Punctuated-Equilibrium Model | MCQ with Answers
1. Who developed the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Kurt Lewin
b) Connie Gersick
c) Bruce Tuckman
d) Edgar Schein
Answer: b) Connie Gersick
2. In which year was the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model developed?
a) 1990
b) 1985
c) 1988
d) 1995
Answer: c) 1988
3. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model applies to which type of groups?
a) Permanent groups
b) Temporary groups with deadlines
c) Informal groups
d) Volunteer groups
Answer: b) Temporary groups with deadlines
4. The traditional models of group development include which of the following stages?
a) Planning, structuring, executing, completing
b) Forming, storming, norming, performing
c) Setting direction, shifting focus, finalization
d) Inception, collaboration, deadline pressure
Answer: b) Forming, storming, norming, performing
5. Which stage in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model describes the group becoming acquainted with each other and defining the task?
a) First phase of inertia
b) Initial phase
c) Midpoint crisis
d) Final outcome
Answer: b) Initial phase
6. What typically happens during the initial phase of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The group experiences rapid progress.
b) The group clarifies roles and tasks with high urgency.
c) There is minimal progress, often due to unclear roles and lack of direction.
d) The group prepares for final completion of the project.
Answer: c) There is minimal progress, often due to unclear roles and lack of direction.
7. Which of the following best describes the midpoint crisis in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) A steady increase in activity from the start of the project.
b) A realization that the group is behind schedule and the deadline is approaching.
c) The group reaches full performance after a long period of inertia.
d) The group successfully finalizes all tasks ahead of schedule.
Answer: b) A realization that the group is behind schedule and the deadline is approaching.
8. After the midpoint crisis, what usually happens in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) A period of rest and reflection.
b) A significant increase in productivity and clearer roles.
c) A decline in team motivation.
d) A shift towards informal methods and relaxation.
Answer: b) A significant increase in productivity and clearer roles.
9. In the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, what is the final phase often characterized by?
a) A slow finish with minimal pressure.
b) Increased stress and pressure as the deadline nears.
c) An immediate sense of completion and relaxation.
d) A complete abandonment of the project.
Answer: b) Increased stress and pressure as the deadline nears.
10. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model specifically applies to which type of deadlines?
a) Open-ended deadlines
b) Self-imposed deadlines
c) Fixed deadlines
d) No deadlines
Answer: c) Fixed deadlines
Key Phases of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model
11. In the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, which stage involves the group focusing on the task and becoming acquainted with each other?
a) Midpoint crisis
b) Initial phase
c) Final outcome
d) Second phase of inertia
Answer: b) Initial phase
12. What is the main characteristic of the first phase of inertia?
a) Rapid task completion and urgency
b) Minimal progress and slow momentum
c) A burst of activity with rapid coordination
d) Full engagement with the project and task management
Answer: b) Minimal progress and slow momentum
13. The midpoint crisis in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model often leads to which of the following?
a) A re-evaluation of goals and approaches
b) A decrease in urgency
c) Reduced collaboration
d) Less focus on deadlines
Answer: a) A re-evaluation of goals and approaches
14. Which phase is marked by a shift in behavior and an increase in activity as the deadline approaches?
a) First phase of inertia
b) Half-way point transition
c) Second phase of inertia
d) Accelerated activity
Answer: b) Half-way point transition
15. What happens during the "major changes" phase of the model?
a) Task reallocation and strategic adjustments
b) Complete reorganization of the group
c) A shift to relaxed and informal work methods
d) A slow and methodical approach to task completion
Answer: a) Task reallocation and strategic adjustments
16. After the midpoint crisis, what is the second phase of inertia characterized by?
a) A slow period where the group works on the final details of the project
b) A major drop in team productivity
c) Immediate and intense focus on deadlines
d) Complete disengagement from the project
Answer: a) A slow period where the group works on the final details of the project
17. What defines the "accelerated activity" phase of the model?
a) Slow, steady progress as team members relax
b) Final sprint toward the deadline with intensified efforts
c) Reflection and contemplation of the group’s progress
d) Significant reduction in communication and task completion
Answer: b) Final sprint toward the deadline with intensified efforts
Application of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model
18. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model is particularly useful for understanding groups working under what kind of pressures?
