Understanding groups and teams

What is a Groups Group Two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve particular goals

Why do people join groups?

Why do people join group Security By joining a group individuals can reduce the insecurity of standing alone. People feel stronger, have fewer self-doubts and are more resistant to threats when they are a part of a group.

Why do people join group Status Inclusion in a group that is viewed as important by others provides recognition and status for its members. Self Esteem Groups can provide people with feeling of self-worth . This is, in addition to conveying status to those outside the group, membership can also give increased feelings of worth to group members themselves.

Why do people join group Affiliation Groups can fulfill social needs. People enjoy the regular interaction that comes with group membership. For many people these interactions are their primary way of satisfying their needs for affiliation.

Why do people join group Power What cannot be achieved individually often becomes possible through group action. There is power in number. Goal Achievement There are times when it takes more than one person to accomplish a particular task. There is need to pool talents, knowledge or power in order to complete a job.

Types of Groups 1. Formal Groups 2. Informal Groups

Types of Groups Formal groups Work groups that have designated work assignments and tasks directed toward organizational goals Informal groups Groups that are independently formed to meet the social needs of their members

Basic Group concept 1. Group size Effect on behavior of group depends upon the type of outcome and number of persons in group. Large groups- good for getting diverse input Small groups- good at making use of information dispersion of responsibility in large groups leads to free rider tendency.

2.group role Set of expressed behavior patterns attributed to someone who occupies a given position in a social unit or group. 1. group members have particular roles oriented towards task accomplishment or maintain group member satisfaction. 2. individuals play multiple roles.

3. Groups norms Acceptable standards or expectations that are shared by the group’s members. Each group has: 1. Its own unique set of norms 2. common norms related to levels of effort and performance. 3. exert powerful influence on performance.

4. Group cohesiveness Degree to which members are attracted to a group and share the group’s goals. The group effectiveness depends upon the alignment of group and organizational goals.

Stages in Group Development Forming Members join and begin the process of defining the group’s purpose, structure, and leadership Storming Intragroup conflict occurs as individuals resist control by the group and disagree over leadership Norming Close relationships develop as the group becomes cohesive and establishes its norms for acceptable behavior

Stages in Group Development Performing A fully functional group structure allows the group to focus on performing the task at hand Adjourning The group prepares to disband and is no longer concerned with high levels of performance

Stages of Group Development

Group Decision Making Advantages Generates more complete information and knowledge Generates more diverse alternatives Increases acceptance of a solution Increases legitimacy of decision

Group Decision Making Disadvantages Time consuming Minority domination Pressures to conform Ambiguous responsibility

Turning groups into effective teams

What is team? Work team is a formal group made up of interdependent individuals who are responsible for the attainment of a common goal.

Comparing work groups with work teams Goal Share information Collective performance synergy Positive Neutral (may be negative or positive) Accountability Individual Individual and mutual skills complementary Random and varied

Characteristics of effective teams Clear goals Members understand and support the goals to be achieved Relevant skills Members have the necessary technical and interpersonal skills.

Mutual trust Members are confident in each others’ ability, character, and integrity. Unified commitment Loyalty and dedication to the team Good communication Messages are readily understood.

Types of teams Functional team A type of work team composed of a manager and his or her subordinates from a particular functional area. Self-managed team A type of work team that operates without a manager and is responsible for a complete work process or segment.

Cross-functional teams Employees from about the same hierarchical level, but from different work areas, who come together to accomplish a task. Virtual teams Use computer technology to tie-togather physically dispersed members in order to achieve a common goal.

Conflict Any situation in which incompatible goals, attitudes, emotions, or behaviors lead to disagreement or opposition between two or more parties.

Nature of organizational conflicts Functional conflicts A healthy, constructive disagreement between two or more people. Dysfunctional conflict An unhealthy, destructive disagreement between two or more people.fro

Forms of conflict in organization Inter-organizational conflict Conflict that occurs between two or more organizations Intergroup conflict Conflict that occurs between groups or teams in an organization Interpersonal conflict Conflict that occurs between two or more individuals

Person-role conflict Conflict that occurs when an individual is expected to perform behaviors in a certain role that conflict with his/her personal values.