Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1 Chapter 4 Group Tasks and Activities Wide variety of...

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press

1

Chapter 4

Group Tasks and Activities

Wide variety of synonyms and metaphors for groups and teams • Crosses context and situation

• Three common attributes• Some type of organizing structure

• Cooperation among members

• Group purpose


2

Types of Group Tasks and Activities

What is the degree of interdependence required by the task?

Can the task be broken into subtasks?• Subtasks may differ even though they

contribute to a larger goal

• Subtasks may be interrelated


3

Types of Group Tasks and Activities

1. Planning

2. Generating ideas

3. Making choices

4. Negotiating

5. Competing

6. Performing

7. Deliberating

8. Building Relationships

9. Providing social support


4

Analyzing a Group Task

Task difficulty• Degree of effort, knowledge, or skill required

Solution multiplicity• Number of alternatives for solving the problem

Intrinsic interest• How interested group members are in the task

more


5

Analyzing a Group Task

Population familiarity• Level of familiarity with the task

Acceptance level• Will the group’s decision be accepted by

others? Area of freedom

• Degree of group authority or responsibility Social complexity

• Social demands placed on the group


6

Degree of Participation Influences the Task

The more a group member speaks, the more impact on the group and its task Participation among group members is not equal

Participation is partly a function of group size

Some tasks influence how members participate

It is common for members to participate more when they share common information


7

Time Influences the Task

Time both enables and constrains • When groups talk

• How much time they have to talk

• How much information to share Pace

• Intensity of interaction Time flexibility

• Greater autonomy in structuring the task


8

Diversity Influences the Task

Use of different interaction styles can result in subgroup formation

Diverse groups may require extra time to develop cohesion

How a diverse group handles conflict and status issues is key

Cultural distance• Integration of all differences—gender, cultural, social,

professional


9

Technology Influences the Task

Issues groups using technology should consider:• Effects of asynchronous communication

• How to build group identity

• Coordination on complex tasks

• Relationship development

• How to ensure understanding among group members


10

Evaluating Task and Activity Outcomes

Decision quality• Standards of quality, quantity, and timeliness

Member satisfaction• Are members satisfied with group process?

Group continuity• Future orientation of group members

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1 Chapter 4 Group Tasks and Activities Wide variety of...

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