Final answer:
It's best to use multiple contact list columns when individuals have different roles related to a task, ensuring tailored and efficient communication. Informational social influence happens when the answer is not clear and the group is seen as having expertise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using multiple contact list columns is best when the individuals have different roles related to a task. This approach allows for better organization and targeting of communication based on the role each contact plays. For example, in a project, you might have separate columns for the project manager, team members, stakeholders, and vendors. This delineation ensures that communications are relevant and appropriate for each group, reducing the risk of sending unnecessary information to parties that might not require it, similar to the problem in an example email where an entire staff list is contacted instead of only relevant parties.
Informational social influence is more likely to occur when the answer is unclear and the group has expertise. Individuals tend to conform as they seek correct answers to situations that are ambiguous, and they assume the 'experts' know better. This is especially true in high-stakes or complex scenarios.