CHAPTER 9: COMMUNICATING IN GROUPS AND TEAMS
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following needs to be present for a collection of people to be considered a
group?
a. Dependence
b. Gatekeeping
c. Interaction
d. Consensus
e. Competence
Answer: C
Page: 269
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
2. Research indicates that high-achieving teams __________.
a. have a results-driven structure
b. establish explicit rules and norms
c. have a competitive climate
d. emphasize individual goals
e. show a balance of task and social roles
Answer: A
Page: 271
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
3. Which types of norms govern how members get the job done?
a. Social norms
b. Task norms
c. Formal norms
d. Procedural norms
e. Cultural norms
Answer: B
Page: 274
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
4. David and his group are getting together today to work on their class project. This is only the
second meeting they’ve had since they first met three weeks ago. Since then everyone has
been enthusiastically working on their own to complete assigned tasks. After reviewing the
contributions, though, it’s clear that the project is not coming together. The content is
fragmented and the individual sections don’t fit together well. David’s a bit confused about
why the project turned out the way it did. As project manager, David kept in contact with
everyone during the course of the project and tried to keep the group on track. That being
said, which of the following reasons may best explain why the team ended up with this
particular outcome?
a. Team members obviously did not know what they were doing.
b. The team lacked a clear and consistent goal structure.
c. There was a lack of interaction among team members.
d. Team members did not fully commit to the project.
e. David showed ineffective leadership as the project manager.
Answer: C
Page: 269
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
5. The major difference between groups and teams is that teams __________.
a. have fewer members
b. have more consistent norms
c. exhibit less conflict
d. work at a higher level
e. show democratic leadership
Answer: D
Page: 270
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
6. __________ are official guidelines that govern what the group is supposed to do, while
__________ are unspoken standards that govern how the group interacts with one another.
a. Traits; norms
b. Agendas; norms
c. Norms; rules
d. Agendas; traits
e. Rules; norms
Answer: E
Page: 274
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
7. You are the creative director for a successful advertising agency. An important client has
requested that your agency come up with a new ad campaign for one of the their most
popular products. Account services wants to be able to present this campaign to the client in
two days. This has the potential to be an incredibly stressful project. Which type of
leadership style might be most effective if you want to complete the project by the deadline?
a. Democratic
b. Impoverished
c. Nominal
d. Laissez-faire
e. Authoritarian
Answer: E
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Leadership and Communication
8. Which of the following would be considered a group?
a. An army battalion fighting a battle in a foreign country
b. A crowd of onlookers at a baseball game
c. A small classroom of students listening to a lecture
d. A six-person committee developing a policy initiative
e. A bunch of friends hanging out at a coffee shop
Answer: D
Page: 269
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
9. Which group role reconciles disagreements and reduces tensions by giving group members a
chance to explore their differences?
a. Conciliator
b. Gatekeeper
c. Harmonizer
d. Supporter
e. Coordinator
Answer: C
Page: 278
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
10. Which communication network involves one person acting as a clearinghouse, receiving and
relaying messages to all other members?
a. Chain
b. Gatekeeping
c. Spiral
d. Wheel
e. All-channel
Answer: D
Page: 276
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
11. Shaking hands upon first meeting a person would be considered a __________.
a. procedural norm
b. task norm
c. referent norm
d. nominal norm
e. social norm
Answer: E
Page: 274
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
12. Lauren’s team decided to meet after work to catch up on a project. So far, the meeting has
not been productive. Even though the team has been staying on task, contributing and
evaluating ideas, and getting along well, they still can’t agree on a particular direction for the
project. After hours of discussion, the team is feeling frustrated and demoralized and is ready
to give up. It is apparent that some type of group role needs to be filled. Which group role
would be most helpful at this moment?
a. Feeling expresser
b. Harmonizer
c. Elaborator
d. Opinion giver
e. Conciliator
Answer: A
Page: 278
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
13. Which leadership style relies on legitimate, coercive, and reward power to influence others?
a. Situational
b. Laissez-faire
c. Authoritarian
d. Democratic
e. Task-oriented
Answer: C
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
14. “Deserter,” “Dominator,” “Recognition Seeker,” and “Aggressor” are all examples of
__________.
a. task roles
b. social roles
c. dysfunctional roles
d. maintenance roles
e. formal roles
Answer: C
Page: 279
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
15. Sarah’s extended family lives in various locations throughout the United States. They want to
be involved in each other’s lives, but they are too busy to stay in contact with each and every
member of the family. What would probably be the most effective way for this family to
communicate?