a) Financial pressures
b) Time pressures with deadlines
c) Interpersonal pressures
d) No pressures
Answer: b) Time pressures with deadlines
19. According to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, what should managers do as the midpoint crisis approaches?
a) Relax deadlines to reduce pressure
b) Introduce new team members
c) Allocate resources and reframe tasks to improve focus
d) Postpone the project
Answer: c) Allocate resources and reframe tasks to improve focus
20. How does understanding the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model help organizations?
a) By teaching teams to complete tasks without deadlines
b) By helping organizations better manage temporary teams under time constraints
c) By eliminating time constraints in projects
d) By encouraging group disengagement early in the project
Answer: b) By helping organizations better manage temporary teams under time constraints
Example of Punctuated-Equilibrium Model in Action
21. In the example of a software development team, what happened at the midpoint crisis?
a) The team realized they had completed all major tasks.
b) The team realized they had not completed key features and needed to refocus.
c) The team stopped working on the project.
d) The team decided to extend the deadline.
Answer: b) The team realized they had not completed key features and needed to refocus.
22. How did the team in the example respond to the midpoint crisis?
a) They maintained the same pace and continued working as before.
b) They increased urgency and reallocated tasks to meet the deadline.
c) They abandoned the project due to lack of progress.
d) They delayed the project’s completion indefinitely.
Answer: b) They increased urgency and reallocated tasks to meet the deadline.
23. What is typically the final stage in a project using the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Relaxed work pace
b) Increased activity and stress as the deadline approaches
c) Redirection of efforts to new tasks
d) Team members leave the project
Answer: b) Increased activity and stress as the deadline approaches
General Questions on Group Dynamics
24. Which of the following best describes the role of deadlines in group dynamics?
a) They slow down team progress and reduce efficiency.
b) They motivate groups to work more effectively as the deadline nears.
c) They have no significant impact on group behavior.
d) They are irrelevant in temporary groups.
Answer: b) They motivate groups to work more effectively as the deadline nears.
Final Outcome and Performance
25. What does the final outcome in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model indicate?
a) The group has completed the project with no issues.
b) The project has been abandoned due to a lack of progress.
c) The group meets the deadline, but the output may be affected by pressure.
d) The project is completed ahead of schedule.
Answer: c) The group meets the deadline, but the output may be affected by pressure.
Understanding the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model - Continued
26. In the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, which phase is characterized by the group becoming more focused and organized?
a) Initial phase
b) Half-way point transition
c) Second phase of inertia
d) Accelerated activity
Answer: b) Half-way point transition
27. What happens during the “Initial Phase” of a project according to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The group executes the final deliverables.
b) Roles and tasks are assigned, but there is often minimal progress.
c) The group begins its final sprint towards the deadline.
d) The group experiences a burst of activity and productivity.
Answer: b) Roles and tasks are assigned, but there is often minimal progress.
28. What is typically a consequence of the “Midpoint Crisis” in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) A decrease in productivity due to stress
b) A re-evaluation of the project’s goals and strategies
c) A period of relaxation and informal work
d) Increased bonding and socialization among team members
Answer: b) A re-evaluation of the project’s goals and strategies
29. In the context of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, the "second phase of inertia" usually involves which of the following?
a) High activity levels and coordination
b) Minor progress as the group fine-tunes the project
c) A shift toward crisis management
d) An accelerated focus on meeting the project deadline
Answer: b) Minor progress as the group fine-tunes the project
30. How do groups typically behave in the “Final Outcome” phase in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The group takes time to reflect and relax after completing the project.
b) The group pushes to meet the deadline, often sacrificing perfection for completion.
c) The group takes a break to evaluate their project’s outcomes.
d) The team disbands with no final actions taken.
Answer: b) The group pushes to meet the deadline, often sacrificing perfection for completion.
The Role of Deadlines in Group Dynamics
31. According to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, how does a deadline influence group behavior?
a) It has no effect on how the group operates.
b) It helps to organize and direct the group’s efforts, especially as the deadline nears.
c) It makes the group less focused and more distracted.
d) It forces groups to abandon the project.
