J. Stewart Black; David S. Bright

Management Skills Application Exercises

To assist in your analysis, you may wish to complete this self-assessment. Simply think of a group you have belonged to, and answer each question as honestly as possible. When you are through, refer to Appendix B for interpretation.

How Do You Behave in a Group?

Instructions: Think of a typical group situation in which you often find yourself (e.g., a club, study group, small work group), and answer the following items as accurately as possible.

Never

Seldom

Fairly Often

Frequently

In a group, how often do you:

Keep the group focused on the task at hand?

1

2

3

4

Help the group clarify the issues?

1

2

3

4

Pull various ideas together?

1

2

3

4

Push the group to make a decision or complete a task?

1

2

3

4

Support and encourage other groups members?

1

2

3

4

Try to reduce interpersonal conflicts?

1

2

3

4

Help the group reach a compromise?

1

2

3

4

Assist in maintaining group harmony?

1

2

3

4

Seek personal recognition from other group members?

1

2

3

4

Try to dominate group activities?

1

2

3

4

Avoid unpleasant or undesirable group activities?

1

2

3

4

Express your impatience or hostility with the group?

1

2

3

4

To see how group effectiveness works, try this self-assessment. Choose a work group (or groups) to which you belong (or did belong in the past). Once you have selected a group, simply answer the items on the questionnaire by checking either “mostly yes” or “mostly no.” When you have finished, refer to Appendix B for scoring.

How Effective Is Your Work Group?

Instructions: Select a group to which you belong, and use this group to answer the following questions. Check “mostly yes” or “mostly no” to answer each question.

Mostly Yes

Mostly No

The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.

_____

Group discussion is frequent, and it is usually pertinent to the task at hand.

_____

Group members understand what they are trying to accomplish.

_____

People listen to each other’s suggestions and ideas.

_____

Disagreements are tolerated, and an attempt is made to resolve them.

_____

There is general agreement on most courses of action taken.

_____

The group welcomes frank criticism from inside and outside sources.

_____

When the group takes action, clear assignments are made and accepted.

_____

There is a well-established, relaxed working relationship among the members.

_____

There is a high degree of trust and confidence among the leader and subordinates.

_____

The group members strive hard to help the group achieve its goal.

_____

Suggestions and criticisms are offered and received with a helpful spirit.

_____

There is a cooperative rather than a competitive relationship among group members.

_____

The group goals are set high but not so high as to create anxieties or fear of failure.

_____

The leaders and members hold a high opinion of the group’s capabilities.

_____

Creativity is stimulated within the group.

_____

There is ample communication within the group of topics relevant to getting the work accomplished.

_____

Group members feel confident in making decisions.

_____

People are kept busy but not overloaded.

_____

The leader of the group is well suited for the job.

_____

Source: Adapted from A. J. DuBrin from The Human Side of Enterprise (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960).