a. Wheel network
b. All-channel network
c. Chain network
d. Star network
e. Circle network
Answer: A
Page: 276
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
16. Power that comes from respect, liking, and trust is known as __________.
a. referent power
b. legitimate power
c. expert power
d. reward power
e. connection power
Answer: A
Page: 291
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Followership and Communication
17. Rodrigo relies on his mother to convey information to other family members. Rodrigo’s
family is interacting through a __________.
a. wheel network
b. chain network
c. all-channel network
d. star network
e. circle network
Answer: A
Page: 276
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
18. During the group meeting, Laura presents the enormous amount of research she collected for
their project. In this capacity, Laura is acting as the __________.
a. information seeker
b. opinion giver
c. coordinator
d. contributor
e. information giver
Answer: E
Page: 277
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
19. The role of gatekeeper is most influential in the __________.
a. circle network
b. all-channel network
c. chain network
d. wheel network
e. star network
Answer: D
Page: 276
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
20. One way a person could acquire referent power is by _________.
a. consistently resolving disputes in a fair and constructive manner
b. providing employees with raises and other incentives for exceptional work
c. knowing a great deal about their department and showing mastery in a specific skill
d. having relationships with dozens of people from relevant professional associations
e. frequently praising colleagues in the presence of their supervisor
Answer: A
Page: 291
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Followership and Communication
21. Joe and his colleagues are attending a company retreat at a state park. Joe, a maintenance
worker and experienced outdoorsman, asks Julie to accompany him on a hike in the woods.
Julie, who knows everyone at the company, suggests that Bill also come along because,
according to Julie, “he’s just a nice guy that everyone likes and respects.” Lillian, the CEO
of the company, and Frank, a sales manager, see them leaving and decide to also tag along.
After thirty minutes of hiking, they all realize that they’re lost. They panic and start arguing
about how to get back to the lodge. A decision needs to be made about which path to take. In
this situation, who should have the most influence on the group’s decision?
a. Bill
b. Lillian
c. Joe
d. Julie
e. Frank
Answer: C
Page: 290
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Leadership and Communication
22. Your supervisor is meeting with you and your team today to discuss a new program he is
thinking about implementing. The rest of the team seems agreeable to the idea; some are
even enthusiastic about it. You, however, are cautious about implementing this new program.
Mainly, you are concerned that it will create significant liability issues for the company.
Which of the following behaviors would you likely engage in if you wanted to be an
effective follower?
a. Try to sway the rest of the group to your way of thinking.
b. Bring up your concerns to your supervisor’s boss.
c. Refuse to get on board with the program until your concerns are addressed.
d. Express your concerns about the program to your supervisor.
e. Put your full support behind your supervisor and the new program.
Answer: D
Page: 288
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Followership and Communication
23. Which of the following types of leaders respect the power of teamwork and are primarily
motivated by the mission of the group or organization?
a. Transactional operator
b. Situational
c. Transformational
d. Referent
e. Team player
Answer: C
Page: 286
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
24. One advantage of virtual groups is that they __________.
a. encourage the building of strong relationships
b. level status differences between members
c. promote member commitment and accountability
d. allow for the development of strong leadership
e. provide a results-driven structure for the group
Answer: B
Page: 272
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
25. According to research, which leadership style is most highly correlated with success?
a. Authoritarian
b. Democratic
c. Nominal
d. Laissez-faire
e. Situational
Answer: B
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
26. Which of the following best characterizes the difference between nominal and emergent
leadership?
a. Nominal leaders tend to be transactional operators, while emergent leaders tend to be
transformational leaders.
b. Emergent leaders use democratic leadership styles, while nominal leaders use
authoritarian leadership styles.
c. Nominal leaders have greater power than emergent leaders.
d. Emergent leaders gain influence as a result of circumstance, while nominal leaders gain
influence through their title.
e. Nominal leaders have more task-oriented leadership traits, while emergent leaders have
greater social skills.
Answer: D
Page: 287; 290
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Leadership and Communication
27. Which of the following is true about power?
a. Power is something that an individual possesses.
b. Power can only negatively influence outcomes.
c. Power is always corrupting.
d. Power can only be possessed by group leaders.
e. Power is conferred by the group.