Answer: b) It helps to organize and direct the group’s efforts, especially as the deadline nears.
32. Which phase is typically marked by a sense of urgency as the group starts making major changes to meet the deadline?
a) Initial phase
b) Midpoint crisis
c) Second phase of inertia
d) Accelerated activity
Answer: b) Midpoint crisis
33. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model emphasizes which key factor in the success of temporary groups?
a) The amount of time available for the project
b) The quality of the relationships formed between group members
c) The group’s ability to adapt and focus under time pressure
d) The ability to avoid deadlines altogether
Answer: c) The group’s ability to adapt and focus under time pressure
34. How can managers use the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model to improve group performance?
a) By relaxing deadlines and eliminating pressure
b) By recognizing when the group is likely to face a midpoint crisis and preparing to address it
c) By discouraging team members from making decisions until the final stage
d) By avoiding resource allocation during the midpoint crisis
Answer: b) By recognizing when the group is likely to face a midpoint crisis and preparing to address it
Tasks and Role Adjustments in PEM
35. What happens to roles in a group during the “Major Changes” phase of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Roles become less defined as members start to leave.
b) Roles may be reallocated to focus more on critical tasks and meet the deadline.
c) Roles are completely dissolved and everyone works independently.
d) The roles remain static, and no adjustments are made.
Answer: b) Roles may be reallocated to focus more on critical tasks and meet the deadline.
36. Which phase typically involves the group focusing on refining tasks and completing minor details?
a) Initial phase
b) First phase of inertia
c) Second phase of inertia
d) Accelerated activity
Answer: c) Second phase of inertia
37. How do group members typically behave during the “Accelerated Activity” phase?
a) They reduce their efforts and take longer breaks.
b) They work more independently, avoiding coordination with others.
c) They collaborate intensely and work towards completing the project.
d) They disengage, as they no longer feel the pressure of the deadline.
Answer: c) They collaborate intensely and work towards completing the project.
Managerial Insights and Applications
38. What is one of the benefits of understanding the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model for managers?
a) It helps managers extend deadlines to avoid stress.
b) It helps managers recognize when the group will face crisis points and prepare accordingly.
c) It teaches managers to avoid setting clear goals.
d) It encourages managers to focus on relationships rather than results.
Answer: b) It helps managers recognize when the group will face crisis points and prepare accordingly.
39. Which of the following best describes the “punctuation” in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The first phase of group work.
b) The sudden shift in group activity and focus around the midpoint of the timeline.
c) The final push to complete the project without a break.
d) The time when the group faces no urgency or deadlines.
Answer: b) The sudden shift in group activity and focus around the midpoint of the timeline.
40. According to the model, when is the group most likely to experience a burst of activity?
a) During the first phase of inertia
b) After the midpoint crisis when the deadline approaches
c) When the project is fully complete and nearing the final outcome
d) After the second phase of inertia
Answer: b) After the midpoint crisis when the deadline approaches
41. What is the role of reflection in the midpoint crisis according to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Reflection has no role in the midpoint crisis.
b) The group reflects on the process but makes no changes.
c) Reflection leads to a major shift in behavior, including re-evaluating strategies and reallocating tasks.
d) Reflection occurs only after the final outcome is achieved.
Answer: c) Reflection leads to a major shift in behavior, including re-evaluating strategies and reallocating tasks.
The Impact of Social Interaction on Group Dynamics
42. What is the effect of socialization and bonding during the initial phase of a project?
a) It speeds up task completion.
b) It delays progress as team members focus on relationships rather than tasks.
c) It helps in refining project goals quickly.
d) It has no significant impact on the project’s progress.
Answer: b) It delays progress as team members focus on relationships rather than tasks.
43. How does the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model explain the occasional slowdown in progress after major changes?
a) It suggests a period of indecision and a lack of focus.
b) It attributes the slowdown to exhaustion and burnout.
c) It recognizes that after task reallocation, progress may slow as members focus on final details.
d) It indicates a complete breakdown in communication.
Answer: c) It recognizes that after task reallocation, progress may slow as members focus on final details.
