Chapter 13 Creating and Managing Teams

Management, 14e (Robbins/Coulter)
Chapter 13 Creating and Managing Teams
1) It is Black Friday. Several people are waiting outside the popular electronics store for
someone to unlock the doors. These people constitute a(n) ________.
A) formal group
B) informal group
C) social group
D) crowd
Answer: D
Diff: 3
AACSB: Application of knowledge; Interpersonal relations and teamwork
Learning Obj: LO 13.1: Define groups and the stages of group development
Classification: Application
2) Which of the following is an example of a formal group?

A) people who assemble in the company library to read
B) a group of employees attending a colleague's wedding
C) a functional department in an organization
D) a group of employees who meet after work to play basketball
Answer: C
Diff: 2
3) Groups that are determined by the organization chart and composed of individuals who report
directly to a given manager are called ________.
A) command groups
B) task groups
C) cross-functional teams
D) self-managed teams
Answer: A
Diff: 2
AACSB: Reflective thinking; Interpersonal relations and teamwork
Classification: Concept
1
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Education, Inc.
4) David supervises a group of employees who work towards achieving organizational goals.
This group can be called a ________.
A) self-managed team
B) task group
C) command group
D) cross-functional team
Answer: C
Diff: 3
5) Every summer ABC Corp. hosts a picnic for employees and their families. The group that
plans and makes all the arrangements for this event would be called a ________.
A) self-managed team
B) task group
C) command group
D) cross-functional team
Answer: B
Diff: 2
6) Which one of the following refers to independent formal groups whose members, in addition
to their regular jobs, take on traditional managerial responsibilities, such as hiring, planning and
scheduling, and evaluating performance?
A) command groups
B) task groups
C) self-managed teams
D) cross-functional teams
Answer: C
Diff: 2
2
7) Which one of the following stages in group development involves defining the group's
structure and leadership?
A) norming
B) storming
C) performing
D) forming
Answer: D
Diff: 2
8) The first group meeting is in progress. The five attendees are exchanging contact information
and getting acquainted. This group is in the ________ stage.
A) forming
B) norming
C) storming
D) performing
Answer: A
Diff: 2
9) The ________ stage in the group development process is complete when members begin to
think of themselves as part of a group.
A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing
Answer: A
Diff: 2
10) During the ________ stage of the group development process, a relatively clear hierarchy of
leadership and agreement on the group's direction emerge.
A) forming
B) storming
C) norming
D) performing
Answer: B
Diff: 2
3
11) It became clear that both Cathy and Simon felt they should lead the group. Other group
members began aligning themselves with one or the other. This group is in the ________ stage.
A) forming
B) norming
C) storming
D) performing
Answer: C
Diff: 2
12) For a new project, Eldon forms a team of individuals from various functional departments.
After a few days Eldon observes conflicts within the group over who will control it and what the
group needs to be doing. This team is now in the ________ stage of group development.
A) storming
B) forming
C) performing
D) norming
Answer: A
Diff: 2
13) Group A has been meeting for one month and is having some difficulty appointing its leader.
At least three individuals are qualified to keep the group's focus on its objectives, but the group
has yet to decide which person will lead. Group A is at the ________ stage.
A) forming
B) performing
C) storming
D) norming
Answer: C
Diff: 2
4
14) The ________ stage of the group development process is one in which close relationships
develop and the group becomes cohesive.
A) norming
B) forming
C) storming
D) performing
Answer: A
Diff: 1
15) In this meeting, the group is discussing a code of conduct to be observed by all members,
such as arriving on time and not interrupting the speaker. This group is in the ________ stage.
A) forming
B) norming
C) storming
D) performing
Answer: B
Diff: 2
16) The ________ stage of group development is complete when the group structure solidifies
and the group has assimilated a common set of expectations of what defines correct member
behavior.
A) storming
B) forming
C) performing
D) norming
Answer: D
Diff: 1
5
17) Group C has been meeting for two months and seems to be progressing extremely well. You
observe that the group meets every morning and spends the first five minutes chatting. They then
review the decisions of the last meeting followed by a discussion on the status of their current
tasks. Group C is currently at the ________ stage.
A) norming
B) performing
C) storming
D) adjourning
Answer: B
Diff: 2
18) In which stage of group development does the group focus its attention on wrapping up
activities instead of task performance?
A) storming
B) adjourning
C) forming
D) norming
Answer: B
Diff: 1
19) Group D has been working on developing a product which is now ready to hit the market.
The group members are happy about the work they've done on this product. The focus has now
shifted from productivity to tying up loose ends. Group D is at the ________ stage.
A) forming
B) performing
C) norming
D) adjourning
Answer: D
Diff: 2
6
20) Which one of the following is considered to be the last stage of group development for
permanent work groups?
A) performing
B) norming
C) storming
D) adjourning
Answer: A
Diff: 1
21) Formal groups are work groups that are defined by the organization's structure and have
designated work assignments and specific tasks directed at accomplishing organizational goals.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
22) Task groups are permanent teams that take on special projects.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
23) Self-managed teams function in an independent and informal manner.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
24) In the group development process, the forming stage is complete when members begin to
think of themselves as part of a group.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
7
25) Under some conditions, high levels of conflict are conducive to high levels of group