Answer: E
Page: 292
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Followership and Communication
28. A person who is officially designated as being in charge of a group is a __________.
a. nominal leader
b. expert leader
c. coercive leader
d. referent leader
e. situational leader
Answer: A
Page: 290
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Followership and Communication
29. If you were a transformational leader, your first priority would be __________.
a. yourself
b. the project
c. your team members
d. your supervisor
e. the organization
Answer: E
Page: 286
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Leadership and Communication
30. A team player can be characterized as __________.
a. likable but not trustworthy
b. trustworthy and decisive
c. organized but not likeable
d. likable and trustworthy
e. decisive and organized
Answer: A
Page: 286
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
31. Which of the following behaviors will boost the odds of an individual emerging as the leader
of a group?
a. Engaging in task-oriented management
b. Being an effective follower
c. Resolving a disagreement
d. Acting aggressively
e. Being competitive with other members
Answer: C
Page: 288
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
32. Which type of follower is energetically and passionately engaged but sometimes has
difficulty compromising and getting along with others?
a. Participant
b. Activist
c. Isolate
d. Diehard
e. Bystander
Answer: B
Page: 289
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Followership and Communication
33. Joe listens as his group members argue about the deadline for their project. Some say their
supervisor set the deadline for May 1; others insist the deadline is April 15. Joe suddenly
interjects: “We’re spending way too much time arguing about this. Let’s figure it out and get
back to work.” What group role is Joe playing?
a. Energizer
b. Orienter
c. Diagnostician
d. Evaluator
e. Coordinator
Answer: A
Page: 277
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
34. The style in which the leader gives up the power to dictate, transforming the group into a
leaderless collection of equals, is called __________.
a. authoritarian leadership
b. laissez-faire leadership
c. situational leadership
d. democratic leadership
e. nominal leadership
Answer: B
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
35. Which type of power comes from a member’s ability to develop relationships that help the
group reach its goal?
a. Referent
b. Expert
c. Reward
d. Connection
e. Legitimate
Answer: D
Page: 290
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Followership and Communication
36. Ann spends a significant amount of time volunteering for a local homeless shelter. She even
missed her daughter’s dance recital to help out at a recent fundraising event. Ann would most
likely be considered a(n) __________.
a. activist
b. gatekeeper
c. transformational leader
d. diehard
e. isolate
Answer: D
Page: 289
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Followership and Communication
37. Effective followers __________.
a. do not question the leader
b. exert referent power
c. defer to the other powerful group members
d. have a high task orientation
e. think for themselves
Answer: E
Page: 288
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Followership and Communication
38. Every Friday, Brian delivers the week’s average sales figures to his direct supervisor. His
supervisor then gives the figures to the director, and the director gives the information to the
CFO. The people at Brian’s work interact through a __________.
a. wheel network
b. circle network
c. all-channel network
d. star network
e. chain network
Answer: E
Page: 275
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
39. Ari is a generous employer who truly values his workers. He is constantly praising the work
his employees do and finds many ways to show his appreciation. Needless to say, Ari’s
employees like him a lot. However, they don’t trust him. Ari does not like making decisions
and, therefore, often fails to take care of important problems. Additionally, Ari does not like
conflict and will often let his employees get away with inappropriate behavior on the job. Ari
would most likely be considered a __________.
a. team player
b. transformational leader
c. transactional operator
d. situational leader
e. gatekeeper
Answer: A
Page: 286
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Leadership and Communication
40. Which group role is willing to admit errors to maintain group harmony?
a. Follower
b. Deserter
c. Diagnostician
d. Conciliator
e. Harmonizer
Answer: D
Page: 278
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
41. The CEO of a company is usually appointed by its board of directors. As a result, most of the
CEO’s influence probably comes from his or her __________.
a. expert power
b. referent power
c. legitimate power
d. connection power
e. reward power
Answer: C
Page: 290
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Followership and Communication
42. Your team is highly disorganized and needs a leader. Since the rest of the team is
unqualified, you feel you’d be the best person to lead the team. However, there is another
team member vying for control. It’s obvious his leadership qualities are lacking. However,
many of the team members look up to him because he acts like he knows what he’s doing.
Which of the following strategies would be most effective in helping you emerge as team
leader?
a. Get your boss to support your bid for leadership.
b. Participate more in group decision-making.
c. Be more assertive and exert greater influence.
d. Openly disparage the qualifications of the other team member.
e. Get other team members to support you.
