California State University, FullertonMGMT 340Chapter 9 Foundations of Group Behavior

Chapter 9 Foundations of Group Behavior 1) Which of the following is true with regard to groups? A) A group is characterized by the independence of its members. B) A group typically lacks definite roles and structures. C) A group influences our emotional reactions. D) An informal gathering cannot be considered a group. E) The membership of a group does not affect how its members treat outsiders. Answer: C Explanation: C) Our tendency to take personal pride or offense for the accomplishments of a group is the territory of social identity theory. Social identity theory proposes that people have emotional reactions to the failure or success of their group because their self-esteem gets tied into the group's performance. 2) Which of the following is true regarding formal groups? A) They are natural formations that arise in response to the need for social contact. B) They lack clearly defined structures and roles for their members. C) They have negligible impact on employee performance and behavior. D) A group of people who come together to protest against a new law make up a formal group. E) They are marked by stipulated behaviors in pursuit of organizational goals. Answer: E Explanation: E) A formal group is one that is defined by the organization's structure, with designated work assignments establishing tasks. In formal groups, the behaviors team members should engage in are stipulated by and directed toward organizational goals. 3) An informal group is characterized by the ________. A) stipulation of expected behaviors by the organization B) predetermined designation of tasks of members. C) pursuit of particular organizational goals. D) fulfillment of the need for social contact E) creation of timelines and rationale Answer: D Explanation: D) An informal group is neither formally structured nor organizationally determined. Informal groups are natural formations in the work environment that appear in response to the need for social contact. 4) Which of the following differentiates between formal and informal groups? A) The timeline of reference for formal groups is greater than that for informal groups. B) The impact of formal groups on organizational performance is lesser than that of informal groups. C) Formal groups pursue the goal of social contact, while informal groups have definite organizational goals to attain. D) Formal groups are typically smaller in size when compared to informal groups. E) Formal groups involve clearly defined tasks and roles, while informal groups are neither formally structured nor organizationally determined. Answer: E