Chapter 7: Group Work

Question 1

Group

Answer 1

Two or more people interacting interdependently to achieve a common goal
* influence beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors
* provide a context for exerting influence on others

Question 2

Why Do We Care About Groups?

Answer 2

• Groups can often accomplish things that individuals cannot
• Groups are becoming more and more necessary and prevalent as time goes on…

Question 3

Some Situations in Which to Use Groups

Answer 3

• Relatively uncertain or complex problem (hard to identify expertise)
• Problem requires intergroup cooperation
• Acceptance of and commitment to decision are critical for implementation

Question 4

Questions to determine whether a team fits the situation:

Answer 4

Can the work be done better by more than one person (Creativity, Difficulty, Variety of Skills)?

Does work create a common purpose or set of goals for the people in the group that is more than the aggregate of individual goals?
* Are members of the group interdependent?

Question 5

Types of Groups

Answer 5

1. Formal Work Groups (established by organizations)
2. Informal Groups (naturally emerge based on common interests)

Question 6

Typical Stages of Group Development

Answer 6

1. Forming: Group members test the waters and orient themselves to their purpose and each other
2. Storming: Confrontations emerge as members determine roles and responsibilities
3. Norming: Issues are resolved, and members develop consensus and cohesion
4. Performing: The group achieves its purpose with a focus on tasks, creativity, and mutual support
5. Adjourning: Groups with a finite lifespan disband after achieving goals.

Question 7

3 phases of punctuated equilibrium

Answer 7

Phase 1
Midpoint Transition
Phase 2

Question 8

Phase 1 (Punctuated Equilibrium)

Answer 8

o Begins with the first meeting, setting assumptions and approaches that dominate the first half of the group’s existence.
o Limited visible progress

Question 9

Midpoint Transition (Punctuated Equilibrium)

Answer 9

o A shift occurs midway through the timeline, marking a change in approach.
o The group consolidates prior knowledge or adopts a new strategy.

Question 10

Phase 2 (Punctuated Equilibrium)

Answer 10

o guided by decisions from the midpoint transition
o Concludes with a final burst of activity and evaluation of outcomes.

Question 11

Tips for Managing Groups in Punctuated Equilibrium

Answer 11

• prepare carefully for the first meeting to set clear goals.
• avoid expecting radical progress in phase 1.
• manage the midpoint transition by evaluating ideas and strategies.
• ensure resources are available for phase 2 execution.
• resist deadline changes to prevent disruptions.