performance.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
26) Describe the differences between formal and informal groups, giving examples of each.
Answer: Formal groups are work groups defined by the organization's structure and have
designated work assignments and specific tasks directed at accomplishing organizational goals.
Four different types are command and task groups, and cross-functional and self-managed teams.
Informal groups are social groups that occur naturally in the workplace and tend to form around
friendships and common interests. For example, employees from different departments who
regularly each lunch together are an informal group.
Diff: 3
AACSB: Reflective thinking; Written and oral communication; Interpersonal relations and
teamwork
8
27) List and discuss the five stages of group development.
Answer: Research shows that groups pass through a standard sequence of five stages. These five
stages are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
a. The first stage, forming, has two aspects. First, people join the group either because of a work
assignment, in the case of a formal group, or for some other benefit desired (such as status, self-
esteem, affiliation, power, or security), in the case of an informal group. Once the group's
membership is in place, the second part of the forming stage begins: the task of defining the
group's purpose, structure, and leadership. This phase is characterized by a great deal of
uncertainty. Members are "testing the waters" to determine what types of behavior are
acceptable. This stage is complete when members begin to think of themselves as part of a
group.
b. The storming stage is one of intragroup conflict. There is conflict over who will control the
group. When this stage is complete, there will be a relatively clear hierarchy of leadership within
the group and agreement on the group's direction.
c. The third stage is one in which close relationships develop and the group demonstrates
cohesiveness. There's now a strong sense of group identity and camaraderie. This norming stage
is complete when the group structure solidifies and the group has assimilated a common set of
expectations of what defines correct member behavior.
d. The fourth stage is performing. The group structure at this point is fully functional and
accepted. Group energy has moved from getting to know and understand each other to
performing the task at hand. Performing is the last stage in the development of permanent work
groups. Temporary groups-such as committees, task forces, and similar groups-that have a
limited task to perform have a fifth stage, adjourning.
e. In the adjourning stage, the group prepares to disband. High levels of task performance are no
longer the group's top priority. Instead, attention is directed at wrapping up activities. Responses
of group members vary at this stage. Some are upbeat, basking in the group's accomplishments.
Others may be saddened by the loss of camaraderie and friendships gained during the work
group's life.
Diff: 3
teamwork
9
28) Employees were paid and evaluated based on quantity of output so it expected the
continuous improvement team to meet during the two daily 15-minute breaks. The only space
available for these meetings was the noisy breakroom. Then management wondered why the
group was not producing results. The most likely reason is ________
A) a lack of resources within the group
B) external conditions imposed on the group
C) a poor strategy for managing quality
D) a lack of group cohesiveness
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Learning Obj: LO 13.2: Describe the major components that determine group performance and
satisfaction
29) Students often complain that having to work with assigned teammates results in a poorer
group project. They are complaining about a(n) ________.
A) external condition
B) internal condition
C) group member resource
D) group task
Answer: A
Diff: 3
satisfaction
30) Which of the following personality traits is negatively related to group productivity and
morale?
A) unconventionality
B) self-reliance
C) independence
D) sociability
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
10
31) Whenever one of her group got within ten feet of her, Christine chirped, "Oh good! You've
come to help me." This group is likely to have low productivity because ________.
A) Christine lacks sociability
B) Christine lacks self-reliance
C) Christine possesses authoritarianism
D) Christine is unconventional
Answer: B
Diff: 3
satisfaction
32) This group should have worked well together. Each of them had at least five years seniority
and had scored well on past performance evaluations. They all knew what needed to be done.
But it seemed they were always in disagreement about something. This group probably lacked
________.
A) communication skills
B) independence
C) conflict resolution skills
D) sociability
Answer: C
Diff: 3
satisfaction
33) A pattern of behavior expected of someone occupying a given position in a social unit is
called a ________.
A) role
B) status
C) norm
D) persona
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
11
34) When Fred's department head explained what was expected of him as a new professor in
terms of maintaining discipline in his classroom and providing students with a challenging
course, he was referring to Fred's ________ at the university.
A) role
B) status
C) obligations
D) authority
Answer: A
Diff: 3
satisfaction
35) The acceptable standards or expectations that are shared by a group's members are referred to
as ________.
A) affiliations
B) norms
C) criteria
D) morals
Answer: B
Diff: 1
satisfaction
36) Samantha is a single mom and the administrative assistant for the marketing department. Her
son's soccer games begin right after school so Samantha often has to choose between supporting
her son at his games and working. Samantha is experiencing role ________.
A) overload
B) ambiguity
C) conflict
D) clarity
Answer: C
Diff: 2
satisfaction
12
37) "Slow down, Mary. You're making us all look bad." These comments likely came from a
worker concerned about ________.
A) group roles
B) group norms
C) groupthink
D) social loafing
Answer: B
Diff: 3
satisfaction
Classification: Application; Analytical
38) Which one of the following is a negative aspect of group norms?

