Module 1 Graded Quiz: Team Culture Defined :Leading Teams: Building Effective Team Cultures (Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization) Answers 2025
Question 1
According to Ed Schein’s definition, what is culture in the context of an organization?
❌ rules and behaviors enforced consistently according to historic organizational documents
❌ the visual and aesthetic elements that project an organization’s public image
✅ a pattern of basic assumptions developed by a group to cope with external and internal challenges
❌ the demographic profile of the people who comprise the organization
Explanation:
Ed Schein defines organizational culture as shared basic assumptions learned by a group as it solves problems of external adaptation and internal integration.
Question 2
According to Schein’s model, the third level of organizational culture includes deeply embedded beliefs that are never questioned or explored.
✅ True
❌ False
Explanation:
The third level—basic underlying assumptions—is unconscious, taken for granted, and rarely questioned.
Question 3
Organizational culture can be seen as a competitive advantage because it can be easily assessed by the leader.
❌ True
✅ False
Explanation:
Culture can be a competitive advantage, but it is not easily assessed because many elements are implicit and invisible.
Question 4
Paying attention to organizational culture can help a leader:
✅ Acknowledge underlying assumptions that lead to certain behaviors
❌ Control the outcomes of team decisions
❌ Encourage individuals to be more motivated to achieve the leader’s vision
❌ Be happier at work
Explanation:
Understanding culture helps leaders surface hidden assumptions that shape behavior and decision-making.
Question 5
According to the video, what are the three qualities of effective teams?
❌ Personal satisfaction, individual achievements, and improved processes
✅ High performance, benefits to team members, and increased capacity to work as a team
❌ Consistent routines, efficient communication, and measurable outcomes
❌ Social harmony, minimized dissent, and prioritized social consistency
Explanation:
Effective teams deliver results, help members grow, and build long-term collaboration capability.
Question 6
Team benefit can be assessed through satisfaction and growth in knowledge, skills, or abilities.
✅ True
❌ False
Explanation:
Team effectiveness includes both performance outcomes and development of team members over time.
Question 7
Both formal and informal leaders _____________________.
❌ empower themselves to operate in isolation
✅ shape an environment conducive to others’ success, foster autonomy, and promote learning through embracing failure
❌ serve as influencers with designated roles only
❌ pursue individual agendas for personal gain
Explanation:
Effective leaders—formal or informal—enable others, encourage learning, and support growth.
Question 8
According to Edmondson, what skills are required for effective teaming?
❌ Technical expertise and specialized knowledge
❌ Competitive mindset and individual achievement
✅ Interpersonal awareness and skillful inquiry
❌ Hierarchical structure and rigid roles
Explanation:
Amy Edmondson emphasizes curiosity, inquiry, and interpersonal awareness for successful teaming.
Question 9
Which best aligns with psychological safety?
❌ Leader makes employees comfortable at all times
❌ Leader ignores bad behavior
❌ Leader discourages collaboration
✅ Leader designs a climate of safety, openness, accountability, and high expectations
Explanation:
Psychological safety balances openness with accountability and performance expectations.
Question 10
Assumptions embedded in social hierarchies can prevent people from speaking up.
✅ True
❌ False
Explanation:
Power dynamics and hierarchy often silence voices, even when speaking up is essential for problem-solving.
🧾 Summary Table
| Question | Correct Answer | Key Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Pattern of basic assumptions | Schein’s culture definition |
| Q2 | True | Basic underlying assumptions |
| Q3 | False | Culture is hard to assess |
| Q4 | Acknowledge assumptions | Cultural awareness |
| Q5 | Performance, growth, capacity | Effective teams |
| Q6 | True | Team effectiveness |
| Q7 | Enable others | Leadership (formal & informal) |
| Q8 | Interpersonal inquiry | Teaming |
| Q9 | Safe & accountable climate | Psychological safety |
| Q10 | True | Hierarchy & silence |