UNIT 6: Group Dynamics Flashcards
(10 cards)
Importance of Group Dynamics in Decision-Making
- Groups are essential for decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational performance.
- Group behavior can influence team effectiveness, collaboration, and the quality of decisions.
- Understanding group dynamics helps in improving teamwork and leadership.
Group Behavior in Organizational Settings
- Organizations rely on groups to accomplish tasks, generate ideas, and enhance productivity.
- Groups create social structures that impact individual behavior and group performance.
- Group members develop roles, norms, and structures that influence how they work together.
Definition of a Group
A group consists of two or more individuals who interact and are interdependent, coming together to achieve a set of objectives.
Types of Groups
- Formal Groups:
- Created by management to achieve specific organizational goals.
- Has a defined or formal structure and roles.
- Is task-oriented and contributes directly to the organization’s purpose.
Example: A project team working on a sustainability initiative. - Informal Groups:
- Emerge naturally through personal interactions.
- Serve social and emotional purposes rather than formal tasks.
Example: Employees who regularly meet for lunch without formal organization.
Natural vs. Consciously Formed Groups in Organizations
- Natural Groups: Form spontaneously through personal relationships.
- Consciously Formed Groups: Created with a specific structure and purpose by an organization.
Why Do People Join Groups?
- Task & Goal Achievement:
- Some objectives can only be met through teamwork.
- Example: Completing a complex project or launching a new product. - Security & Uncertainty Avoidance:
- Groups provide a sense of stability and reduce uncertainty.
- Individuals feel more secure being part of a team. - Self-Esteem & Social Identity:
- Being in a group enhances confidence and a sense of belonging. - Need for Affiliation:
- Humans have an innate need for social interaction.
- Groups fulfill the desire for connection and relationships. - Power & Status:
- Being part of a respected group can elevate personal status.
- Group membership can increase influence and authority.
Personal Identity vs. Group Identity
- Individuals can think, feel, and act based on either personal identity or group identity.
- Group identity influences how individuals behave within a team.
Examples of Group Influence in Organizations
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs):
- Groups created for employees to connect over shared experiences (e.g., cultural identity, gender, veteran status).
- Example: Netflix ERGs for Latinx, veteran, Black, and disability communities.
Teamwork & Group Norms:
Employees in high-functioning groups are likely to adopt group values and behaviors.
Key Group Characteristics That Impact Behavior
1) Group Size and Performance
- Large Groups (12+ members):
Useful for collecting diverse input and problem-solving.
Less effective for decision-making and implementation.
- Small Groups (<7 members):
Better for execution, task completion, and faster decision-making.
Individuals typically perform better and complete tasks efficiently.
- Potential Downsides of Large Groups:
Ringelmann Effect: The more workers there are, the lower the actual performance is compared to the expected performance.
Social Loafing: Members contribute less effort.
Motivation Loss
Coordination Problems: Harder to align on goals and tasks.
2) Group Norms
Formal & Informal Norms: Groups establish expectations on how members should behave.
- Types of Norms:
Performance Norms: Expected productivity and work standards.
Appearance Norms: Dress codes, professionalism, expected behaviors.
Social Arrangement Norms: Expectations on relationships and interactions.
Resource Allocation Norms: Guidelines on distributing work and resources.
3) Group Cohesiveness
Group Cohesiveness: Degree of belonging to a group; how close the group members are to each other.
- Predictors of Cohesion:
Shared Goals & Past Success: Increases group unity.
External Threats/Competition: Strengthens internal bonding.
Fair Reward Systems: Encourages group motivation.
Interaction: Members can interact with each other.
Exclusivity: Difficult to enter group; Members agree on their status positions.
Positive Consequences:
High member satisfaction, cooperation, and performance.
Negative Consequences:
Groupthink (excessive agreement, lack of alternative viewpoints).
Biased Perceptions and social pressure.
Challenges in Group Behavior
1) Social Loafing & Free Riding
- Social Loafing:
Reduction in individual effort when working collectively.
More common in large teams where contributions are pooled. - Free Riding:
Some members benefit from the group without contributing.
Unlike social loafing, this is an intentional lack of participation. - Prevention Strategies:
Make individual contributions identifiable.
Set meaningful, shared goals.
Encourage competition between teams.
2) Conformity
- Adjusting behavior to align with group norms.
- People conform due to frame of reference and group pressure.
- Sanctions can reinforce conformity:
Negative sanctions: Exclusion, punishment for deviating.
Positive sanctions: Rewards for aligning with norms.
3) Groupthink
- When a desire for unanimity overrides rational decision-making.
- Effects on members and group:
Feeling invulnerable, ignoring risks.
Dismissing alternative perspectives.
Direct pressure on dissenting members.
- Prevention:
Assign a devil’s advocate.
Keep groups small and diverse.
Ensure impartial leadership.
Preventing Negative Group Outcomes
- Reducing Social Loafing: Identify contributions, encourage accountability.
- Encouraging Constructive Dissent (contrasting views): Use devil’s advocate approach.
- Effective Leadership:
Leaders should facilitate open discussions.
Promote balanced decision-making and inclusion.
