Question

A highly cohesive work group is a prerequisite for high team performance. Sociologists point that the association between group cohesion and success is owing to the support individual team members give to one another and their acceptance of the group's goals and activities. Each of the following, if true, either provides support for or cannot weaken the sociologists' assumption about the relationship between cohesive and success EXCEPT.

• A. A group of Japanese researchers found that successful work teams were headed by dominant leaders.
• B. University researchers found that there was a significant correlation between team productivity and the extent to which the team members understood and complied with the group's objectives.
• C. American researchers found that successful team members tended to rate their fellow members more favourably.
• D. Industrial psychologists in UK found that work groups who tended to participate in after hours social activities were more productive.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct option is (A): A group of Japanese researchers found that successful work teams were headed by dominant leaders.
Explanation: The statement argues that a cohesive work group is crucial for high team performance, emphasizing the support among team members and alignment with group goals.
Option A, which highlights that successful teams were led by dominant leaders, does not directly support or relate to the concept of cohesion leading to success. Instead, it suggests an alternative factor—leadership style—without addressing group cohesion.
In contrast, options B, C, and D all reinforce the idea that cohesion and shared goals contribute to team success. Thus, the correct answer is A, as it does not align with the sociologists’ assumption.