Chapter 16 Groups © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Learning Outcomes After completing this chapter, the student should understand the: 1.Importance of a group’s size. 2.Three broad categories of groups. 3.Difference between informal and formal groups. 4.Different types of task groups. 5.Five stages of group development. 6.Seven stages of group decision-making. 7.Different methods for group decision-making. © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Group Size Optimum size for a group = 5 members Why? Less than five members may lead to the inability to make decisions and lower levels of creativity. More than five members may lead to social loafing, forming of subgroups distracting from the group’s goals, and more time used for functioning purposes. © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Types of Groups Primary groups Secondary groups Reference groups © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Group Structure Informal – organized based on the members’ common interests or goals. Formal – created by the organization as part of its structure: - Functional group - Command group - Task group © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Group Development Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Group Decision-Making Model © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Group Decision-Making Stage 3 – The collective information processing of a group takes time to develop. Some strategies used: - Brainstorming - Nominal Group Technique - Delphi Technique © 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC