Group Dynamics Module 10

Group Dynamics “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead Module 10

Group Dynamics l To identify and analyze the social processes that impact on group development and performance. l To acquire the skills necessary to intervene and improve individual and group performance in an organizational context. Objectives: Module 10

Objectives (contd) l To build more successful organizations by applying techniques that provide positive impact on goal achievement. Module 10

Group Dynamics The social process by which people interact in a group environment The influences of personality, power and behaviour on the group process Module 10

Types of Groups Formal - structured to perform specific tasks. Informal - emerge naturally in response to organizational or member interests. Module 10

Group Size l to express individual viewpoints; l to develop social relationships; l to ensure everyone participates; l for individual recognition. Issues to be considered include opportunities: Module 10

Group Structure l ensure that all skill sets are included; l examine the impact of a poor performer on group achievement; Issues considered include: Module 10

Group Structure (contd) l ensure a combination of leaders and followers; l examine the potential for personality conflicts; l impacts of member diversity. Module 10

Group Development Forming - orientation, guidance (dependence) Storming - conflict, roles and responsibilities, rules and procedures, individual recognition (counterdependence) Module 10

Group Development (contd) Module 10 Norming - issue resolution, develop social agreements, cohesion, establish group norms (interdependence) Performing - mutual assistance, creativity, understanding goals and roles (independence) Adjourning - closure, symbolism, ceremonies, and emotional support.

Participants’ Input 10.1 Module 10

Group Functions l Task behaviours; l Maintenance behaviours; l Self-interest behaviours. Module 10

Task Behaviours l initiating; l information seeking/giving; l clarifying ideas; l brining closure; l consensus testing. Module 10

Maintenance Behaviours l encouraging; l improving group atmosphere; l harmonizing; l compromising; l gate-keeping. Module 10

Self-interest Behaviours l dominating/controlling; l blocking; l manipulating; l belittling; l splitting hairs. Module 10

Group Norms l social standards and acceptable behaviours; l collectively held expectations of group functioning; l provide regularity and predictability to group functioning. Module 10

Types of Norms l conduct; l work performance/attendance; l rearranging personal space; l assisting co-workers; l loyalty; l dress codes; l rewards. Standards related to: Module 10

Roles Assigned roles - chair, secretary, manager, treasurer, etc; Emergent roles - confidant, group clown, gossip, mentor, etc; Module 10

Factors That Impact Effectiveness Role Ambiguity - worker is unclear of job definition; Role Conflict -worker experiences job overlap. Module 10

Status Symbolic - office, administrative support, perks; Impact -authority, hierarchy, decision- making, rewards. Module 10

Affected by the ability of the group to: Group Cohesion Work as a unit, share tasks, recognize member contributions; -VS- Conflict, role ambiguity, lack of motivation; -Attracts- High performers, opportunists, achievers; -Affected by- Group size, cliques, acts of protest, self-interest behaviour Module 10

Support l training; l reward system; l empowerment/self-management; l organizational representativeness/diversity. Module 10

Participants’ Input 10.2 Module 10

Transactional Analysis Social transactions between individuals: Parent - protective, nurturing, controlling, critical, guiding. Adult - rational, calculating, factual, unemotional. Child - rebellious, spontaneous, dependant, creative, emotional. Module 10

Reactions l I’m OK - You’re OK l I’m OK - You’re not OK l I’m not OK - You’re OK l I’m not OK - You’re not OK Module 10

Individual Behaviour Passive -easily “pushed around”, compliant, submissive, non-resistant. Aggressive - pushy, hostile, forceful, creates conflict, shows disregard for others. Assertive - self-assured, confident, positive, protects own rights, respects others. Module 10

Effective Teams l high skills, high motivation; l have a clear picture of group goals; l high performance; l success attracts others; l opportunity for individual recognition; l recognition of professionalism. Module 10 Are a result of:

Participants’ Input 10.3 Module 10