Office Skills - Chapter 17 Quiz

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and the workplace is no exception. This statement suggests that conflicts are bound to occur in the workplace, just like they do in other aspects of life. It acknowledges that disagreements, differences in opinions, and clashes of interests are natural occurrences in a professional setting. This recognition highlights the need for individuals and organizations to have strategies in place to effectively manage and resolve conflicts when they arise.

Conflicts can lead to change by highlighting issues and forcing people to address them. They can also bring people together in unity as they work towards resolving the conflict. Additionally, conflicts often result in compromise, as both parties may need to make concessions in order to reach a resolution. Therefore, the statement that conflicts have advantages is true.

This statement is true because norms are indeed generally agreed-on standards of behavior that are expected to be followed by every member of a group. Norms help to establish social order and cohesion within a group by providing guidelines for appropriate behavior and expectations. They can vary across different cultures, societies, and groups, but they are essential for maintaining social harmony and cooperation.

Managers and workers both participate on teams. This suggests that both groups are actively involved in collaborating and working together towards achieving common goals. Teamwork allows for the pooling of different skills, perspectives, and experiences, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. It also promotes communication, cooperation, and a sense of shared responsibility among team members. Therefore, it is true that both managers and workers participate on teams.

Group decision making can provide the manager with a broad range of information because it involves multiple individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise. Each group member can contribute their knowledge, ideas, and insights, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the problem or situation at hand. This can help the manager make more informed decisions and consider a wider range of options. Additionally, group decision making can also promote creativity and innovation as different viewpoints and ideas are shared and discussed.

Formal groups, such as committees, are created by management with a specific purpose in mind. These groups are intentionally formed to achieve organizational goals, solve problems, make decisions, or carry out specific tasks. Management plays a crucial role in establishing these formal groups by selecting members, defining their roles and responsibilities, and setting objectives for them to accomplish. Therefore, the statement that formal groups are deliberately created by management is correct.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the decision-making process indeed starts with a need to make a decision. Once the need is identified, at least two alternative courses of action are determined. Finally, the best choice is selected from these alternatives. Therefore, the statement is true.

Workers being afraid to criticize their bosses can hinder honest conflict resolution attempts. This is because if workers are fearful of expressing their opinions or raising concerns about their bosses' actions or decisions, it creates a culture of silence and suppression. In such an environment, conflicts may go unresolved as workers may hesitate to voice their grievances or engage in open and honest discussions. This fear of criticizing bosses can prevent the identification and resolution of conflicts, ultimately hindering the overall conflict resolution process.

The statement suggests that the goal should not be to completely eradicate conflict, but rather to reduce and redirect unhealthy disagreements by finding and implementing productive solutions. This implies that conflict can be beneficial if managed effectively, as it can lead to innovation, growth, and improved relationships.

The given statement is false. Workers use a variety of conflict management styles, not just competing and accommodating. Other common styles include collaborating, compromising, and avoiding. These different styles allow workers to approach conflicts in different ways depending on the situation and their personal preferences.

The statement contradicts itself as it states that the intent of a decision is to please everyone. In reality, it is impossible to please everyone with a decision as people have different opinions, needs, and preferences. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

A hidden agenda and a published agenda do not both help a group accomplish its purpose. A published agenda is a transparent and open plan that outlines the goals and objectives of the group, allowing everyone to be informed and on the same page. On the other hand, a hidden agenda refers to secret motives or goals that are not openly shared with the group, which can create distrust and hinder the group's ability to work effectively towards its purpose. Therefore, a hidden agenda does not contribute to the group's success.

Teambuilding does not happen automatically as organizations create change. Teambuilding requires intentional effort and activities to foster collaboration, trust, and effective communication among team members. It is a deliberate process that involves identifying team goals, establishing roles and responsibilities, and promoting a positive team culture. Without intentional teambuilding efforts, organizations may struggle to effectively navigate change and achieve desired outcomes.

Groupthink is not a way to encourage consistent, ethical behavior in the workplace. Groupthink refers to a phenomenon where a group of individuals prioritize consensus and conformity over critical thinking and independent decision-making. This can lead to unethical behavior as individuals may suppress their own ethical concerns to maintain group harmony. Encouraging diverse perspectives, open communication, and independent thinking is a better approach to foster consistent, ethical behavior in the workplace.