Group Communication Trivia Questions!

The company's vice president of operations ultimately chose a program other than the one recommended by the task force. This indicates that the decision was made based on the authority of the vice president, who had the power to override the recommendation of the task force. The authority rule refers to a decision-making method where a single person or a small group of individuals with authority make the final decision without considering the input or recommendations of others. In this case, the vice president's decision overrides the recommendation of the task force, suggesting that the authority rule was used.

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The Myers-Briggs personality trait of thinker is characterized by a logical and analytical approach to decision-making. The rational decision-making style aligns with this trait as it involves making decisions based on facts, evidence, and logical reasoning. This style prioritizes objectivity and rationality, which is similar to the thinker personality trait.

Consensus is achieved through open discussion, listening to others, welcoming differences of opinion, and not being stubborn or argumentative. However, using techniques such as trading one decision for another does not necessarily contribute to achieving consensus. This suggests that this option is the exception among the given guidelines.

The group members who say "If you think it's okay, then I'll do it" are most likely using the dependent decision-making style. This style indicates that they rely heavily on the opinions and decisions of others, showing a lack of independent thinking and decision-making capabilities. They tend to seek approval and guidance from others before making their own decisions.

Group members who say "It just feels like the right thing to do" are most likely using the intuitive decision-making style. This style relies on gut feelings, instincts, and emotions rather than logical analysis or extensive information gathering. It is characterized by making decisions based on personal experiences, values, and beliefs, often without fully understanding or being able to articulate the reasons behind the decision.

This statement is incorrect because groups usually take more time to make a decision than an individual working alone. This is because group decision making involves discussions, debates, and consensus-building, which can take longer than an individual making a decision on their own.

Functional Theory is different from the Standard Agenda method of problem solving in several ways. Firstly, in Functional Theory, competent performance of each function is considered more important than performing the function in an exact order. This means that the focus is on effectively fulfilling the necessary functions rather than strictly following a predetermined sequence. Secondly, Functional Theory recognizes that group goals and unspoken assumptions can influence the choice of solutions. This acknowledges the impact of collective objectives and underlying beliefs on the decision-making process. Lastly, Functional Theory emphasizes the group's ability to critically analyze both the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions. This highlights the importance of considering the pros and cons before making a decision. Therefore, all of the above statements are true for Functional Theory.

During Phase 1 of Nominal Group Technique, members take turns presenting one idea from their privately written list. This allows each member to contribute their ideas without interruption or influence from others. By presenting their ideas one at a time, it ensures that all ideas are given equal consideration and prevents dominant individuals from overshadowing the group. This phase focuses on generating a wide range of ideas and encouraging participation from all members.

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In order for the recycling task force to make decisions based on a consensus, all members must be in favor of the group decision. Therefore, all 15 members must be in favor of the decision for it to be considered a consensus.

Analysis paralysis refers to the situation when someone becomes so overwhelmed with analyzing a problem that they are unable to make a decision or take any action. This can happen when someone gets stuck in a loop of overthinking, considering all possible options, and fearing making the wrong choice. As a result, they become paralyzed and unable to move forward. This term is often used to describe individuals or groups who spend excessive amounts of time analyzing a problem without actually taking any steps towards solving it.

When a group uses structured problem-solving procedures effectively, they can experience several benefits. Balanced participation means that everyone in the group has an equal opportunity to contribute and be heard, leading to better decision-making. Conflict resolution refers to the ability to address and resolve conflicts within the group, promoting a harmonious working environment. Organization refers to the systematic approach that helps the group stay focused and organized throughout the problem-solving process. Group empowerment means that individuals in the group feel empowered and confident in their abilities. However, increased time and effort is not a benefit but rather a potential drawback, as it suggests that the problem-solving process is taking longer and requiring more effort than necessary.

The Standard Agenda format for group problem solving includes several steps such as task clarification, problem identification, fact finding, and solution suggestions. However, the establishment of procedure is not part of this format. This step refers to the process of defining the specific rules, guidelines, and protocols that will be followed during the problem-solving session. While it is important to have a clear procedure in place for effective group problem solving, it is not included in the Standard Agenda format.

