Understanding Group and Team Experience Chapter 9 Understanding Group and Team Experience Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Group and Team Performance Groups and teams come up with more creative solutions to problems than a person working alone. Working with others in groups improves the comprehension of the ideas presented. Group and team members are more satisfied with the conclusions and recommendations if they participated in the discussion. Groups have more available information by tapping the experiences of group members.

Chapter Outline Groups and Teams Defined Understanding Types of Groups and Teams Understanding Group and Team Dynamics Understanding Phases of Group and Team Development

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Small Groups Communicating In Small Groups: Many important workplace decisions are made within small group of coworkers. Small groups: Consist of three to fifteen people United by common goal or purpose Feel a Sense of Belonging Exert Influence on Others Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Small Group Defined Small group communication is the transactive process of creating meaning among 3 to 15 people who share a common purpose, who feel a sense of belonging, and who exert influence on each other.

Small Group Communication Anthropologist Margaret Meade “Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Team Defined Communicating In Teams A team is a coordinated group of people organized to work together to achieve a specific, common goal.

Communicating in Teams Develop clearly defined responsibilities Have clearly defined rules Develop clear goals Develop way to coordinate efforts Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Groups vs. Teams Distinctions Between Groups and Teams Teams develop clearly defined responsibilities for team members. Teams have clearly defined rules for team operation. Teams develop clear goals. Teams develop a way of coordinating their efforts.

Comparing Groups and Teams Roles and Responsibilities Individual responsibilities not explicitly defined Rules Often not written down or formally developed; rules evolve depending on the group’s needs Goals May be discussed in general terms Methods Group members may or may not decide to divide the work among group members Teams Roles and Responsibilities Expectations, roles and responsibilities are clearly developed and discussed Rules Rules and operating procedures are clearly identified to help the team work efficiently and effectively Goals Clearly spelled out goals are the focus of what the team does Methods Team members develop clear methods of collaborating and coordinating their efforts to achieve the team goal

Characteristics of Effective Team Members Experience Have practical experience in collaborating with others Problem-Solving Ability Team members carefully analyzed information and issues Openness discuss delicate and sensitive issues and topics appropriately Supportiveness Team members listened to others, found out what needed to be done, pitched in and did the work

More Characteristics of Effective Team Members Action Oriented Do the work Positive Personal Style Optimistic, encouraging, positive, enthusiastic, and friendly attitude. Positive Overall Team Perceptions Team members believed that they were effective; they were optimistic that they had the skills and resources to accomplish the task

When Not to Collaborate in Groups and Teams When they have limited times When an expert knows the answer When information is available When conflict is unmanageable Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Understanding Types of Groups and Teams Primary Groups A group, such as a family, that exists to fulfill basic human needs Study Groups A group that exists to help group members learn new information and ideas Collaborative learning – a strategy of assigning students to small groups and inviting participation to help students learn Therapy Groups A group that provides treatment for problems that group members may have

Understanding Types of Groups and Teams Problem Solving Groups A group that meets to seek a solution to a problem Focus Groups A group that is asked to discuss a particular topic or issue so that others can understand how the group members respond to the topics or issues presented to them Social Groups A group that exists to provide opportunities for group members to enjoy the company of others

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Challenge Question When advertisers test market a new product, they only rely on input from a Primary group Therapy group Problem-solving group Focus group Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Answer When advertisers test market a new product, they only rely on input from a Primary group Therapy group Problem-solving group Focus group Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Understanding Group and Team Dynamics   Roles The consistent way a person communicates with others in a small group Types of Roles Task role- a role that helps a group achieve its goal and accomplish its work Social role- a role that helps the group manage relationships and affects the group climate Individual role- a role that focuses attention on the individual rather than on the group  

