What might have contributed to this?

HR creates a focus group by soliciting volunteers from different departments to identify ways to improve work/life balance. Participants are equally divided in terms of tenure. Most are from three departments, but all departments are represented. An outside, experienced facilitator is hired to encourage brainstorming. No one is satisfied with the experience.

What might have contributed to this?
A . Participants are not representative of the workplace
B . The facilitator should have been selected from within the organization.
C . Participants should have been assigned by their supervisors
D . Brainstorming did not offer sufficient structure for discussion

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

The participants do not fully represent the workplace since there is an overrepresentation of three departments. This could decrease participation of members from other departments and give a false sense of employees’ attitudes and needs. An outside facilitator is usually more effective as is voluntary, rather than involuntary, participation. Brainstorming is appropriate for a group trying to develop alternative solutions.