Groups and Teams

Describe the basic nature of groups: the dynamics of group formation and the various types of groups.

Discuss the implications that research on groups has for the practice of management.

Explain the important dynamics of informal groups and organizations.

Analyze the impact of groupthink.

Present the newly emerging team concept and practice.

Relaxed, comfortable, informal atmosphere

Task well understood & accepted

People express feelings & ideas

Members listen well & participate

Consensus decision making

Conflict & disagreement center around ideas or methods

Clear assignments made & accepted

Group aware of its operation & function

The Dynamics of Group Formation Propinquity George Homans- AIS Balance Theory Exchange Theory

Group Stages FSNPA

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Types of Groups Primary Groups Coalitions Other Types of Groups▪ Membership▪ Reference Group▪ In-Group▪ Out-Group

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Norms of Behavior - the standards that a work group uses to evaluate the behavior of its members

Group Cohesion - the “interpersonal glue” that makes members of a group stick together

Social Loafing - the failure of a group member to contribute personal time, effort, thoughts, or other resources to the group

Loss of Individuality - a social process in which individual group members lose self-awareness & its accompanying sense of accountability, inhibition, and responsibility for individual behavior

Implications from Research on Group Dynamics The Schachter Study Implications of the Schachter Study

Group/Team Effectiveness

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Norms and Roles in Informal Groups Strongly enforced if:▪ Aid in group survival and provision of benefits ▪ Simplify or make predictable behavior

expected▪ Help avoid embarrassing interpersonal

problems▪ Express values and goals of the group and

clarify identity

Norm Violation and Role Ambiguity/Conflict

Risky Shift PhenomenonDysfunctions in PerspectiveSocial Loafing

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Cross-Functional Teams Between divisions Trend toward flatter organizations

Virtual Teams Sky-rocketing in use Level of virtuality is worth considering

Self-Managed Teams Performance, Job Satisfaction,

Organizational Commitment

How to Make Teams More Effective Team Building Collaboration Group Leadership Cultural/Global Issues

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Questions