Voting works best when there is no other way to break a deadlock. This suggests that voting is seen as a last resort option when all other methods of decision-making have failed. In situations where there is a stalemate or disagreement among the group, voting can be used as a fair and impartial way to determine the outcome. It allows each member to have a say and the majority vote is considered the final decision. However, it is important to note that voting may not be the most effective method in all situations, and factors such as time constraints, controversy, and group size can also impact its effectiveness.

The authority rule suggests that only one member needs to be in favor of a proposal for it to be approved. This means that the decision-making power lies in the hands of a single individual, regardless of the total number of members in the group. Therefore, regardless of whether there are 12 members or any other number, only one member needs to be in favor of the proposal for it to be accepted.

This group discussion question represents a question of value because it is asking for an opinion or judgment on whether it is appropriate for parents to bring their children to work in certain circumstances. The question is not seeking a factual answer or a specific policy or procedure, but rather exploring different perspectives and beliefs about what is considered appropriate in this situation.

This question represents a question of policy because it is asking how the company can assist employees with their childcare needs, which is a matter of establishing guidelines and procedures to support employees in this area.

The researchers concluded that the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) works better for generating ideas for all of the given reasons except for the fact that members in brainstorming sessions produce fewer ideas than NGT groups. This means that the other reasons listed, such as the disruption of the thinking process in brainstorming due to waiting to speak, the reluctance of members to contribute ideas due to fear of evaluation, the potential for high status and influence for members who make more contributions in brainstorming, and the possibility of members loafing and not actively participating, all contribute to the superiority of NGT in generating ideas compared to brainstorming.

The correct order of the four steps in the Decreasing Options Technique is to first generate ideas, then post the ideas, sort the ideas, and finally dot the ideas. This order ensures that ideas are brainstormed first, then shared with others, organized or categorized, and finally evaluated or marked for further consideration. Option a. (generate ideas, post ideas, sort ideas, dot ideas) follows this correct order.

The correct answer is c. task clarification, problem identification, fact finding. In group problem solving, it is important to first clarify the task at hand to ensure everyone is on the same page and understands what needs to be done. Once the task is clarified, the group can then move on to identifying the problem or issue that needs to be addressed. After the problem is identified, the group can then engage in fact finding, gathering information and data related to the problem to better understand its causes and potential solutions.

This question is asking for a specific number or statistic regarding the number of employees in the company who hire a daycare provider. It is not a question about company policies, procedures, opinions, or speculations. Therefore, the correct answer is c. fact.

This question is a question of policy because it is asking about a Congressional debate on a bill to increase penalties for fraud committed by business CEOs. This debate involves making decisions and implementing actions, which falls under the category of policy.

The group is using the brainstorming decision-making method. In brainstorming, members are encouraged to generate as many ideas as possible without any criticism or evaluation. This method promotes open and creative thinking, allowing all members to contribute their suggestions freely. It fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where all ideas are welcomed and considered.

The DOT method helps reduce and refine a large number of suggestions into a manageable number of ideas. This means that it assists in streamlining the brainstorming process by narrowing down the options and selecting the most feasible and effective ideas.

Towe describes "We have developed a new way to do it" as the source of action called innovation. This means that when faced with a problem, we come up with new and creative solutions or approaches to solve it. This involves thinking outside the box and developing novel methods or ideas that may not have been used before.

If members resist or dismiss information that doesn't align with their personal inclinations and attitudes, it indicates that they have pre-existing preferences. These pre-existing preferences can prevent the group from working effectively and ethically because members may not be open to considering alternative perspectives or solutions. This can hinder the group's ability to problem-solve and make informed decisions based on objective information.

When a group has preconceived notions about what can and can't be done, they may be resistant to thinking creatively. Asking "what if?" encourages them to break free from their preconceived notions and consider alternative possibilities. This method prompts the group to explore new ideas and think outside the box, ultimately enhancing their creativity.