A) Being part of a group has the ability to increase an individual's antisocial actions.
B) The most widespread norms are those related to dress codes.
C) Groups become dysfunctional when they maintain strict norms.
D) Norms do not influence employees' performance.
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
39) Asch's experiment, which used lines of varying lengths to test group behavior, has shown the
existence of ________.
A) group norms
B) workplace conformity
C) social loafing
D) role conflicts
Answer: B
Diff: 2
satisfaction
13
40) Her instincts told her the group was heading in a very wrong direction but Natalie didn't want
to cause a scene by disagreeing, especially when she was apparently the only one with
reservations. Natalie has succumbed to ________.
A) group norms
B) social loafing
C) groupthink
D) groupshift
Answer: C
Diff: 3
satisfaction
41) The reluctance of George's group mates to voice their opposition to several issues in order to
maintain group harmony is an example of ________.
A) social loafing
B) group norms
C) groupshift
D) groupthink
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
42) Which one of the following refers to a prestige grading, position, or rank within a group?
A) role
B) status
C) stature
D) membership
Answer: B
Diff: 2
satisfaction
14
43) Age, skill, and experience are examples of ________.
A) formal status categories
B) informal status categories
C) internal status categories
D) external status categories
Answer: B
Diff: 2
satisfaction
44) Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding status systems?

A) Anything can have status value if others in the group evaluate it that way.
B) Status is a weak employee motivator even though it has behavioral consequences.
C) Status can only be formally conferred on individuals.
D) Status systems are independent of aspects such as prestige and grading.
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
45) She was the matriarch of the department, the most senior employee. She always sat
immediately to the right of the manager in all department meetings. No one dared take her chair.
That chair was a symbol of her ________.
A) importance
B) age
C) status
D) seniority
Answer: C
Diff: 3
satisfaction
15
46) ________ occurs when a supervisor earns less than his or her subordinates.
A) Informal status
B) Role conflict
C) Role ambiguity
D) Status incongruence
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
47) In comparison to large groups, small groups ________.

