas, sort ideas
e. post ideas, generate ideas, sort ideas, dot ideas


Answer: a

The major advantage and reason for using the DOT method is that it

The major advantage and reason for using the DOT method is that it

a. focuses on preparation, competence, and communication functions.
b. requires members to analyze questions of fact, value, conjecture, and policy.
c. helps reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas.
d. relies on the creativity of all members.
e. helps avoid negative evaluation and criticism of ideas and solutions.


Answer: c

Consider using the Decreasing Options Technique (DOT) when

Consider using the Decreasing Options Technique (DOT) when

a. the group is small, with no more than 7 members.
b. members cannot generate many ideas or solutions.
c. the group wants to hear from expert and influential members.
d. the group wants to ensure equal opportunities for input by all members.
e. the group has plenty of time to discuss multiple or controversial ideas.


Answer: d

______ was developed by Delbecq and Van de Ven as a way of maximizing participation in problem-solving and program-planning groups while minimizing some of the interpersonal problems associated with group interaction.

______ was developed by Delbecq and Van de Ven as a way of maximizing participation in problem-solving and program-planning groups while minimizing some of the interpersonal problems associated with group interaction.

a. The Standard Agenda
b. Brainstorming
c. The DOT Method
d. Nominal Group Technique
e. Single Question Format


Answer: d

All of the following are considered guidelines for effective brainstorming EXCEPT

All of the following are considered guidelines for effective brainstorming EXCEPT

a. Evaluate ideas only at the end.
b. Post the ideas for all to see.
c. Wait awhile for group members to think before starting the brainstorming.
d. Avoid combining ideas.
e. Do not praise other members' ideas as they're suggested.


Answer: d

All of the following answers represent basic stages in the development of group creativity EXCEPT

All of the following answers represent basic stages in the development of group creativity EXCEPT

a. investigation.
b. imagination.
c. interpretation.
d. incubation.
e. insight


Answer: c

The first 3 steps in the Single Question Format for problem solving are

The first 3 steps in the Single Question Format for problem solving are

a. analyze the issues, identify the problem, identify possible solutions.
b. identify the problem, create a collaborative setting, analyze the issues.
c. create a collaborative setting, analyze the issues, identify the problem.
d. analyze the issues, identify possible solutions, answer the single questions.
e. task clarification, fact finding, solution selection.


Answer: b

The Functional Theory approach to problem solving focuses on

The Functional Theory approach to problem solving focuses on

a. giving group members a chance to hear and understand the opinions and needs of others.
b. planning and coordinating the many steps needed to carry out a solution or agreedupon action.
c. allowing ideas to be generated by individuals working alone rather than emerging from group interaction.
d. generating as many ideas as possible in a short period of time.
e. preparation, competence, and communication.


Answer: e

Getting bogged down in analyzing the problem is referred to as

Getting bogged down in analyzing the problem is referred to as

a. groupthink.
b. conjecture.
c. consensus.
d. analysis paralysis.
e. fact finding.


Answer: d

The first 3 steps in the Standard Agenda format of group problem solving are

The first 3 steps in the Standard Agenda format of group problem solving are

a. problem identification, fact finding, solution evaluation and selection.
b. problem identification, task clarification, solution implementation.
c. task clarification, problem identification, fact finding.
d. fact finding, problem identification, task clarification.
e. fact finding, solution criteria, solution selection.


Answer: c

All of the following steps are part of the Standard Agenda format for group problem solving EXCEPT

All of the following steps are part of the Standard Agenda format for group problem solving EXCEPT

a. task clarification
b. establishment of procedure
c. problem identification
d. fact finding
e. solution suggestions


Answer: b

Which of the following problem-solving procedures is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process?

Which of the following problem-solving procedures is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process?

a. the Standard Agenda
b. the Single Question Format
c. Nominal Group Technique
d. brainstorming
e. Functional Theory


Answer: a

All of the following benefits can result when a group uses structured problem solving procedures effectively EXCEPT

All of the following benefits can result when a group uses structured problem solving procedures effectively EXCEPT

a. increased time and effort.
b. balanced participation.
c. conflict resolution.
d. organization.
e. group empowerment.


