INST335 CHAPTER 12
How groups function has important implications for
organizational productivity
Group
a collection of individuals who interact with each other such that one person's actions have an impact on the others
In organizations, groups can be classified into two basic types
inform...
INST335 CHAPTER 12
How groups function has important implications for
organizational productivity
Group
a collection of individuals who interact with each other such that one person's actions
have an impact on the others
In organizations, groups can be classified into two basic types
informal and formal.
Informal work groups are
made up of two or more individuals who are associated with one another in ways not
prescribed by the formal organization.
Example of informal work group
For example, a few people in the company who get together to play tennis on the
weekend would be considered an informal group.
A formal work group is
made up of managers, subordinates, or both with close associations among group
members that influence the behavior of individuals in the group.
four-stage map of group evolution
Forming-Storming- Norming-Performing Model
Later he enhanced the model by adding a fifth and final stage,
adjourning
Forming-Storming- Norming-Performing Model phases
to facilitate a group successfully, the leader needs to move through various leadership
styles over time.
Forming stage
The stage in which the group comes together for the first time
What happens in forming stage
they are trying to get to know one another. Often this can be accomplished by finding
some common ground. Members also begin to explore group boundaries to determine
what will be considered acceptable behavior.
, group members are also discovering how the group will work in terms of what needs to
be done and who will be responsible for each task. This stage is often characterized by
abstract discus- sions about issues to be addressed by the group; those who like to get
moving can become impatient with this part of the process.
How long is forming phase
a meeting or two
Storming phase
This is the phase when group members begin to explore their power and influence and
they often stake out their territory by differentiating themselves from the other group
members rather than seeking common ground.
important purpose of storming phase
group members are becoming more authentic as they express their deeper thoughts
and feelings.
, During this chaotic stage, a great deal of creative energy that was previously buried is
released and available for use, but it takes skill to move the group from Storming to
Norming.
Once group members discover that they can be authentic and that the group is
capable of handling differences without dissolving, they are ready to enter the
next stage,
Norming
norming
The stage in which participants find it easy to establish their own ground rules (or
norms) and define their operating procedures and goals.
Performing
The stage in which participants are not only getting the work done, but they also pay
greater attention to how they are doing it.
Adjourning
Many groups or teams formed in a business context are project-oriented and therefore
are temporary.
punctuated equilibrium
The theory that change within groups occurs in rapid, radical spurts rather than
gradually over time.
Cohesion
can be thought of as a kind of social glue. It refers to the degree of camaraderie within
the group.
Cohesive groups tend to have the following characteristics:
-they have a collective identity;
-they experience a moral bond and a desire to remain part of the group;
-they share a sense of purpose, working together on a meaningful task or cause;
-they establish a structured pattern of communication.
The fundamental factors affecting group cohesion include the following:
similarity
stability
size
support
satisfaction
Similarity
The more similar group members are in terms of age, sex, education, skills, attitudes,
values, and beliefs, the more likely the group will bond.
Stability
The longer a group stays together, the more cohesive it becomes.
Size
Smaller groups tend to have higher levels of cohesion.
Support
When group members receive coaching and are encouraged to support their fellow
team members, group identity strengthens.
Satisfaction
Cohesion is correlated with how pleased group members are with one another's
performance, behavior, and conformity to group norms.
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