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Task Roles Task Roles Description Example Initiator/Contributor Offers new ideas “How about developing a new agenda?” Information Seeker Seeks facts and clarity “How can I found statistics on underage drinking?” Opinion Seeker Seeks group’s input “What do you think of the new school dress code? Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Task Roles Task Role Description Explanation Information Giver Provides facts, examples, statistics “Three awards were granted to University students this year.” Opinion Giver Offers opinions “The new school dress code is inappropriate.” Elaborator Clarifies ideas and suggestions “Tom, that’s great, my son also had the same experience at that school.” Coordinator Builds relationships in groups “Tyrone and Juanita, your ideas sound similar. Can you collaborate?” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Task Roles Task Roles Description Example Orienter Summarizes progress and focuses on tasks “We are getting off track, let’s focus on the agenda.” Evaluator/Critic Accesses group evidence and conclusions “How recent are those statistics?” Procedural Technician Keeps group on task “I’ll record everyone’s idea and send everyone updates.” Recorder Records all group activity “I’ll take today’s minutes.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Social Roles Social Roles Description Example Encourager Offers praise and support “You’re doing a great job!” Harmonizer Manages conflicts and mediates disputes “Tynesha, you and Mandy seem to have the same goals, let’s brainstorm how you can both achieve what you want.” Compromiser Resolves conflicts and seeks solutions “Jane and Sue want to meet at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Would 7:30 work?” Gatekeeper Encourages group interaction “We haven’t heard from Tim. Let’s see what he thinks.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Social Roles Social Roles Description Example Follower Accommodates group members “I support that option. You see things like I do” Emotion Expresser Verbalizes group feelings “We seem to be frustrated by our progress.” Group Observer Summarizes group progress “We are making great progress on every level but the salary offer.” Tension Reliever Monitors stress “Hey, what we need is a good laugh.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Individual Roles Individual Roles Description Example Aggressor Deflates the status of other group members “Lee, your idea is horrible, we all know my idea is better.” Blocker Is negative, stubborn and disagreeable for no reason “I don’t like it and I don’t have to tell you why.” Recognition Seeker Seeks the spotlight “Don’t you remember, that was my idea?” Self-confessor Uses group as forum to disclose personal feelings “Let me tell you how unfair my parents are.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Individual Roles Individual Roles Description Example Joker Wants to make jokes vs. focusing on group needs “Hey, let’s forget this project and go to the mall.” Dominator Tries to control the group “Now here is what we are going to do.” Special-interest Seeker Uses group to support their own pet project “My service project would be great for our group project.” Help Seeker Seeks to evoke sympathy “I ‘m not good with people and I don’t relate well with others.” Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Challenge Question The group roles that are of the least benefit to the group’s objectives are Task roles. Social roles. Individual roles. Focus roles. Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Answer The group roles that are of the least benefit to the group’s objectives are Task roles. Social roles. Individual roles. Focus roles. Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Group Norms Norms are standards that determine what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a group: What are group attitudes? How do group members dress? What level of language is acceptable? What humor is acceptable? How is the leader treated? Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Group Rules Teams develop ground rules Explicit rules Developed together Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Group Status Person with High Status Talks more than low-status Directs comments to high-status members Has more influence on group decisions Is listened to by group members Addresses more comments to groups Status is an individual’s importance and prestige Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Power in Groups Power the ability to influence others’ behavior Types of Power Legitimate power - power results from being elected, appointed Referent power -power results from being popular and well liked Expert power – power that results from having information or being knowledgeable about issues or ideas Reward power- power that results from having the resources to bestow gifts, money, recognition, or other rewards that group members value Coercive power -power that results from the ability to punish others Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Group Cohesiveness Cohesiveness Is the degree of attraction that members of a group feel toward one another and the group   Cohesive group members feel a sense of loyalty to one another listen to one another talk about the group in terms of we instead of I (“all for one and one for all”)

Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc Group Cohesiveness Cohesive Groups Non-Cohesiveness Emphasize “We” vs. “I.” Emphasize individual Reinforce good attendance Attendance not emphasized Establish and maintain traditions Traditions not developed Set clear short and long term goals Avoid goals and deadlines Encourage participation High-status. Talkative members dominate Celebrate accomplishment Discourage accomplishment Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Small Group Communication Networks Communication Interaction Patterns a consistent pattern of who talks to whom Networks of Communication All-channel network- a group in which everyone else talks to everyone else Chain network- a form of group communication in people convey a message to one person at a time rather than communicating with all the group members at once Wheel network -one person receives most of the messages from a central person

Small Group Communication Networks Copyright © 2010, 2007, 2004 Pearson Education, Inc

Phases of Group and Team Development Phase one: Orientation Members become adjusted to one another and to the groups task Phase two: Conflict Characterized by increased disagreement. This tension occurs when there may be a struggle for leadership or when group members disagree with each other Phase three: Emergence Phase four: Reinforcement

Group Phases What are we doing here? What is our goal? Who are these people? What is my role? Who put him/her in charge? I see the goal differently. I have different ideas. I have different strategies Something happens Decisions are made Issues are managed The group moves forward The group is aware it is making progress Members seek to justify their actions Members reward others The teams celebrates its success or rationalizes its failure Phase One: Orientation Phase Two: Conflict Phase Three: Emergence Phase Four: Reinforcement