Interpersonal and Group Processes and Characteristics, Part 6

Question 1: Groups are everywhere in human society, as small as two individuals that come together to achieve a common goal, or as large as a nation. In organizations, groups can be informal or formal; the latter are called work teams. Give an overview of groups, and specify how a manager can best ensure that their work teams will most efficiently meet organizational goals.

Answer 1: The relationship between a group or team as a whole and the individuals comprising it is complex. While it is obvious that individuals shape and influence the groups to which they belong, it is equally true that a group can profoundly influence the actions and even perceptions of individuals who compose it; an example of this is found in groupthink, when individuals suppress their own ideas to stay in sync with the group. Managers need to protect against the deadening affects of groupthink while remaining focused on organizational goals. Often the most efficient way to do so is to ensure the various members are getting their own needs met. Managers must remember that individuals within a work team are there because of their own agendas; they hope to meet a personal goal, satisfy a desire, or exert influence upon something inside or outside the team.

There are lots of good resources about Group Processes that you can find available.

Question 2: A group can be temporary or relatively permanent, formal or informal. Give some examples of formal, informal, temporary and permanent groups.

Answer 2: Formal groups are created to meet goals decided prior to the group’s formation. They fall under the headings task groups, affinity groups and command groups. Of these, command groups are more permanent. Command groups, usually part of the organizational chart, establish chain of command for the reporting of information. Task groups are organizationally established as well but are temporary in nature, created to fulfill a single or related group of tasks and dissolve when goals are achieved. Affinity groups, also created by the organization, are composed of same- level employees who meet at scheduled times to examine issues or share important facts. Informal groups are most often specified as friendship groups or interest groups. Informal groups are formed casually, without outside intention. Friendship groups are formed by social interactions and relationships. Interest groups are more temporary, and are formed around a shared activity or unique interest members have in common.

Question 3: Groups can perform with varying degrees of efficiency and effectiveness. A number of factors can influence the group’s performance. Describe these factors.

Answer 3: While the purpose of any group is to achieve at the highest level, many influences factor into how well the group succeeds. Four important characteristics that contribute toward the outcome are the group’s size, composition, norms, and ability to cohere. An increased group size affects performance positively when there are a greater number of tasks or more complex ones, and negatively when the work to be done is simple. Relative uniformity in group composition influences how individual members interface with one another as well as how productive the group is able to become. Group norms can contribute to the group’s longevity, predict group and individual behaviors, curtail unacceptable behaviors, and organize the group’s purpose in terms of vision and values. A group’s ability to cohere greatly influences both the speed at which it functions and how successful it is. A group that is coherent communicates with a fluency that wastes nothing.

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