• Reflect on a team of which you have been a member. Describe what happened in each stage of the group's development according to Tuckman's Five-Stage Model. Was it a mature group? How did you know?

• Did the group progress linearly from one step to another or did it experience periods of little progress punctuated by bursts of energy, as Gersick describes? Justify your response.

In many cases, managers do not appear to use a systematic approach to decision making. Instead, they rely on "hunches," or intuition, to make quick decisions based on recognition of situational possibilities. Creativity and innovation in organizations can lead to success. However, managers need to understand how to recognize and nurture creativity and innovation in employees.

• What is the role of intuition and creativity in decision making? Can intuition and creativity be learned?

• How can organizations encourage creative and innovative decision making?

One of the most fundamental aspects of group decision making is the ability to discuss important issues related to the decision. Discussion helps identify factual errors or errors in judgment, builds a shared understanding, and facilitates coordination among the group. When group members share the perception that their group wants to improve and learn, they are more likely to discuss important issues.

• Review some articles on decision-making techniques. Describe three or four techniques and compare them. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each, and cite the sources you identified.

• How do organizations encourage political activity?

• How can managers prevent the negative consequences of political behavior?

• Which influence tactics are most effective?

• Explain the reactions supervisors can have to influence tactics.