A) have shorter group tenure
B) are faster at completing tasks
C) have longer norming processes
D) are better at obtaining diverse input
Answer: B
Diff: 2
satisfaction
48) Large groups consistently get better results than smaller ones when the group is involved in
________.
A) getting things done
B) routine tasks
C) problem solving
D) long-term projects
Answer: C
Diff: 2
satisfaction
16
49) Individuals have the tendency to expend less effort when working collectively than when
working individually. Which one of the following concepts relates most closely to this behavior?
A) social loafing
B) role conflict
C) role ambiguity
D) nonconformity
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
50) Stacey was invited to become a member of the class project team because the other members
knew she had a high GPA and worked hard on all her individual assignments. Although the other
members worked diligently to complete their parts, Stacey was not giving her best effort to this
team. Which of the following is a possible explanation for Stacey's behavior?
A) social loafing
B) status incongruence
C) role ambiguity
D) group cohesiveness
Answer: A
Diff: 3
satisfaction
51) Which one of the following suggestions will help reduce the effect of social loafing in
groups?
A) clearly identify individual responsibilities and efforts in the group outcome
B) provide group rewards instead of individual rewards
C) increase the overall size of the group
D) form homogeneous groups to increase group cohesiveness
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
17
52) A lot is riding on the success of this project. All nine members will share in the rewards. But
Ted just doesn't have time to complete his assignment so he rationalizes that no one outside the
group will know what he did or did not do anyway. Ted is engaged in ________.
A) nonconventionality
B) group norms
C) groupthink
D) social loafing
Answer: D
Diff: 3
satisfaction
53) This group really clicked. They got along well both professionally and socially. While at
work they focused on work. This group is likely to experience ________ in productivity.
A) a strong increase
B) a moderate increase
C) no change
D) a decrease
Answer: A
Diff: 3
satisfaction
54) Group cohesiveness is most likely to produce strong increases in productivity when
________.
A) cohesiveness reduces internal strife
B) the group's goals align with the organization's goals
C) it reduces social loafing in the group
D) group members respect and uphold the group norms
Answer: B
Diff: 3
satisfaction
18
55) Which one of the following statements is true about group decision making?
A) It generates more complete information and knowledge.
B) It takes less time to reach a solution than it would an individual.
C) It prevents any one minority from dominating or influencing the final decision.
D) It is most suitable for matters that need to be critically evaluated.
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
56) Which one of the following is true about group decision making?
A) Groups tend to foster equal participation in decision making.
B) The pressure to conform is low when working in groups.
C) Groups take more time to arrive at a decision.
D) Groups usually make decisions based on incomplete information.
Answer: C
Diff: 2
satisfaction
57) Which one of the following is true about the effectiveness of individual decision making
over group decision making?
A) Individual decisions tend to be more accurate.
B) Individual decisions are better when dealing with complex issues.
C) Individuals tend to be more creative than groups.
D) Individual decisions are made faster than group decisions
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
19
58) The ________ view of conflict management argues that conflicts must be avoided as it
indicates a problem within the group.
A) human relations
B) traditional
C) interactionist
D) obstructionist
Answer: B
Diff: 2
satisfaction
59) Celine feels that the form of marketing their company is using isn't working anymore. Merle
disagrees vehemently. Those in the company who view the conflict over the marketing strategy
as bad and harmful have a(n) ________ view of conflict.
A) human relations
B) relational
C) traditional
D) interactionist
Answer: C
Diff: 2
satisfaction
60) Daniela and Navaro disagree on the best way to promote a new product. Those in the
company who view the conflict over the promotion strategy as natural and inevitable have a(n)
________ view of conflict.
A) human relations
B) reactionist
C) traditional
D) interactionist
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
20
61) Odill intentionally included in his team individuals with opposing views, believing that a
variety of opinions made for better decisions. Odill has a(n) ________ view of conflict.
A) human relations
B) liberal
C) traditional
D) interactionist
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
62) The ________ of conflict management argues that some conflict is absolutely necessary for
effective organizational performance.
A) traditional view
B) reactionist view
C) human relations view
D) interactionist view
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
63) The type of conflicts that support group goals and improve performance are called ________
conflicts.
A) planned
B) dysfunctional
C) natural
D) functional
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
21
64) ________ conflict relates to the content and goals of the work.
A) Task
B) Role
C) Relationship
D) Work
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
65) The group could not agree on what needed to be done. Some thought they were to research
and present data; others thought they were to make recommendations. This is an example of
________ conflict.
A) process
B) task
C) relationship
D) functional
Answer: B
Diff: 3
satisfaction
66) Which one of the following types of conflict is based on how the work gets done?
A) process conflict
B) relationship conflict
C) task conflict
D) role conflict
Answer: A
Diff: 1
satisfaction
22
67) Michael thought they should start by reviewing what had been done in the past. Michelle
thought they should study the current situation first. This is an example of ________ conflict.
A) process
B) procedural
C) task
D) functional
Answer: A
Diff: 3
AACSB: Application of knowledge; Analytical thinking; Interpersonal relations and teamwork
satisfaction
68) Which one of the following types of conflict is most likely to be dysfunctional?
A) status conflict
B) relationship conflict
C) process conflict
D) task conflict
Answer: B
Diff: 2
satisfaction
69) Molly is a party animal, loud, friendly, bluntly outspoken. Megan is quiet, tactful, and clearly
disapproving of Molly's lifestyle. It's no wonder the two do not work well together. This is a type
of ________ conflict.
A) task
B) process
C) relationship
D) interpersonal
Answer: C
Diff: 3
satisfaction
23
70) A low-to-moderate level of task conflict consistently has a positive effect on group
performance. What is the reason for this?
A) It stimulates discussion of ideas that help groups be more innovative.
B) It helps the organization identify employee skills gaps.
C) It helps groups to alter the nature of the work according to the individual needs of team
members.
D) It helps groups members identify their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
71) In which one of the following conflict resolution techniques are conflicts resolved by seeking
an advantageous solution for all the parties involved?
A) collaborating
B) compromising
C) forcing
D) accommodating
Answer: A
Diff: 2
satisfaction
72) Conflicts can be resolved by withdrawing from them or suppressing them. This conflict
management technique is known as ________.
A) compromising
B) yielding
C) accommodating
D) avoiding
Answer: D
Diff: 2
satisfaction
24
73) The typical interaction between a buyer and seller of a car in which offers are made and
countered is an example of ________.
A) collaborating
B) forcing
C) compromising
D) accommodating
Answer: C
Diff: 3
satisfaction
74) A group's performance potential depends to a large extent on the individual resources its
members bring to the group.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
AACSB: Reflective thinking
satisfaction
75) A group's performance potential depends, to a large extent, on the individual resources its
members bring to the group.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