Answer: a

In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Which of these styles is most like the Myers-Briggs's personality trait of thinker?

In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Which of these styles is most like the Myers-Briggs's personality trait of thinker?

a. rational
b. intuitive
c. dependent
d. avoidant
e. spontaneous


Answer: a

In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Groups members who say "If you think it's okay, then I'll do it" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style.

In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Groups members who say "If you think it's okay, then I'll do it" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style.

a. rational
b. intuitive
c. dependent
d. avoidant
e. spontaneous


Answer: c

In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Group members who say "It just feels like the right thing to do" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style.

In their book, Decision Making Styles, Suzanne Scott and Reginald Bruce look at 5 decision-making styles. Group members who say "It just feels like the right thing to do" are most likely using the __________ decision-making style.

a. rational
b. intuitive
c. dependent
d. avoidant
e. spontaneous


Answer: b

A Congressional debate on a bill to increase penalties for fraud committed by business CEOs is a question of

A Congressional debate on a bill to increase penalties for fraud committed by business CEOs is a question of

a. fact.
b. value.
c. policy.
d. procedure.
e. conjecture.


Answer: c

"Who will be the next student government president?" This discussion question represents a question of

"Who will be the next student government president?" This discussion question represents a question of

a. policy.
b. procedure.
c. fact.
d. conjecture.
e. value.


Answer: d

"How can the company assist employees with their childcare needs?" This group discussion question represents a question of

"How can the company assist employees with their childcare needs?" This group discussion question represents a question of

a. policy.
b. procedure.
c. fact.
d. conjecture.
e. value.


Answer: a

"Is it appropriate for parents to bring their children to work when they can't get a babysitter or their daycare center closes for a day?" This group discussion question represents a question of

"Is it appropriate for parents to bring their children to work when they can't get a babysitter or their daycare center closes for a day?" This group discussion question represents a question of

a. policy.
b. procedure.
c. fact.
d. conjecture.
e. value.


Answer: e

There are 12 members in your group. How many members must be in favor of a proposal when deciding by authority rule?

There are 12 members in your group. How many members must be in favor of a proposal when deciding by authority rule?

a. 1
b. 6
c. 7
d. 10
e. 12


Answer: a

What are the signs of a false consensus?

What are the signs of a false consensus?

a. Every group member agrees to support a decision or action.
b. In order to avoid disagreement and conflict, group members agree on a common decision.
c. In order to achieve consensus, all group members take part in shaping a decision.
d. A decision is made that avoids a win/loss vote.
e. Consensus presents a united front to outsiders.


Answer: b

All of the following guidelines help a group achieve consensus EXCEPT

All of the following guidelines help a group achieve consensus EXCEPT

a. Get everyone involved in the discussion.
b. Welcome differences of opinion.
c. Listen carefully to other members.
d. Use techniques such as trading one decision for another.
e. Don't be stubborn and argue only for your own position.


Answer: d

A company's recycling task force is composed of 15 members. If the task force makes decisions based on a consensus, how many members must be in favor of the group decision?

A company's recycling task force is composed of 15 members. If the task force makes decisions based on a consensus, how many members must be in favor of the group decision?

a. 5
b. 7
c. 8
d. 10
e. 15


Answer: e

As a decision-making method, voting works best when

As a decision-making method, voting works best when

a. a group is not pressed for time.
b. an issue is highly controversial.
c. a group is small enough to make vote counting easy.
d. there is no other way to break a deadlock.
e. the group usually uses voting to make decisions.


Answer: d

All of the following statements describe decision making in groups EXCEPT

All of the following statements describe decision making in groups EXCEPT

a. Groups usually take less time to make a decision than an individual working alone.
b. A group generates more ideas than an individual working alone.
c. Groups generally produce better decisions than individuals.
d. all of the above
e. none of the above


Answer: a

Problem solving occurs when a group

Problem solving occurs when a group

a. reaches a conclusion.
b. passes judgment on an issue under consideration.
c. develops a plan for reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of a problem.
d. chooses among alternatives.
e. analyzes the history, causes, and effects of a problem


Answer: c