Group Dynamics and Teamwork

Front

What are the reasons groups are formed?

Back

1. Fulfil social needs (e.g., company social clubs, freemasonry) 2. Source of security (e.g., unions, friendly societies) 3. Self-esteem needs met by conferring status (e.g., sales winners’ clubs) 4. Shared economic interests (e.g., BPS, BMA or law society) 5. To pursue goals that can’t be pursued individually (e.g., university sports teams, co-op movement) 6. Proximity (e.g., friends from work, neighborhood groups)

Front

What is the definition of a group?

Back

A group is defined as two or more individuals who are interrelated so that the system performs some function, has a standard set of role relationships among its members, and has a set of norms that regulate the function of the group and each of its members.

Front

What is the definition of a team?

Back

A team is a small group of people with complementary skills and abilities who are committed to a common goal and approach for which they hold each other accountable.

Front

What are the advantages of working in teams?

Back

1. Team members learn from each other. 2. Greater workforce flexibility with cross-training. 3. Synergistic combinations of ideas and abilities. 4. Social facilitation and support for difficult tasks. 5. Enhanced communication and information exchange. 6. Greater cooperation among team members. 7. Enhanced interdependent workflow. 8. Greater acceptance of team-made decisions. 9. Team commitment may stimulate performance and attendance.

Front

What are the disadvantages of working in teams?

Back

1. Some individuals may not be compatible with teamwork. 2. Workers must fit the team as well as have requisite job skills. 3. Some members may find their jobs less motivating. 4. Organizations may resist change. 5. Conflict may develop between team members. 6. Teams may be time-consuming due to coordination needs. 7. Teams can stymie creativity if 'group think' prevails. 8. Evaluation and rewards may be perceived as less powerful. 9. 'Free-riding' may occur within the team. 10. Less flexibility in personnel replacement.

Front

What are the stages of group development according to Tuckman?

Back

1. Forming 2. Storming 3. Norming 4. Performing 5. Adjourning

Front

What are the characteristics of effective teams?

Back

1. Clear purpose 2. Informality 3. Participation 4. Listening 5. Civilized disagreement 6. Consensus decisions 7. Open communication 8. Clear roles and work assignments 9. Shared leadership 10. External relations

Front

What are the types of conflicts in teams?

Back

1. Cognitive/functional/constructive: Focus on issues, promotes discussion and creative thinking. 2. Affective/dysfunctional/destructive: Focus on feelings and personalities, can lead to win/lose outcomes.

Front

What are some strategies for resolving conflict in teams?

Back

1. Proaction 2. Improved communication 3. Openness 4. Research 5. Flexibility 6. Fair play 7. Alliance 8. Mediation 9. Arbitration 10. Compromise 11. Setting a super-ordinate goal.

Front

What is the direct approach to dealing with negative conflict?

Back

The leader confronts the issue head-on using problem-solving techniques, leaving everyone with a sense of resolution.