Exam 12: Group Processes and Work Teams

What are self-managed work teams (SMWT)? How have changes in the way organizations approach operations allowed for the increase in the use of these SMWTs? Are they typically effective?

Recent research by Johnson and colleagues (2009) found that there is a tipping point for computer-mediated communication in virtual groups. Specifically, groups that used computer-mediated communication more than _____ of the time reported lower levels of positive affect, task effectiveness, and affective commitment.

Describe three types of work teams and provide at least one example of each type.

A team that assumes complete responsibility for monitoring and controlling the overall work process, as well as for assigning specific tasks to team members, is known as a:

A group of employees answers customer questions about a new version of software. This group represents a(n):

_____ are shared expectations about appropriate ways of responding in a group.

_____ norms are those that define what most people do, feel, or thinkin a particular situation.

Juanita notices that people in her group get their lunch from the cafeteria rather than bring their own lunch. When Juanita brings her own lunch, her coworkers notice it but don't seem too concerned about it. In this case, getting lunch at the cafeteria is a _____ norm.

Katrina and four other students have been assigned to work as a group on a class project. Midway through the project, Katrina realizes she is the only one working and decides not to put forth any more effort. This outcome is called:

Compare and contrast the stage model from the punctuated equilibrium model of group development.

Any nonmotivational element of a group situation that detracts from a group's performance is known as:

A chief executive officer (CEO), a chief financial officer (CFO), and a chief information officer (CIO) may be considered parts of a(n):

_____ results when team members have different ideas, beliefs, or viewpoints regarding the work to be done. It can sometimes be helpful for team performance.

Which of these is an antecedent of groupthink?

Autumn and Georgio, who are group members, are experiencing some conflict. Autumn believes that when making decisions, the group should vote and go with whatever gets a majority vote. Georgio, meanwhile, believes that they should try to reach a consensus when making decisions. This is an example of:

When a cohesive group's desire to agree becomes so dominant that it overrides realistic appraisal of alternative courses of action, the result is a mode of thinking known as:

_____ is a symptom of groupthink.

A clothing store is experiencing a problem with low customer satisfaction. The store manager has asked a team of employees to work together to come up with a possible solution to the problem. Describe the steps the team should take to ensure that they make a good decision, and what behaviors they should avoid.

What are the three major dimensions of work-team effectiveness?

_____ are groups in which the actions of individuals are interdependent, individuals hold a specific role, and common goals are shared across the group.