Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1 Chapter 4 Group Tasks and Activities Wide variety of synonyms and metaphors for groups and teams Crosses context and situation Three common attributes Some type of organizing structure Cooperation among members Group purpose

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 2 Types of Group Tasks and Activities What is the degree of interdependence required by the task? Can the task be broken into subtasks? Subtasks may differ even though they contribute to a larger goal Subtasks may be interrelated

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 3 Types of Group Tasks and Activities 1. Planning 2. Generating ideas 3. Making choices 4. Negotiating 5. Competing 6. Performing 7. Deliberating 8. Building Relationships 9. Providing social support

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 4 Analyzing a Group Task Task difficulty Degree of effort, knowledge, or skill required Solution multiplicity Number of alternatives for solving the problem Intrinsic interest How interested group members are in the task more 

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 5 Analyzing a Group Task Population familiarity Level of familiarity with the task Acceptance level Will the group’s decision be accepted by others? Area of freedom Degree of group authority or responsibility Social complexity Social demands placed on the group

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 6 Degree of Participation Influences the Task The more a group member speaks, the more impact on the group and its task Participation among group members is not equal Participation is partly a function of group size Some tasks influence how members participate It is common for members to participate more when they share common information

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 7 Time Influences the Task Time both enables and constrains When groups talk How much time they have to talk How much information to share Pace Intensity of interaction Time flexibility Greater autonomy in structuring the task

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 8 Diversity Influences the Task Use of different interaction styles can result in subgroup formation Diverse groups may require extra time to develop cohesion How a diverse group handles conflict and status issues is key Cultural distance Integration of all differences—gender, cultural, social, professional

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 9 Technology Influences the Task Issues groups using technology should consider: Effects of asynchronous communication How to build group identity Coordination on complex tasks Relationship development How to ensure understanding among group members

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 10 Evaluating Task and Activity Outcomes Decision quality Standards of quality, quantity, and timeliness Member satisfaction Are members satisfied with group process? Group continuity Future orientation of group members