Chapter 13 Groups And attributes Of Human Groups Flashcards
Define group
a collection of elements that share particular attributes and or relate to one another in specific ways.
What is group structure
Group is made of elements and groups characteristic come from its elements.
Membership of a group is determined by characteristics of group
Elements that form part of a group share certain characteristics and are related to each other.
What is group process
Process means that a group evolves in a certain direction over time.
Involves interaction among elements of a group
Some elements may interact more strongly than other which may exert a dominant influence on the direction in which the group progresses
Define human group
A human group exists when people define themselves as a member of a group and when the existence of its group is recognised by others who don’t consider themselves members of that group.
What are the 10 attributes of groups identified by jordaan and swart
Awareness of group membership Interaction among members Common goals Cohesiveness Socio metric structure Group norms Group polarisation Group think Group conflict Patterns of leadership and followship
What is meant by human membership in terms of structures of human group
Members need to be aware that they are in a group and belong to it by having things in common
They believe that the benefits of being in a group outweigh the disadvantages and become more committed to the group and socially more integrated into it.
What are group norms
They are shared expectations about the kinds of behaviour that are required by all group members and are rules that prescribe and forbid certain behaviours to be a group member
They put pressure on group members to conform and determine group membership.
They originate from
- Formulated by group leaders
- The product of group experience
- Transferred from other groups
What is group cohesion
It refers to the strengths of the relationship among group members.
Members of a highly cohesive group identify strongly with the group and defend it against outside criticism
Group members may form a tight group because they have a sense of joint destiny or may stand together when group is under threat.
What is socio metric structure
It’s the patterns of liking and disliking between group members that form a group socio metric structure which is influenced by the group’s degree of task orientation.
If a group is strongly task orientated there’s less opportunity to concentrate on interpersonal relationships
The socio metric structure and nature of the tasks performed by group lead to identifiable communication patterns
A group pattern of communication is known as communication network and the network determines the hierarchy of communication, it’s frequency and number of people involved.
State the processes of human groups
They start and are dependent on interaction among members.
As a group develop there are changes in the patterns in the way in which members communicate as well as in the way in which they exert efforts in their actions
The communication patterns have an impact on interactions in a group. They determine which members interact directly and indirectly with each other.
What is social loafing
Formerly known as ringelmann effect is it when people work in groups they exert less effort than when working alone
This occurs when group members feel that their individual performance isn’t evaluated and acknowledged and are less motivated to exert the required effort.
What is group purpose
Groups usually have specific purposes which can be implicit ( not clearly formulated) or explicit ( clearly formulated) and a group purpose defines it goals and it’s development and functioning are determined by them.
What are the 2 group roles
Instrumental roles are aimed at executing tasks.
Affiliated roles are aimed at support and interpersonal contact.
Both roles are required to group to develop and function but the purpose of a group determines the emphasis it places on its role types.
What is group polarisation
Occurs when existing individual opinions, views, ideas and positions become more extreme during group discussions.
May happen when group members get info from one another that support or argues their initial individual positions and the group norm may then shift from a moderate to a more radical position
What are group conflicts
Members may have different expectations of the group they belong to. These may be about what the group means to them or what they can get out of it.
They may not agree about the group’s goals or the methods of achieving them
May differ about the way in which resources are distributed in the group and may experience threats to self esteem identity and security. This may lead to negative feelings about one another and attempt to push some members out of the group
What is group think
In highly cohesive group members may become evenly aligned with group goals
This occurs when the group places unanimity ahead of critical thinking causing decisions to be taken in an unconsidered and uncritical way.
When the group has a directive leader who limits alternative for group members
When the group is under pressure to take a consensual decision
Under what circumstances does group think lead to bad decisions
When group cohesion creates an illusion of invulnerability and limitless power.
Group relies on the stereotyping of people and situations rather than actual observations and tested facts
Groups believe strongly in the inherent morality of its own right to existence method and decision
When illusion of unanimity in group puts pressure on members to keep quiet about misgivings
How can groups counter group thinking
Having strong leaders withdraw from decision making
Instructing certain ones to play devil advocate
Bringing in outside observers to monitor the group’s decision making
What is meant by leadership and followship
The status of group members varies depending on the nature of their tasks and the level of responsibility they carry in the group which can be done as
Leading through personal traits
Charismatic leadership
Transformational leadership
Super leadership
What is the personal trait approach
It postulates that leaders have special characteristics like drive and energy honesty and integrity self confidence intelligence and expertise
Leaders are driven by ambition and need for power but group members feel safe with them and are willing to subject themselves to their control
Explain charismatic leaders
They demonstrate the Important leadership traits but also have self confidence and a sense of purpose and are able to articulate their vision clearly.
They motivate group members and guide them with clear purpose
Describe transformational leadership
Leaders understand the circumstances and the needs of group members
They are flexible and they adapt their style of leadership to specific demands of the situation and group members needs by
Delegating tasks among members
Follow a participatory style by assigning certain aspects of tasks to group members
Follow a selling style where achieving group goals by motivating members
Follow a telling style by achieving group goals by giving clear clear instructions
They help members seethe goals and purposes. They make members feel supported causing them to pledge loyality to leader.
What are super leaders
They are transformational leaders but they act as teachers and coaches where they empower group members to manage themselves which increases member feelings of personal control and encourage them to become intrinsically motivated
