Study Guide Groups

GROUPS & TEAMS

Key Points

Define the characteristics of a group

Two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who come together to achieve particular objectives

Two or more people in social interaction

Group has stable structure

Members share common interdependent goals

Members perceive themselves as being a group

Define themselves and are defined by others as members

Identify with one another

Engage in frequent interaction

Participate in a system of interlocking goals

Share common norms

Feel their membership is rewarding

Have a collective perception of unity

Stick together in any confrontation with other groups

Why do people join groups?

Security

Status

Self Esteem

Affiliation

Power

Goal Achievement

What are the different types of groups?

Command Group

Task Group

Interest Group

Friendship Group

What are the stages of group development?

Forming – members get to know each other and seek to establish ground rules

Storming – members come to resist control by group leaders and show hostility

Norming – members work together developing closer relationships and feelings of camaraderie

Performing – group members work toward getting their jobs done

Adjourning – groups may disband either after meeting goals or because members leave

Group behavior model

How does an organization shape a group?

Organizational Strategy

Authority Structure

Formal Regulations

Organizational Resources

Personnel Selection

Performance Evaluation and Reward Systems

Organizational Culture

Physical Work Setting

Advantages and disadvantages of a group over an individual

Advantages of groups:

More info and knowledge

Diversity of views

More acceptance

More legitimacy

Accuracy

Creativity

Disadvantages:

Slow

Inefficient

Pressure to conform

Domination by few

Ambiguous responsibility

Risky shift

Groupthink

What are the responsibilities of a manager of a group?

Group formation

Providing goals and...