76) An individual's role in a group is not defined by the internal structure of the group.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
77) When Sam draws the group's attention back to the topic of discussion related to the group's
purpose, he is performing a satisfaction role
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
25
78) One negative aspect about group norms is that being part of a group can increase an
individual's antisocial actions.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
79) Groupthink occurs only when group members have a negative image of the group or the
leader.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
80) Groupthink has the ability to undermine critical thinking in the group and harm the quality of
decision making.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
81) Recent experiments indicate conformity levels in groups has increased since Asch's studies.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
satisfaction
82) Status can be a significant motivator with behavioral consequences when individuals and
others perceive the individual's status similarly.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
satisfaction
26
83) Status incongruence can cause employees to decline to seek promotions.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
satisfaction
84) Informal status is not as important as status conferred by the organization.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
satisfaction
85) Small groups consistently get better results than larger ones when the groups are engaged in
problem solving.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
86) Social loafing is the tendency for an individual to expend less effort when working
collectively than when working individually.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
87) The human relations view of conflict holds that conflict must be avoided because it indicates
a problem within the group.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
satisfaction
27
88) Strategies such as avoidance, forcing, and compromise are used to resolve high conflict
levels.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
89) A manager attempts to resolve a conflict by seeking an advantageous solution for all the
parties involved. This conflict management technique is called accommodating.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
satisfaction
90) The more complex the task, the more a group benefits from group discussion about
alternative work methods.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
satisfaction
28
91) Describe various aspects of group structure.
Answer:
a. Roles refer to behavior patterns expected of someone occupying a given position in a social
unit. In a work group, these roles tend to be oriented toward either task accomplishment or
toward maintaining group member satisfaction.
b. Norms are standards or expectations that are accepted and shared by a group's members and
that dictate work output levels, absenteeism, promptness, and the amount of socializing allowed
on the job. Common organizational norms focus on effort and performance, dress, and loyalty.
c. Because individuals want to be accepted by groups to which they belong, they're susceptible to
conformity pressures. As group members we often want to be considered one of the group and to
avoid being visibly different. So we conform. When an individual's opinion of objective data
differs significantly from that of others in the group, the group often exerts extensive pressure on
the individual to align his or her opinion to conform to others' opinions, a phenomenon known as
groupthink.
d. Status systems are an important factor in understanding behavior. They're a significant
motivator and have behavioral consequences when individuals see a disparity between what they
perceive their status to be and what others perceive it to be.
e. If the goal of the group is to find facts, a larger group of a dozen or more members should be
more effective. Smaller groups of seven or fewer are better at doing something productive with
those facts. One important finding related to group size is social loafing, the tendency for an
individual to expend less effort when working collectively than when working individually.
f. Group cohesiveness, the degree to which members are attracted to a group and share the
group's goals, is important because it has been found to be related to a group's productivity.
g. Group processes concern such things as communication, decision making, conflict
management, etc. These processes influence group performance and satisfaction.
Diff: 3
teamwork
satisfaction
92) Robert is the CEO of a manufacturing plant. He believes that smaller teams are more
effective than larger ones. Do you think this is the right strategy? Why or why not?
Answer: Group size affects performance and satisfaction, but the effect depends on what the
group is supposed to accomplish. Smaller teams would be effective for regular tasks that require
control. Research indicates that small groups are faster at completing tasks than are larger ones.
However, for groups engaged in problem solving, large groups consistently get better results
than smaller ones. Larger teams are preferred if the team needs diverse output. Smaller teams are
preferred otherwise.
Diff: 3
AACSB: Written and oral communication; Application of knowledge; Interpersonal relations
and teamwork
satisfaction
29
93) Identify the advantages and disadvantages of group decision making.
Answer: Advantages
a. Generate more complete information and knowledge: A group brings a diversity of experience
and perspectives to the decision process that an individual cannot.
b. More diverse alternatives: Because groups have a greater amount and diversity of information,
they can identify more diverse alternatives than an individual.
c. Increased acceptance of a solution: Group members are reluctant to fight or undermine a
decision they have helped develop.
d. Increased legitimacy: Decisions made by groups may be perceived as being more legitimate
than decisions made unilaterally by one person.
Disadvantages
a. Time consuming: Groups almost always take more time to reach a solution than it would take
an individual.
b. Minority domination: The inequality of group members creates the opportunity for one or
more members to dominate others. A dominant and vocal minority frequently can have an
excessive influence on the final decision.
c. Pressures to conform: Groupthink undermines critical thinking in the group and eventually
harms the quality of the final decision.
d. Ambiguous responsibility: Group members share responsibility, but the responsibility of any
single member is diluted.
Diff: 3
teamwork
satisfaction
94) An organization must eliminate conflicts to be successful. Do you agree with this statement?
Justify your answer.
Answer: Not all conflicts are bad. Some conflicts, functional conflicts, are constructive and
support the goals of the work group and improve its performance. Other conflicts, dysfunctional
conflicts, are destructive and prevent a group from achieving its goals. Hence, an ideal strategy
for a manager would be to eliminate dysfunctional conflicts and to promote functional conflicts.
Diff: 3
AACSB: Written and oral communication; Analytical thinking; Interpersonal relations and
teamwork
satisfaction
Classification: Analytical
30
95) A team has been established to solve a problem with an industrial adhesive used by the firm.
The three members are the installer, an engineer, and the sales representative for the adhesive
manufacturer, but the team does not have a specific leader. This team can be called a ________
team.
A) problem solving
B) self-managed
C) virtual
D) functional
Answer: B
Diff: 3
AACSB: Application of knowledge
Learning Obj: LO 13.3: Define teams and best practices influencing team performance
96) Research evidence suggests that teams typically outperform individuals when ________.
A) one or more members are allowed to dominate the other team members
B) projects are short-term and need quick solutions
C) tasks require multiple skills, judgment, and experience
D) tasks are simple and do not involve critical thinking
Answer: C
Diff: 2
97) ________ interact primarily to share information and to make decisions to help each member
do his or her job more efficiently and effectively.
A) Informal groups
B) Work groups
C) Work teams
D) Self-managed teams
Answer: B
Diff: 2
98) A work group ________.