Group Behavior and Time Pressure
44. In a team working under the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, what typically triggers a change in the group’s approach midway through the project?
a) Increased socialization among team members
b) A realization that more time is available
c) The sudden awareness that the project is behind schedule and the deadline is approaching
d) The team members' complete understanding of the project’s purpose
Answer: c) The sudden awareness that the project is behind schedule and the deadline is approaching
45. How does the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model describe the pace of progress in the first half of a project?
a) Rapid and intense
b) Slow with minimal progress
c) Steady and consistent
d) Fast but disorganized
Answer: b) Slow with minimal progress
Group Dynamics and Decision-Making
46. What is the primary focus during the “initial phase” of a project, according to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Task completion and deliverables
b) Clarifying roles, setting goals, and defining initial strategies
c) Finalizing project outcomes and achievements
d) A shift in team leadership and authority
Answer: b) Clarifying roles, setting goals, and defining initial strategies
47. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model indicates that group performance is typically slow during which phase?
a) Half-way point transition
b) Initial phase
c) Accelerated activity
d) Second phase of inertia
Answer: b) Initial phase
48. During which phase of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model do team members experience a wake-up call about the project deadline?
a) Final Outcome
b) Midpoint Crisis
c) Initial Phase
d) First Phase of Inertia
Answer: b) Midpoint Crisis
49. What is the typical behavior of a group at the “midpoint” of a project, according to the model?
a) The group celebrates completing most of the tasks.
b) The group realizes they are behind schedule and starts working more urgently.
c) The group slows down and loses focus on the deadline.
d) The group reassigns tasks and disbands immediately.
Answer: b) The group realizes they are behind schedule and starts working more urgently.
50. How do group members typically adjust their behavior after the midpoint crisis?
a) They completely rework the project from scratch.
b) They become more focused and task-oriented, speeding up their pace.
c) They ignore deadlines and focus on social bonding.
d) They abandon the project entirely.
Answer: b) They become more focused and task-oriented, speeding up their pace.
Time Pressure and Productivity
51. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model highlights the role of what type of factor in group behavior?
a) Personality differences among team members
b) Time pressure and deadlines
c) Group size and composition
d) External distractions
Answer: b) Time pressure and deadlines
52. What generally happens during the “accelerated activity” phase in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The group relaxes and works at a slower pace.
b) The group works with urgency and intensity to meet the deadline.
c) The group disbands to focus on other priorities.
d) The group spends more time in meetings and discussions.
Answer: b) The group works with urgency and intensity to meet the deadline.
53. How does the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model explain group behavior as deadlines approach?
a) The group becomes more relaxed, focusing on the larger goals.
b) Group members become more focused and work harder to meet the deadline.
c) The group completely stops working as the deadline nears.
d) The group shifts focus away from the deadline to other aspects of the task.
Answer: b) Group members become more focused and work harder to meet the deadline.
Adjustments and Task Management
54. What typically occurs when the group experiences the “midpoint crisis”?
a) The group loses motivation and abandons the project.
b) The group reassesses progress and adjusts tasks, roles, and strategies.
c) The group takes a long break to recharge before continuing.
d) The group continues working without any changes to its approach.
Answer: b) The group reassesses progress and adjusts tasks, roles, and strategies.
55. Which of the following best describes the “first phase of inertia”?
a) High energy and rapid task completion
b) Minimal movement and slow progress with unclear direction
c) Group members are highly productive with clear roles and goals
d) The project is completed ahead of schedule
Answer: b) Minimal movement and slow progress with unclear direction
56. Which action typically occurs during the "major changes" phase of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Tasks and roles are reassigned or adjusted to focus on the most critical aspects of the project.
b) Group members slow down and work independently.
c) The group begins to dismantle the project entirely.
d) Team members focus only on socializing and building relationships.
Answer: a) Tasks and roles are reassigned or adjusted to focus on the most critical aspects of the project.
57. How do roles typically evolve as a project progresses according to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Roles remain static throughout the project.
b) Roles are constantly shuffled without purpose.
c) Roles become clearer and more defined as the deadline approaches.
d) Roles are eliminated as the group moves toward the final outcome.
