Ch 7.2 Flashcards
What is group structure?
The way a group is organized, including size, diversity, roles, status, norms, and cohesivenes
How does group size affect satisfaction?
Larger groups usually lead to less satisfaction due to less participation, more conflict, and weaker personal connections.
How does group size affect performance?
Additive tasks (e.g., building a house): Bigger groups perform better.
Disjunctive tasks (e.g., solving a problem): Bigger groups are better because they may have a top performer.
Conjunctive tasks (e.g., assembly lines): Bigger groups struggle because performance depends on the weakest member.
What is a process loss?
A decrease in group performance due to coordination and motivation problems in larger groups.
How does group diversity impact performance?
Diverse groups take longer to develop but can be just as productive. Differences in skills and expertise improve creativity and innovation.
What is surface diversity?
Differences in age, gender, and race, which have a small or temporary effect on group performance.
What is deep diversity?
Differences in work attitudes and styles, which can harm group cohesion if members disagree on goals.
What are group norms?
Shared expectations about behavior that provide stability and regulate group interactions.
Why do people follow group norms?
Because they align with personal beliefs, save time, reduce confusion, and are enforced through rewards and punishments.
What are some common types of group norms?
Dress norms: Expectations about workplace attire.
Reward allocation norms: Rules for distributing pay and promotions.
Performance norms: Expectations about work effort and productivity.
What are roles in a group?
Positions with expected behaviors, acting as “packages” of norms for group members.
What are designated roles?
Assigned roles that formally divide labor and responsibility, like manager or engineer.
What are emergent roles?
Unassigned roles that naturally develop to meet social or work needs, like an office mentor.
What is role ambiguity?
Unclear job expectations that create confusion about performance, authority, or responsibilities.
What are the effects of role ambiguity?
Stress, dissatisfaction, lower commitment, reduced performance, and higher turnover.
What is role conflict?
a person has different expectations for their roles that can’t be fulfilled at the same time
What is intrasender role conflict?
When one person gives conflicting instructions (e.g., “Take it easy” but also “Finish this now”).
What is intersender role conflict?
When multiple people give conflicting role expectations (e.g., boss vs. customers).
What is interrole conflict?
When a person’s different roles (e.g., work and family) create competing demands.
What is person-role conflict?
When role demands clash with a person’s values or abilities, like ethical dilemmas.
What is status in a group?
The rank or respect a person holds based on formal position or informal influence.
What are formal status systems?
Organizationally assigned rankings using symbols like titles, pay, or office location.
What are informal status systems?
Unofficial rankings based on performance, personality, or social factors like gender.
How do status differences affect communication?
Higher-status people talk more and have more influence, while lower-status members may hesitate to communicate upward.
How do organizations reduce status barriers?
Removing symbols like fancy offices, promoting teamwork, and using direct communication tools like email.