This discussion question represents a question of conjecture because it is asking for speculation or prediction about who will become the next student government president. It does not ask for a factual answer or involve policy, procedure, or values.

The correct answer is c. interpretation. This is because interpretation is not considered a basic stage in the development of group creativity. The other stages listed, such as investigation, imagination, incubation, and insight, all play important roles in the creative process. Interpretation, on the other hand, is more closely associated with analyzing and understanding existing information or ideas, rather than generating new and innovative solutions.

The correct answer is d. Avoid combining ideas. Combining ideas is actually encouraged during brainstorming as it can lead to new and innovative solutions. The purpose of brainstorming is to generate a large quantity of ideas and then evaluate and refine them later, so option a is not a guideline. Option b is a guideline as it promotes transparency and collaboration. Option c is a guideline as it allows individuals to gather their thoughts before contributing. Option e is not a guideline as praising other members' ideas can create a positive and supportive atmosphere.

In this particular case, politics will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts. This means that the dynamics of power, influence, and personal interests within the group will play a significant role in shaping the group's decisions and actions. Members may engage in political behaviors such as forming alliances, manipulating information, or engaging in power struggles, which can hinder effective and ethical problem-solving.

The Nominal Group Technique was developed by Delbecq and Van de Ven as a way to maximize participation in problem-solving and program-planning groups while minimizing interpersonal problems. This technique involves individuals generating ideas independently, sharing them with the group, and then discussing and evaluating the ideas collectively. It allows for equal participation and ensures that everyone's ideas are considered, without the dominance of certain individuals or the fear of criticism that can occur in traditional group interactions.

In this particular case, power will likely affect the outcome of every decision and problem the group confronts. This is because a strong and stubborn leader can use their power to lead group members off on tangents and irrelevant discussions that have nothing to do with the group's goal. The leader's power can overshadow the input and opinions of other group members, leading to ineffective and unethical decision-making.

The Standard Agenda is a problem-solving procedure that is based on John Dewey's Reflective Thinking Process. This process involves a systematic approach to problem-solving, where individuals engage in critical thinking, reflection, and analysis of the problem before making a decision or taking action. The Standard Agenda follows a step-by-step process that includes identifying the problem, analyzing the problem, generating possible solutions, evaluating the solutions, and implementing the chosen solution. This aligns with Dewey's emphasis on reflective thinking and the importance of considering multiple perspectives and potential solutions before making a decision.

The first 3 steps in the Single Question Format for problem solving are to identify the problem, create a collaborative setting, and analyze the issues. This sequence allows for a systematic approach to problem solving. First, identifying the problem helps to clearly define what needs to be addressed. Then, creating a collaborative setting encourages teamwork and open communication, which can lead to more effective problem solving. Finally, analyzing the issues involves examining the underlying causes and factors contributing to the problem, which is essential for developing appropriate solutions.

The Functional Theory approach to problem solving focuses on preparation, competence, and communication. This means that in order to effectively solve a problem, individuals must be prepared by gathering relevant information and resources, possess the necessary skills and knowledge to address the problem, and effectively communicate and collaborate with others involved in the problem-solving process. This approach recognizes the importance of being well-prepared, competent, and having effective communication skills in order to successfully solve problems.

The Single Question Format in the Standard Agenda focuses on goal clarity and cultivating a supportive communication climate. This means that the format aims to ensure that the goals of the meeting or discussion are clear to all participants, and that the communication between participants is supportive and conducive to effective problem-solving. This is different from the other options, which focus on different aspects such as decision making, problem-solving phases, task clarification, solution implementation, and seeking consensus.

The Decreasing Options Technique (DOT) is a useful strategy to ensure equal opportunities for input by all members of a group. This technique involves presenting a limited number of options or ideas to the group, gradually decreasing the number of options through discussion and elimination. By using DOT, each member of the group has an opportunity to contribute and participate in the decision-making process. This technique can be particularly effective when the group wants to ensure that all voices are heard and that no member dominates the conversation.