Flashcard Set: Groups & Teams
What is a group?
A group is a collection of individuals who interact and are interdependent, working toward a common goal.
What are the two main types of groups?
Formal groups (work teams, committees) and informal groups (friend groups, interest groups).
What defines a team?
A team is a type of group with shared leadership, mutual accountability, and a focus on collective performance.
What are Tuckman’s stages of group development?
Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.
What happens in the forming stage?
Team members get to know each other, establish goals, and set expectations
How does a group reach the norming stage?
Members develop cohesion, set norms, and establish effective communication.
What is the adjourning stage?
The team disbands after completing its task, often with reflections on accomplishments.
What are Belbin’s team roles?
Plant (creative problem solver), Coordinator (leader), Implementer (practical doer).
What is social loafing?
When individuals put in less effort in a group than they would alone.
How can social loafing be reduced?
Increase individual accountability by assigning specific tasks.
What is groupthink?
A situation where group cohesion leads to poor decision-making by discouraging dissent.
How can groupthink be avoided?
Encourage diverse opinions and appoint a devil’s advocate.
What is the Ringelmann effect?
As group size increases, individual effort decreases.
What is psychological safety in teams?
A team environment where members feel safe to take risks and express ideas without fear of criticism.
What is the difference between task and relationship conflict?
Task conflict is about work-related issues; relationship conflict is personal and emotional.
What makes a team effective?
Clear goals, strong communication, and mutual trust.
