Small Group Characteristics and Problem Solving

What is a small group?

• A group of people who work towards a common goal

• A group of people who work individually towards a goal

• A large group of people who work together

• A group of people who work against each other

Which leadership role helps a group develop and maintain cohesion?

• Interpreters

• Harmonizers

• Mediators

• Tension relievers

What is an advantage of small groups?

• Limited perspectives

• Few resources

• Decreased commitment

• Diverse perspectives

What is groupthink?

• A group's tendency to accept ideas uncritically

• A group's tendency to challenge ideas

• A group's tendency to work individually

• A group's tendency to avoid conflict

What is the first step in group problem solving?

• Generate possible solutions

• Define the problem

• Establish criteria

• Select the best solution

What is the purpose of maintenance leadership roles?

• To provide logistical support

• To develop and maintain cohesion

• To acquire, process, or apply information

• To establish criteria for evaluating solutions

What is the role of expediters in procedural leadership?

• Arrange appropriate spaces for meetings

• Keep track of the group's objectives

• Manage the flow of conversation

• Take careful notes of group decisions

What should a group do first when trying to solve a problem?

• define the problem

• generate possible solutions

• establish criteria for evaluating solutions

• select the best solution

In the context of systematic problem-solving, a _________ refers to a formal written statement describing a problem.

• code of ethics

• mission statement

• problem definition

• problem report

________ is an uncritical, non-evaluated process of generating possible solutions by being creative, suspending judgement, and combining or adapting ideas.

• Transforming

• Evaluating

• Norming

• Brainstorming