12. Group Formation Flashcards
What counts as a group?
two or more people having a, generally face to face, interaction
Part of an identifiable unit with a common goal
What is an aggregate?
A collection of unrelated people in close proximity at a particular point in time, e.g. bus passengers
What are group dynamics?
Forces within groups that affect performance and member satisfaction Communication and coordination Influencing and manipulating each other Roles and responsibilities Conflict resolution Dominance - "A pecking order"
What are the three different types of group tasks?
Additive - Sum of all members effort
Conjunctive - Depends on performance of least talented member e.g. relay race
Disjunctive - Depends on performance of most talented member, e.g. nominated spokesperson in a group quiz
3 ways of evaluating the structure of a group
What is a formal and informal group?
A formal group is one that was consciously created by management to accomplish a defined task, contributing to organisation’s goals
An informal group is one that became a group upon developing inter-dependencies, influencing each others behaviour and contributing to a mutual need, unintended
Name some common characteristics of a Formal group
Task orientated Permanent Formal structure Consciously organised Direct contribution to organisational objectives
What are Homans’ theories 3 different types of group formation?
Physical - Formed due to physical location, e.g. office architecture, placement of workers in assembly line
Technological - Formed due to commonality of tools, machinery and equipment group members use to do their job
Social - Formed due to the norms and values of the group, e.g. management as a group, positions within a company
What are the 5 steps of Tuckman and Jensen’s theory of group development?
Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning
At the forming stage is a group considered mature?
No, at the forming stage a group in immature.
They are not yet gelled, they are focused on finding their role in the group and understanding each other’s identities and personalities, establishing ground rules and developing relationships. As a group they are focused on everyone understanding what is being asked of them
What is happening during a groups ‘Storming’ stage?
Conflict - Establishing the pecking order, each individuals role and how best to organise the group to achieve objectives
Why is ‘Norming’ called the Sharing, cohesive stage?
At this point the groups understand each others personalities and their roles in the group, the rules are established and conflicts start to be overcome.
Increase in ‘data flow’ as members are more open with each other and about goals
What is generally the longest period of group development according to Tuckman?
Performing
An effective structure has been developed, the group is mature and concerned with completion of the task at hand and ‘cracking on’ to achieve said task.
Members may become interdependent, happy working alone, in sub groups or as a unit
There is generally high commitment to objectives with problem solving
Why is Tuckman’s Adjourning stage also known as Grieving?
The task is achieved and the group is disbanded
Group is looking at transitioning to next group or task and reflective
What is Homan’s theory of group formation used to analyse?
The environment or social system in which a group exists
According to Homan what are the 3 elements of group internal or external systems?
Activities - Behaviours engaged in by group members
Interactions - Communication between members
Sentiments - Feelings, attitudes and beliefs held by group members towards each other
