Group dynamics

GROUP DYNAMICS

What is a group?

• Two or more individuals interacting who have come together to achieve a particular goal.

• Two or more interacting individuals with a stable pattern of relationship between them who perceive themselves as a group.

Group– Two or more people

who interact with each other to accomplish certain goals or meet certain needs.

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Team– A group whose members work intensely with each

other to achieve a specific, common goal or objective.

– All teams are groups but not all groups are teams.• Teams often are difficult to form.• It takes time for members to learn how to work

together.

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Two characteristics distinguish teams from groups

– Intensity with which team members work together

– Presence of a specific, overriding team goal or objective

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Reasons for joining groups1. security: group reduces insecurity and standing alone syndrome.

2. Status : recognition and status same as that of group

3. Self-Esteem: Self importance

4.Affiliation: Fulfills need of affection

5. Power: There is power in number

6. Goal achievement: pool of talent, skills and knowledege

Groups’ and Teams’ Contributions to Organizational Effectiveness

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The Types of Group in Organizations

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The Types of Groups and Teams

Formal Group

– A group that managers establish to achieve organization goals.

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Formal Groups

Cross-functional teams – composed of members from different

departments

Cross-cultural teams – composed of members from different

cultures or countries

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The Types of Groups and Teams

Informal Group– A group that managers or

nonmanagerial employees form to help achieve their own goals or to meet their own needs.

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The Types of Groups and Teams

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Type of Team

Top-management team

A group composed of the CEO, the president, and the heads of the most important departments

Research and development team

A team whose members have the expertise and experience needed to develop new products

Command groups A group composed of subordinates who report to the same supervisor, also called a department or unit,

Task forces A committee of managers or nonmanagerial employees from various departments or divisions who meet to solve a specific, mutual problem; also called an “ad hoc” committee

The Types of Groups and Teams

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Type of Team

Self-managed work team

A group of employees who supervise their own activities and monitor the quality of the goods and services they provide.

Virtual team A team whose members rarely or never meet face to face and interact by using various forms of information technology such as email, computer networks, telephone, fax and video conferences.

Friendship group An informal group composed of employees who enjoy each other’s company and socialize with each other.

Interest group An informal group composed of employees seeking to achieve a common goal related to their membership in an organization.

Virtual Teams

A team whose members rarely meet face-to-face

Interact by using various forms of information technology

Email, computer networks, telephone, fax, and videoconferences

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Friendship Groups

An informal group composed of employees who enjoy one another’s company and socialize with one another

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Interest Groups

An informal group of employees seeking to achieve a common goal related to their membership in an organization

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Group Size

Advantage of small groups– Interact more with each other and

easier to coordinate their efforts

– More motivated, satisfied, and committed

– Easier to share information

– Better able to see the importance of their personal contributions

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Group Size

Advantages of large groups– More resources at their disposal to

achieve group goals

– Enables managers to obtain division of labor advantages

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Group Size

Disadvantages of large groups– Problem of communication and

coordination

– Lower level of motivation

– Members might not think their efforts are really needed

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The Stages of Group Development

15-25Figure 15.4

STAGES OF GROUP FORMATION

STAGE -I FORMING: CONFUSION- not certain about purpose, task and leadership.

STAGE II

STORMING:

conflict and confrontation(disagreements).

STAGE III

NORMING: settling down, coop, collaboration

STAGE IV

PERFORMING: group fully functional, devoted to task at hand.

STAGE V

ADJOURNING: end of group/ new modified group

happy

sad

depressed

Stages of Group Development

Forming– Group members get to know each other and reach

common goals.

Storming– Group members disagree on direction and

leadership. Managers need to be sure the conflict stays focused.

Norming– Close ties and consensus begin to develop between

group members.

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Stages of Group Development

Performing– The group begins to do its real work.

Adjourning– Only for task forces that are temporary.

– Note that these steps take time!

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Group Norms

Group Norms– Shared guidelines or rules for behavior

that most group members follow

– Managers should encourage members to develop norms that contribute to group performance and the attainment of group goals

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Group Cohesiveness

The degree to which members are attracted to their group

Three major consequences– Level of participation

– Level of conformity to group norms

– Emphasis on group goal accomplishment

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Sources and Consequences of Group Cohesiveness

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Factors Leading to Group Cohesiveness

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Factor

Group Size Smaller groups allow for high cohesiveness; Low cohesiveness groups with many members can benefit from splitting into two groups.

Managed Diversity Diverse groups often come up with better solutions.

Group Identity Encouraging a group to adopt a unique identity and engage in competition with others can increase cohesiveness.

Success Cohesiveness increases with success; finding ways for a group to have some small successes increases cohesiveness.

Social loafing– The human tendency to put forth less effort in a

group than individually.– Results in possibly lower group performance and

failure to attain group goals

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Managing Groups and Teams for High Performance

Reducing social loafing:– Make individual efforts identifiable and

accountable.

– Emphasize the valuable contributions of individual members.

– Keep group size at an appropriate level.

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Three Ways to Reduce Social Loafing

15-39Figure 15.7

Any questions?

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