Answer: E
Page: 287-288
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Leadership and Communication
43. Celia is heading up the planning committee for a company-sponsored charity event. She
doesn’t really get along with the rest of the committee members. Furthermore, the committee
members do not have much experience with event planning. Which leadership style would
Celia probably want to utilize in this situation?
a. Relationship-oriented
b. Democratic
c. Authoritarian
d. Task-oriented
e. Laissez-faire
Answer: D
Page: 284
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Leadership and Communication
44. Samantha is the project manager. However, she has decided to allow her team members to
work under their own direction without interference. Which leadership style is Samantha
using?
a. Democratic
b. Nominal
c. Referent
d. Laissez-faire
e. Authoritarian
Answer: D
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Leadership and Communication
45. Consider the role the gatekeeper plays in a wheel network. Most of the gatekeeper’s
influence probably comes from his or her __________.
a. legitimate power
b. connection power
c. expert power
d. reward power
e. referent power
Answer: B
Page: 290
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Leadership and Communication/Followership and Communication
46. A democratic leader __________.
a. hands out orders and uses reward and punishment to motivate team members
b. gives up his power and allows team members to work independently
c. allows members to be involved in determining the direction of various projects
d. changes his or her leadership style to fit the situation
e. focuses exclusively on the effective and efficient completion of tasks
Answer: C
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: Leadership and Communication
47. Which type of leader would alter his or her leadership style as circumstances change?
a. Democratic
b. Laissez-faire
c. Transactional
d. Expert
e. Situational
Answer: E
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
48. Emergent leaders __________.
a. always have official titles
b. gain influence by being aggressive
c. appoint themselves
d. are chosen through a process of elimination
e. are appointed by higher-ups
Answer: D
Page: 287
Bloom’s: Remembering
A-head: Leadership and Communication
49. Which of the following best exemplifies a virtual group?
a. Managers from different states collaborate in person and through videoconferencing.
b. Four students work exclusively through e-mail to complete a class project.
c. Patients use an online support forum to discuss their health problems.
d. Bob and Amy use instant messaging to coordinate an event for work.
e. A group of friends teleconference to talk about a recent test they took.
Answer: B
Page: 272
Bloom’s: Understanding
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
50. Which type of leadership style would a team player most likely utilize?
a. Authoritarian
b. Laissez-faire
c. Nominal
d. Democratic
e. Situational
Answer: B
Page: 282
Bloom’s: Analyzing
A-head: Leadership and Communication
SHORT ANSWER
51. What is referent power and how does it differ from legitimate power?
Answer: Referent power comes from the respect, liking, and trust others have for a member.
Legitimate power, however, arises from the title one holds.
Page: 290-291
A-head: Followership and Communication
52. What is the difference between social norms, procedural norms, and task norms?
Answer: Social norms govern how we interact with each other. Procedural norms guide
operation and decision-making. Task norms govern how members get the job done.
Page: 274
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
53. What are two major advantages to virtual groups?
Answer: They allow teams to meet whenever necessary even if members are widely
separated. They level the status differences that can get in the way of effective functioning.
Page: 272
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams
54. What are the qualities of a transformational leader?
Answer: Transformational leaders respect the power of teamwork and positive morale. They
support and listen to team members. Nevertheless, their primary motivation is the mission of
the organization, and they are willing to make tough decisions when needed.
Page: 286
A-head: Leadership and Communication
55. What is the difference between formal and informal roles?
Answer: Formal roles are assigned by an organization or group partly to establish order.
Informal roles are rarely acknowledged by the group and are not formally assigned to group
members. Many roles may be filled by more than one member, and some of them may be
filled by different people at different times.
Page: 276
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
ESSAY
56. Define democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire leadership styles. What are the potential
advantages and disadvantages of each of these styles?
Main point: While there are different types of leadership styles, each one has its advantages
and disadvantages.
Answers must include:
a) Definitions of democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire leadership styles
b) Likely advantages of each leadership style. For instance, democratic leadership allows
input from all members and greater discussion; this can lead to higher-quality outcomes.
Authoritarian leadership can help get the job done quickly. Laissez-faire leaders give
power to the members; when members feel empowered, they may feel more motivated
and invested in their work.
c) Likely disadvantages of each leadership style. For instance, with democratic leadership, it
may take longer to reach decisions. Authoritarian leaders may not allow the contributions
of team members and extensive discussion of ideas; therefore, outcomes may not be as
good. Laissez-faire leaders give up leadership; a lack of leadership may leave the group
without direction and they may not get anything done.
