Group Dynamics and Work Teams

Chapter 8

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Learning Objectives

1. Define what is meant by a group and identify different types of groups operating within organizations.

2. Describe the importance of norms, roles, status, and cohesiveness within organizations.

3. Explain how individual performance in groups is affected by the presence of others (social facilitation) and the number of others with whom one is working (social loafing).

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Learning Objectives

4. Define what teams are and describe the various types of teams that exist in organizations.

5. Describe the effectiveness of teams in organizations.

6. Explain the factors responsible for the failure of some teams to operate as effectively as possible and identify steps that can be taken to build successful teams.

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Group

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Group Types

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Reasons for Joining Groups

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5-Stage Model of Group Formation

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Punctuated Equilibrium Model

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Group Structure Roles

Role

Role incumbent

Role expectations

Role ambiguity

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Role Differentiation

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Norms Prescriptive ▪ Proscriptive

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Status

Formal

• Status symbols

Informal

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Cohesiveness Influences

Severity of initiation

Conditions of high external threat or competition

Time spent together

Group size

History of success

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Cohesiveness Effects

Increased group member satisfaction

Increased participation in group activities

Increased acceptance of group goals

Potentially high productivity

Decreased absenteeism and turnover

May be counterproductive if group’s goals are contrary to organization’s goals

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Drive Theory of Social Facilitation

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Social Loafing

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Cultural Social Loafing

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Overcoming Social Loafing

Make each performer identifiable

Make work tasks more important and interesting

Reward individuals for contributing to their group’s performance

Use punishment threats

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Groups vs. Teams

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Types of Teams

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Degree of Autonomy

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Self-Managed Teams vs. Traditional Work Groups

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Self-Managed Work Teams Functions

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Creating and Developing Teams

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Successful Teams

People enjoy working in teams after adjustment

Help enhance commitment among employees

Allow more to be done by fewer people

Not always responsible for making individuals and organizations more productive

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Why Some Teams Fail

Unwillingness to cooperate

Lack of management support

Managers’ reluctance to relinquish control

Failure to cooperate between teams

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Successful Team Development

Compensate team performance

Communicate urgency of team’s mission

Train members in team skills

• Being a team member

• Self-management

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Required Team Member Interpersonal Skills

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Required Self-Management Skills

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Successful Team Development

Team training exercises

• Role definition • Problem solving

• Goal setting • Interpersonal process

Promote cooperation within and between teams

Select team members based on skills or potential skills

Be patient

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Team Training Effectiveness

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