COM 101 Exam 3 V2 | COM 101 Intro to
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 3)
1. During which stage of group development do members typically experience conflict as they
compete for status and roles?
A. Forming
B. Norming
C. Storming
D. Performing
Answer: C
Rationale: The storming stage is characterized by interpersonal conflict and competition
for group leadership or influence. During this phase, members often test boundaries and
express disagreement regarding tasks and procedures. This conflict is a necessary step
toward establishing group cohesion and moving into the norming stage.
2. Which term describes the tendency of highly cohesive groups to prioritize consensus over
critical thinking and high-quality decision making?
A. Brainstorming
B. Social Loafing
,C. Synergy
D. Groupthink
Answer: D
Rationale: Groupthink occurs when the pressure to maintain harmony within a group
leads to dysfunctional decision-making. Members may suppress dissenting opinions to
avoid conflict, which often results in an incomplete assessment of alternative courses of
action. Recognizing and preventing groupthink is essential for effective group
communication and problem-solving.
3. A leader who gives group members complete freedom to make decisions and complete
their work is using which leadership style?
A. Autocratic
B. Democratic
C. Bureaucratic
D. Laissez-faire
Answer: D
Rationale: Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach that allows group members to
operate with high levels of autonomy. This style can be effective when group members are
highly skilled and self-motivated but may lead to a lack of direction in less experienced
groups. It stands in direct contrast to autocratic leadership, where the leader maintains
strict control over all processes.
, 4. What is the primary function of a ‘gatekeeper’ in a small group setting?
A. To record the minutes of the meeting
B. To challenge the ideas of the group to prevent groupthink
C. To resolve conflicts between members
D. To manage the flow of communication and ensure all members participate
Answer: D
Rationale: A gatekeeper serves a maintenance role by encouraging quiet members to
speak and preventing more talkative members from dominating. This role is crucial for
ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and that the group functions inclusively. By
managing the flow of interaction, the gatekeeper helps maintain a balanced and productive
group climate.
5. Which component of an organizational culture refers to the underlying values and beliefs
that are often unstated but drive behavior?
A. Shared Assumptions
B. Artifacts
C. Espoused Values
D. Structural Systems
Answer: A
Communication | StraighterLine | Q&A
with Rationale (StraighterLine COM101
Exam 3)
1. During which stage of group development do members typically experience conflict as they
compete for status and roles?
A. Forming
B. Norming
C. Storming
D. Performing
Answer: C
Rationale: The storming stage is characterized by interpersonal conflict and competition
for group leadership or influence. During this phase, members often test boundaries and
express disagreement regarding tasks and procedures. This conflict is a necessary step
toward establishing group cohesion and moving into the norming stage.
2. Which term describes the tendency of highly cohesive groups to prioritize consensus over
critical thinking and high-quality decision making?
A. Brainstorming
B. Social Loafing
,C. Synergy
D. Groupthink
Answer: D
Rationale: Groupthink occurs when the pressure to maintain harmony within a group
leads to dysfunctional decision-making. Members may suppress dissenting opinions to
avoid conflict, which often results in an incomplete assessment of alternative courses of
action. Recognizing and preventing groupthink is essential for effective group
communication and problem-solving.
3. A leader who gives group members complete freedom to make decisions and complete
their work is using which leadership style?
A. Autocratic
B. Democratic
C. Bureaucratic
D. Laissez-faire
Answer: D
Rationale: Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach that allows group members to
operate with high levels of autonomy. This style can be effective when group members are
highly skilled and self-motivated but may lead to a lack of direction in less experienced
groups. It stands in direct contrast to autocratic leadership, where the leader maintains
strict control over all processes.
, 4. What is the primary function of a ‘gatekeeper’ in a small group setting?
A. To record the minutes of the meeting
B. To challenge the ideas of the group to prevent groupthink
C. To resolve conflicts between members
D. To manage the flow of communication and ensure all members participate
Answer: D
Rationale: A gatekeeper serves a maintenance role by encouraging quiet members to
speak and preventing more talkative members from dominating. This role is crucial for
ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and that the group functions inclusively. By
managing the flow of interaction, the gatekeeper helps maintain a balanced and productive
group climate.
5. Which component of an organizational culture refers to the underlying values and beliefs
that are often unstated but drive behavior?
A. Shared Assumptions
B. Artifacts
C. Espoused Values
D. Structural Systems
Answer: A
