Understanding Group Dynamics and Decision Making

Who studied small, homogenous groups at Harvard?

• Skinner

• Maslow

• Freud

• Bales

What role did the person with the second highest initiation of communication usually take?

• Observer

• Leader

• Task Specialist

• Social Emotional Specialist

What is a diffuse status characteristic?

• A personal trait

• A specific skill

• General competence

• A professional title

What can help overcome status generalization in groups?

• Reducing communication

• Increasing group size

• Changing performance expectations

• Ignoring the issue

What is a major cause of groupthink?

• Frequent meetings

• Homogeneity of members

• External advice

• Diversity of members

Which symptom is associated with groupthink?

• Collective rationalization

• Individual decision making

• Encouragement of creativity

• Open debates

How can groupthink be avoided?

• By appointing a leader

• By limiting discussions

• By encouraging dissent

• By working in a large group

What is the risky shift phenomenon?

• Tendency for riskier decisions

• Shift in group leadership

• Preference for safer decisions

• Change in group location

What does social exchange theory primarily study?

• Cultural exchanges

• Economic transactions

• Interactions as resource exchanges

• Historical trade practices

What is a key component of commitment in social exchanges?

• Frequency of exchanges

• Financial investment

• Legal agreements

• Emotional attachment