1. What is the primary focus of decision-making in organizations, beyond objective correctness?
Decision-making in organizations often focuses on achieving 'buy-in' or acceptance, rather than solely on objectively correct answers.
2. Name one cognitive bias that causes people to discuss shared information more than unique information.
The 'shared information effect' describes the tendency for people to discuss information that is already widely known.
3. What is the 'false consensus effect'?
The 'false consensus effect' is a cognitive bias where individuals perceive their own opinions and beliefs as more common than they actually are.
4. Explain the 'naive realism effect'.
The 'naive realism effect' is the belief that one's own perception of reality is objective and accurate, leading to assumptions that others who disagree are biased or irrational.
5. What is 'commitment bias' in decision-making?
'Commitment bias' refers to the tendency to defend previously stated positions and adopt evidence consistent with initial preferences.
6. How can 'commitment bias' be overcome?
To overcome 'commitment bias', one should gather all relevant information before stating a preference or voting on a decision.
7. What is 'strategic behavior' in the context of information sharing during decision-making?
'Strategic behavior' involves selectively sharing or withholding information to manipulate outcomes and serve one's own interests.
8. How can 'strategic behavior' be addressed to improve decision-making?
Addressing 'strategic behavior' requires aligning individual and organizational interests within a problem-solving framework.
9. What is 'agreement bias'?
'Agreement bias' is the preference for consensus and shared information, which can prevent individuals from sharing differing perspectives.
10. Name one strategy to prevent 'agreement bias' and 'groupthink'.
To prevent 'agreement bias' and 'groupthink', organizations should establish norms for constructive disagreement and consider assigning a 'devil's advocate'.
11. How do 'status issues' affect information sharing in groups?
'Status issues' can make low-status individuals less willing to share information and less likely to be heard when they do.
12. What is the 'collaborating' conflict style?
The 'collaborating' conflict style involves working together to solve problems and achieve an optimal outcome where both parties get what they want.
13. What is a disadvantage of the 'competing' conflict style?
A disadvantage of the 'competing' conflict style is that while it is goal-oriented and fast, it can create animosity among individuals.
14. Describe the 'avoiding' conflict style.
The 'avoiding' conflict style is a non-confrontational approach where individuals sidestep or postpone addressing conflicts.
15. What is the primary goal of a 'problem-solving' oriented approach to decision-making, as opposed to 'win-lose'?
The primary goal of a 'problem-solving' oriented approach is to collectively create the best possible solution, rather than focusing on winning or converting others.
16. What are the three main types of organizational communication?
The three main types of organizational communication are information transmission/reception, information sharing, and social communication.
17. Give an example of 'information transmission' in an organization.
An example of 'information transmission' is sending an email about the company's holiday policy or asking about a project deadline.
18. According to Peter Senge, what does true 'information sharing' involve?
True 'information sharing' involves people genuinely caring about helping each other develop new capacities for action, not just exchanging data.
19. What is 'social communication' in an organizational context?
'Social communication' involves the flow of informal information, such as gossip, unofficial norms, and knowledge about 'who knows what,' often through interpersonal relationships.
20. What is 'information overload' as a barrier to effective communication?
'Information overload' is a cognitive barrier where the sheer volume of communication, especially for maintaining social relationships, becomes time-consuming and mentally exhausting.
21. What is 'filtering' as a cognitive distortion in communication?
'Filtering' is the distortion or withholding of information to manage the reactions of others, often to avoid negative responses.
22. Define 'psychological safety' in the workplace.
'Psychological safety' is an environment where individuals feel safe to take interpersonal risks, such as speaking up, challenging others, or delivering bad news, without fear of negative consequences.
23. Name one component of emotional intelligence related to understanding one's own feelings.
'Self-awareness' is a component of emotional intelligence that involves accurately perceiving, appraising, and expressing one's own emotions.
24. Which component of emotional intelligence involves understanding how others feel?
'Social awareness' is the component of emotional intelligence that enables an individual to understand and empathize with the feelings of others.
25. What percentage of face-to-face communication is attributed to non-verbal cues according to research mentioned?
Research suggests that 55% of face-to-face communication is attributed to non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body posture, and tone of voice.
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