Chapter 2: Introduction to Group Process Flashcards
These are social animals who cooperate with each other to survive and flourish.
Humans.
This refers to the behaviors of the members of small working groups (usually between 3-12 members) as they engage in decision-making and task performance.
Group process.
Groups can be studied in two (2) approaches, which are?
- Group-level approaches.
- The individual level.
In this approach, the focus is on the group rather than the individual.
Group-level approaches.
In this approach, the focus is upon the individuals who make up the groups.
Individual level.
This is a system of reciprocal interactions between groups and individuals.
Group behavior.
Five (5) characteristics of working groups.
- They perform their assigned functions and attempt to meet their goals.
- Similarity among the group members.
- Interaction (communication) among the members.
- Interdependence of the members in meeting goals.
- Group structure.
This refers to norms about the appropriate relationships and behaviors among the group members.
Group structure.
This refers to norms that specify the behaviors expected to be performed by individual group members.
Group roles.
This refers to a set of behavior patterns that involve working toward production and goal achievement.
The task-oriented role.
This involves behaviors that provide support to group members and attempts to keep group interactions harmonious.
The socioemotional role.
This occurs when the group expects the individual to perform a role but at the same time does not provide sufficient information about how to do it.
Role ambiguity.
This can occur when the individual is expected to play two separate and yet competing roles.
Role conflict.
This refers to the amount of authority, prestige, or reputation that a group member has in the group.
Group status.
This refers to the status one accrues as a result of one’s social category memberships.
Example: men vs. women, older vs. younger, rich vs. poor
Diffuse status.