Answer: c) Roles become clearer and more defined as the deadline approaches.
Midpoint Crisis and Reflection
58. What is the role of reflection in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) It is irrelevant and does not affect group dynamics.
b) Reflection occurs only at the end of the project.
c) Reflection leads to a reevaluation of goals and strategies, helping the group adjust.
d) Reflection is only a formality and does not influence progress.
Answer: c) Reflection leads to a reevaluation of goals and strategies, helping the group adjust.
59. What is one of the critical transitions groups experience in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) A steady, continuous progression toward the deadline
b) A shift from a period of slow progress to accelerated activity
c) A shift from task-focused work to increased social bonding
d) A shift from project work to final report writing
Answer: b) A shift from a period of slow progress to accelerated activity
60. What happens after the midpoint crisis according to the model?
a) The group slows down and takes a break to reflect.
b) There is a dramatic increase in activity and task completion.
c) The group disbands and the project is abandoned.
d) There is a total breakdown of group cooperation.
Answer: b) There is a dramatic increase in activity and task completion.
Socialization and Group Development
61. What role does socialization play during the early stages of a group’s development?
a) It leads to immediate task completion.
b) It helps members build relationships and understand each other’s strengths, though it may delay progress.
c) It reduces the overall time needed to complete the project.
d) It eliminates the need for formal planning.
Answer: b) It helps members build relationships and understand each other’s strengths, though it may delay progress.
62. According to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model, why is there often little progress in the initial phase?
a) The group is too focused on socializing and bonding.
b) There is no clear task or objective at the beginning.
c) Members are too concerned with finishing quickly.
d) The group lacks leadership and structure.
Answer: a) The group is too focused on socializing and bonding.
Applications of the Model in Project Management
63. How can project managers use the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model to improve project outcomes?
a) By ignoring the midpoint crisis and allowing teams to work without interruptions.
b) By setting long-term deadlines to avoid the pressures of time.
c) By recognizing that the midpoint crisis may lead to critical adjustments in project strategy.
d) By delegating all decision-making to the group at the outset.
Answer: c) By recognizing that the midpoint crisis may lead to critical adjustments in project strategy.
64. What is one way managers can support a team during the “half-way point transition”?
a) By reducing the sense of urgency and allowing the team to take breaks.
b) By monitoring progress closely and helping the team reallocate resources and refocus on key tasks.
c) By changing the team’s goals and roles entirely.
d) By telling the team to slow down and think about the project’s final report.
Answer: b) By monitoring progress closely and helping the team reallocate resources and refocus on key tasks.
Understanding Group Behavior Under Time Pressure
65. The Punctuated-Equilibrium Model helps explain why temporary groups tend to experience which of the following?
a) Steady progress from start to finish
b) Continuous high levels of productivity
c) Periods of inactivity followed by bursts of intense activity
d) Constant changes in leadership
Answer: c) Periods of inactivity followed by bursts of intense activity
66. The model suggests that group productivity increases after the midpoint crisis because of what key factor?
a) The group realizes the deadline is far away and decides to relax.
b) The group’s focus sharpens and roles become clearer.
c) The group becomes disorganized and unfocused.
d) The group loses interest in the project.
Answer: b) The group’s focus sharpens and roles become clearer.
Final Outcome and Deadline
67. How does the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model describe the final outcome of a project under pressure?
a) The project is often completed with little stress and a high-quality outcome.
b) The project is completed in a rush, sometimes at the expense of quality.
c) The project is never completed on time.
d) The project is abandoned before completion.
Answer: b) The project is completed in a rush, sometimes at the expense of quality.
Conclusion of the Model
68. What does the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model emphasize about group behavior over time?
a) Groups follow a linear, predictable progression from start to finish.
b) Groups experience predictable and consistent bursts of productivity.
c) Groups follow cycles of inertia followed by periods of rapid change and increased productivity.
d) Groups tend to remain static without major changes.
Answer: c) Groups follow cycles of inertia followed by periods of rapid change and increased productivity.
Group Dynamics and Communication
69. What role does communication play during the "final sprint" of a project in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Communication decreases as the deadline approaches.
b) Communication becomes more frequent and collaborative to ensure the project is completed.
c) Communication is minimal, with team members working in isolation.
d) Communication is focused only on social matters, not work-related tasks.
