Chapter 11: Groups

Question 1

What is a group?

Answer 1

Two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who come together to achieve particular objectives
Formal and informal

Question 2

What is the five stages of group development?

Answer 2

Forming (Uncertainty about purpose, structure, and leadership), storming (conflict: members resist constraints), Norming (cohesive with strong group identity), Performing (functional and working toward goals), Adjourning (break-up)

Question 3

How does the role requirments change in different situations?

Answer 3

Role perception, role expectations, role conflict

Question 4

How do norms exert influence on an individual’s behavior?

Answer 4

Acceptable standards of behavior within a group. Norms control behavior by establishing standards of right and wrong.

Question 5

What is the dynamics in a group behaviour?

Answer 5

Individuals try to conform to norms of these groups
Group standards are set and enforced by the group itself
Members avoid being visibly different
Members with differing opinions feel extensive pressure to align with others

Question 6

How does size affect group behavior?

Answer 6

Smaller groups are faster at completing tasks – members perform better
Large groups are consistently better at problem solving

NB: social loafing

Question 7

What is the benefits and disadvantages of cohesive groups?

Answer 7

How group members are motivated to stay together: High cohesiveness with high norms gives higher productivity

Question 8

What is the implications of diversity for group effectiveness?

Answer 8

Diversity increases group conflict, but may improve group performance in the long term
But foultliness can hinder group dynamic and functioning

Question 9

What are the strengths and weaknesses of group decision making?

Answer 9

S: Generate more complete information and knowledge
Increased diversity of views
Increased acceptance of a solution
W: Takes longer
Conformity pressures
Discussions can be dominated by one or a few members
Ambiguous responsibility for the final outcome

Question 10

How does the effectiveness of interacting, brainstorming, and the nominal group technique compare?

Answer 10

See slide!

Trade-offs

Question 11

Group thinkg

Answer 11

Pressure for comformity (related to reference group). deterioration of individual’s mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgments as a result of group pressures