A) encourages open-ended discussions and active problem-solving meetings
B) works intensely on a specific goal using their positive synergy
C) measures performance directly by assessing collective work outputs
D) has no need or opportunity to engage in collective work that requires joint effort
Answer: D
Diff: 2
31
99) A work team ________.
A) focuses on efficiency rather than collaboration
B) has shared leadership roles
C) measures performance based on its influence on others
D) cannot be quickly refocused or disbanded
Answer: B
Diff: 3
100) ________ are teams from the same department or functional area involved in efforts to
improve work activities, though they are rarely given the authority to implement any of their
suggested actions.
A) Self-managed teams
B) Problem-solving teams
C) Virtual teams
D) Cross-functional teams
Answer: B
Diff: 1
101) Jan's department seems to be a bottleneck in the assembly process. She and her coworkers
have been meeting regularly to generate ideas that might eliminate the bottleneck. Jan and her
coworkers are part of a ________ team.
A) self-managed
B) problem-solving
C) task
D) cross-functional
Answer: B
Diff: 3
32
102) Five employees on the production line working together determine which person is
performing which tasks, who becomes a member of the team, and what resources are needed to
accomplish the work. These employees do not have a specific leader. These employees comprise
a ________ team.
A) problem solving
B) self-managed
C) virtual
D) functional
Answer: B
Diff: 3
103) Strato Engineering, a technology product company, formed a team to develop the next
generation of the company's model CVF-D. The team is composed of employees from various
functional areas. This is a ________ team.
A) problem-solving
B) self-managed
C) virtual
D) cross-functional
Answer: D
Diff: 2
104) An organization brings together members from various departments such as marketing,
accounting, human resources, and finance to form a team. This is an example of a ________
team.
A) cross-functional
B) problem-solving
C) self-managed
D) functional
Answer: A
Diff: 2
33
105) Team 3 has been working together for several years, implementing modifications to the
company's current product. None of the members of this team are at the same location. They
utilize a variety of graphic-electronic technologies to view the product onscreen in three-
dimension at each location simultaneously. Which one of the following is the best way of
describing Team 3?
A) problem-solving
B) self-managed
C) virtual
D) cross-functional
Answer: C
Diff: 2
106) It was amazing the team accomplished anything at all. It seemed they were always
bickering and cross with each other, but their final output stunned management. Which one of
the following might have contributed to their success?
A) intrinsic rewards
B) Type A personalities
C) clear goals
D) identical skills
Answer: C
Diff: 3
107) Utilimotors decided teams would help improve employee morale and increase profitability
so all employees were assigned to one of many different teams. The results were disappointing.
This might be because team ________.
A) performance was improperly measured
B) goals were clearly conveyed
C) composition included the relevant mix of skills.
D) members lacked commitment
Answer: D
Diff: 3
34
108) Leadership is very important to effective teams. In most cases, effective team leaders act as
________.
A) supervisors
B) regulators
C) controllers
D) facilitators
Answer: D
Diff: 2
109) An incentive system which appropriately recognizes team activities is an example of which
one of the following characteristics of effective teams?
A) internal support
B) unified commitment
C) performance evaluation
D) external support
Answer: A
Diff: 2
110) Research suggests that individuals outperform teams when the tasks being done require
multiple skills, judgment, and experience.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
111) One important distinction between a work group and a work team is the degree of
interdependence among the members.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
112) Work teams interact primarily to share information and to make decisions to help each
member do his or her job more efficiently and effectively.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
35
113) A problem-solving team brings together experts in various specialties to work together on
various organizational tasks.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
114) A self-managed team is a formal group of employees who operate without a manager and
are responsible for a complete work process or segment.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
115) A team that uses technology to link physically dispersed members in order to achieve a
common goal is called a virtual team.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
AACSB: Reflective thinking; Information technology; Interpersonal relations and teamwork
36
116) List and describe the four most common types of teams likely to be found in today's
organizations.
Answer:
a. Problem-solving teams-these teams are teams from the same department or functional area
who are involved in efforts to improve work activities or to solve specific problems. In problem-
solving teams, members share ideas or offer suggestions on how work processes and methods
can be improved. However, these teams are rarely given the authority to unilaterally implement
any of their suggested actions.
b. Self-managed teams-these teams are formal groups of employees who operate without a
manager and are responsible for a complete work process or segment. The self-managed team is
responsible for getting the work done and for managing themselves. This usually includes
planning and scheduling of work, assigning tasks to members, collective control over the pace of
work, making operating decisions, and taking action on problems.
c. Cross-functional teams-these teams are a hybrid grouping of individuals who are experts in
various specialties and who work together on various tasks.
d. Virtual teams-these are teams that use computer technology to link physically dispersed
members in order to achieve a common goal. In a virtual team, members collaborate using
communication links such as wide area networks, videoconferencing, fax, e-mail, or even Web
sites where the team can hold online conferences. Virtual teams can do all the things that other
teams can–share information, make decisions, and complete tasks; however, they miss the
normal give-and-take of face-to-face discussions. Because of this omission, virtual teams tend to
be more task oriented, especially if the team members have never personally met.
Diff: 3
teamwork
117) Which one of the following is a drawback of global teams?