Answer: b) Communication becomes more frequent and collaborative to ensure the project is completed.
70. During which phase do team members often feel the most pressure and stress about meeting the project deadline?
a) Initial phase
b) Half-way point transition
c) Second phase of inertia
d) Final Outcome
Answer: d) Final Outcome
Time Pressure and Task Management
71. Which of the following statements is true about the "second phase of inertia" in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The group experiences a dramatic increase in productivity and performance.
b) The group slows down as it focuses on final details, such as testing and refinement.
c) The group completely loses momentum and becomes unproductive.
d) The group abandons the project and fails to meet the deadline.
Answer: b) The group slows down as it focuses on final details, such as testing and refinement.
72. How does the group’s focus change after the midpoint transition in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) The group’s focus becomes less structured and less task-oriented.
b) The group becomes more task-focused and works toward meeting deadlines.
c) The group shifts attention to social activities rather than project work.
d) The group disbands, and the project is stopped.
Answer: b) The group becomes more task-focused and works toward meeting deadlines.
Project Team Leadership and Roles
73. What is the role of leadership during the midpoint crisis in the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Leaders step back and allow the group to manage itself.
b) Leaders become more directive, helping the team refocus and reassign tasks.
c) Leaders leave the group to make decisions without interference.
d) Leaders act as passive observers and avoid getting involved.
Answer: b) Leaders become more directive, helping the team refocus and reassign tasks.
74. How do individual roles within a group typically evolve during the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Roles remain fixed and do not change.
b) Roles evolve and adapt as the group adapts to new needs and challenges.
c) Roles are eliminated once the group reaches the final phase.
d) Roles shift back and forth without any clear structure.
Answer: b) Roles evolve and adapt as the group adapts to new needs and challenges.
Group Progression and Outcomes
75. The model suggests that groups often experience a pattern of progress in which they:
a) Continuously increase productivity throughout the project.
b) Have long periods of no work followed by sudden bursts of activity.
c) Move directly from one task to another without pauses.
d) Finish all tasks ahead of time with perfect results.
Answer: b) Have long periods of no work followed by sudden bursts of activity.
76. Why is it important for project managers to recognize the midpoint crisis in teams working under tight deadlines?
a) To make sure the team doesn’t progress at all.
b) To help the team adjust and reallocate resources, boosting productivity.
c) To encourage the team to abandon the project early.
d) To stop the project and restart it from the beginning.
Answer: b) To help the team adjust and reallocate resources, boosting productivity.
Managing Group Inertia
77. How can project managers address the "first phase of inertia" in a project?
a) By letting the team work independently without any interventions.
b) By encouraging social bonding and team-building activities to break the inertia.
c) By intensifying pressure, which leads to faster work.
d) By reassigning tasks before the team has had time to define them.
Answer: b) By encouraging social bonding and team-building activities to break the inertia.
78. In which phase of the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model does the group typically experience the most significant increase in activity and focus?
a) Initial Phase
b) Midpoint Crisis
c) Second Phase of Inertia
d) Accelerated Activity
Answer: d) Accelerated Activity
Applying the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model in Practice
79. How can understanding the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model benefit managers working with temporary teams?
a) It helps managers create unrealistic deadlines.
b) It allows managers to identify when teams are likely to face inertia or productivity bursts, aiding in better resource allocation.
c) It encourages managers to avoid any adjustments to team structure.
d) It eliminates the need for planning and structure.
Answer: b) It allows managers to identify when teams are likely to face inertia or productivity bursts, aiding in better resource allocation.
80. Which of the following strategies can help teams in the "major changes" phase according to the Punctuated-Equilibrium Model?
a) Reducing the intensity of work to avoid burnout.
b) Encouraging quick decision-making, reallocating tasks, and focusing on the most critical elements of the project.
c) Allowing team members to work independently with minimal guidance.
d) Focusing on detailed reports and administrative tasks.
Answer: b) Encouraging quick decision-making, reallocating tasks, and focusing on the most critical elements of the project.