Answers may include:
a) Discussion of the leadership grid
b) Relationship between leadership traits and the above leadership styles
c) Comparison of the above leadership styles to situational leadership
Page: 282
A-head: Leadership and Communication
57. Discuss the difference between an all-channel network, a wheel network, and a chain
network. In which types of situations might you want to use each of these networks to
communicate? Be specific and provide examples to illustrate, if necessary.
Main point: One may need to use different patterns of interaction to successfully
communicate in specific types of situations.
Answers must include:
a) Definition and accurate example of an all-channel network. For example, for support
groups to be effective, each member needs to have direct access to the thoughts and
feelings of other group members.
b) Definition and accurate example of a wheel network. For example, you may need to use a
wheel network when relationships in a group are strained. The gatekeeper acts as a
mediator between members.
c) Definition and accurate example of a chain network. For example, you may use a chain
network when you want to deliver simple verbal messages or circulate important written
information among members, or when it's important that people higher in the chain-ofcommand deliver messages directly to their subordinates.
Answers may include:
a) How the gatekeeper functions in the wheel network
b) Discussion of sociograms
c) How physical arrangement impacts an interaction
Page: 275-276
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
58. Discuss the differences between individual goals and group goals. How can individual goals
positively or negatively affect group goals? Provide a detailed example of a group situation
where your individual goals affected the group goal.
Main point: Individual goals can significantly impact group goals and group functioning.
Answers must include:
a) Explanation of the difference between individual goals and group goals
b) Individual goals positively impact group goals if an individual’s motive coincides with
the group goals (e.g., a student who wants a good grade will help the team excel).
Individual goals negatively impact group goals if an individual’s motive conflicts with
group goals (e.g., a student is apathetic and engages in social loafing, which forces the
group to take on more work, making it more difficult to achieve group goals).
c) Accurate and detailed example of a time when the student’s individual goals interfered
with group goals
Answers may include:
a) Discussion of hidden agendas
b) Explanation of the different types of group goals
c) Impact of other characteristics on group goals (e.g., norms and rules, roles, etc.)
Page: 273
A-head: Goals of Groups and their Members
59. Discuss the differences between task, social, and dysfunctional roles. Identify and describe
one task role, one social role, and one dysfunctional role. What are three role-related
problems and how can they negatively impact group functioning?
Main point: Adequate presence of different types of group roles is essential to effective group
functioning.
Answers must include:
a) Difference between task, social, and dysfunctional roles
b) Description of one task role (e.g., coordinator), one social role (e.g., harmonizer), and one
dysfunctional role (e.g., joker)
c) Three role-related problems (roles go unfulfilled, overabundance of roles, role fixation)
d) Explanation of how role-related problems negatively impact group functioning. (When
roles go unfulfilled, group productivity and functioning may be hindered; conflict may
escalate, information may not be available, and things may not get done. When too many
people want to play one specific role, it can lead to unstated competitiveness between
members. When people play one role, they will neglect filling other roles; members who
play the same role all of the time lack competence and can hinder the group.)
Answers may include:
a) More than one example of each type of role
b) Solutions for role-related problems
c) Explanation of formal and informal roles
Page: 276-280
A-head: Characteristics of Groups and Teams
60. What is a group? Identify and explain the four factors that define a group. How can these
factors affect group functioning?
Main point: A collective of people is not automatically considered a group. To be considered
a group, certain factors need to be present.
Answers must include:
a) Definition of a group according to the textbook
b) Collective must have interaction. Individuals must communicate and exchange
information. Interaction makes it possible to for groups to work together and achieve
goals.
c) Collective must have interdependence. The behavior of one person affects others in the
group. When one member behaves poorly, his or her actions negatively shape the way the
group functions.
d) Collective must be together for a substantial period of time. Working together for a
substantial period of time helps a group develop a sense of identity and history. Having a
stronger identity and history may improve their effectiveness.
e) Collective must be on the smaller side. In small groups, members have the ability to
interact with each other more directly. In larger groups, it’s harder to schedule meetings,
there is less access to important information, and there are fewer chances to participate.
Answers may include:
a) Discussion of how goals impact group functioning
b) Discussion of the characteristics of groups (e.g., patterns of interaction, rules and norms)
c) Discussion of how interaction, interdependence, time, and size relate to virtual groups
Page: 269-270
A-head: The Nature of Groups and Teams