A) They generate only a small pool of ideas when faced with problems.
B) They do not foster the appreciation of multiple perspectives.
C) They are characterized by greater potential for stereotyping.
D) They are highly susceptible to groupthink.
Answer: C
Diff: 2
AACSB: Diverse and multicultural work environments; Reflective thinking; Interpersonal
relations and teamwork
Learning Obj: LO 13.4: Discuss contemporary issues in managing teams
37
118) Which one of the following is a benefit of global teams?
A) Communication problems are less likely in global teams.
B) Global teams usually have a greater diversity of ideas.
C) There is a greater trust among team members.
D) Stress and tension are uncommon in global teams.
Answer: B
Diff: 2
AACSB: Diverse and multicultural work environments; Reflective thinking; Interpersonal
relations and teamwork
119) Research on conformity suggests that ________.

A) conformity is a culture-bound behavior
B) conformity tends to be higher in individualistic cultures
C) conformity is a major problem in global teams
D) conformity is higher in larger organizations
Answer: A
Diff: 1
AACSB: Diverse and multicultural work environments; Interpersonal relations and teamwork
120) Which one of the following countries is most likely to assign status based on
accomplishments rather than on titles and family history?
A) China
B) Australia
C) Brazil
D) India
Answer: B
Diff: 1
121) Which one of the following is true about social loafing?

