Group Dynamics Study: Functions, Stages, and Threats to Group Effectiveness

1. 10 Group DynamicsStudy pgs 273-283 (skip Roles and Norms & Group Structure and Composition, pages 283-295), pick up at Threats to Group Effectiveness, pgs 294 – 301 end of chapter. Chapter

2. Ch. 10 Learning Objectives • Discuss the organizational functions that groups fulfill. • Describe the five stages in Tuckman’s theory of group development • Discuss threats to group effectiveness

3. Groups • Group • two or more freely interacting people with shared norms, goals, and identity • Why do people join groups? • Why do orgs form groups?

4. Formal Groups Fulfill Organizational Functions • Accomplish complex, independent tasks beyond the capabilities of individuals • Generate new or creative ideas or solutions • Coordinate interdependent efforts • Provide a problem-solving mechanism for complex problems • Implement complex decisions • Socialize and train newcomers

5. Tuckman’s Five-Stage Theory of Group Development Performing Norming Adjourning Storming Return toIndependence Forming Dependence/interdependence Independence

6. Tuckman’s Five-Stage Theory of Group Development Forming Storming Norming Performing IndividualIssues “How do I fit in?” “What’s myrole here?” “What do theothers expectme to do?” “How can I bestperform my role?” GroupIssues “Why are we here?” “Why are wefighting overwho’s incharge and whodoes what?” “Can we agreeon roles andwork as a team?” “Can we do thejob properly?”

7. T/F? • All groups go through the stages in this order and don’t regress to earlier stages. • Participative leadership is more important in earlier stages, while structured leadership is more important in later stages. • Clear deadlines and feedback make work teams more efficient.

8. Threats to Group Effectiveness • Asch Effect • Groupthink • Social Loafing

9. The Asch Effect • Asch Effect: the distortion of individual judgment by a unanimous but incorrect opposition. Comparison Lines Card Standard Line Card 1 2 3

10. Asch Effect • Since the 1950’s this effect has declined in the US • Individualist cultures resist pressures to conform • What are the implications of the Asch effect for managers?

11. Groupthink • Groupthink: high pressure to conform and unwilling to view alternatives • What can you do? • Give permission to dissent from the group • Assign a devil’s advocate

12. Social Loafing • Social Loafing: decrease in individual effort as group size increases • What actions could you take? • Make each identifiable • Reward individually • Small groups • Use the stepladder technique

13. Pop Quiz #5! • A group of employees with accounting expertise need to adapt their procedures in response to changes within their organization. The group decides to 1) hold each member accountable for a meaningful task and 2) to establish a process so that everyone openly expresses their opinion. The group was trying to prevent ____ and _____, respectively. • Social loafing; Groupthink • Groupthink ; Social loafing • Asch Effect; Social loafing • Groupthink; Asch Effect