A) It is a common phenomenon in collectivist cultures.
B) It is more common in cultures that are dominated by self-interest.
C) It is viewed as a positive characteristic in some cultures.
D) It rarely occurs in Western cultures.
Answer: B
Diff: 1
38
122) A social network structure refers to ________.
A) the informal connections among individuals within groups
B) the formal norms and rules of a group that members must abide by
C) the extent of diversity in a formal group
D) the varying skills and knowledge that the members of a group posses
Answer: A
Diff: 1
123) Global teams are associated with high levels of groupthink.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
124) Social loafing is consistent with collectivist cultures.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
125) In global teams, cohesiveness is often more difficult to achieve because of higher levels of
mistrust, miscommunication, and stress.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
126) Research suggests a multicultural global team has difficulties capitalizing on the diversity
of ideas it generates.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
39
127) As the use of teams at work continues to increase, managers must become coaches who
teach the skills of team membership.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
128) Teams with high levels of interconnectedness attain their goals better.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
129) Discuss the major issues associated with group structure in global teams.
Answer: Some of the structural areas where we see differences in managing global teams
include conformity, status, social loafing, and cohesiveness. Research suggests that Asch's
findings are culture-bound. Despite this, however, groupthink tends to be less of a problem in
global teams because members are less likely to feel pressured to conform to the ideas,
conclusions, and decisions of the group. The importance of status varies between cultures.
Managers should be sure to understand who and what holds status when interacting with people
from a culture different from their own. Social loafing has a Western bias and is consistent with
individualistic cultures, which are dominated by self-interest. It's not consistent with
collectivistic societies, in which individuals are motivated by in-group goals. Cohesiveness is
another group structural element where managers may face special challenges. In global teams,
cohesiveness is often more difficult to achieve because of higher levels of mistrust,
miscommunication, and stress.
Diff: 3
AACSB: Diverse and multicultural work environments; Written and oral communication;
Interpersonal relations and teamwork
130) How can a manager of a global team enhance the team's efficiency and effectiveness?
Answer: Because communication skills are vital, managers should focus on developing those
skills. Managers must consider cultural differences when deciding what type of global team to
use. Evidence indicates self-managed teams do not fare well in collectivist cultures. Managers
must be sensitive to the unique differences of each member of the global team, and team
members must be sensitive to each other.
Diff: 3
teamwork
40

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Management, 14e (Robbins/Coulter)

Chapter 13 Creating and Managing Teams

2) Which of the following is an example of a formal group?

23) Self-managed teams function in an independent and informal manner.

38) Which one of the following is a negative aspect of group norms?

44) Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding status systems?

47) In comparison to large groups, small groups ________.

84) Informal status is not as important as status conferred by the organization.

98) A work group ________.

117) Which one of the following is a drawback of global teams?

119) Research on conformity suggests that ________.

121) Which one of the following is true about social loafing?

123) Global teams are associated with high levels of groupthink.

124) Social loafing is consistent with collectivist cultures.

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