Group and team dynamics

Question 1

What are the characteristics by which a group can be defined?

Answer 1

1. Members share a common fate
2. Members share mutual benefit
3. Members develop a social structure
4. Members influence and are influenced by others
5. Members define themselves as part of a group and are defined by others as belonging to a group

Question 2

What are the 3 models explaining how a group becomes a team?

Answer 2

1. Linear
2. Cyclical
3. Pendular

Question 3

What are the stages of the linear model of team formation?

Answer 3

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing
5. Adjourning

Question 4

Explain what happens during the forming stage of the linear model of team formation?

Answer 4

1. Familiarise with other team members
2. Assess their strengths and weaknesses
3. Individuals determine whether they belong to the group

Question 5

Explain what happens during the storming stage of the linear model of group formation?

Answer 5

1. Resistance to the leader
2. Resistance to control by the group
3. Establish roles and status

Question 6

Explain what happens in the norming stage of the linear model of group formation?

Answer 6

1. Hostility replaced by solidarity and cooperation
2. Conflicts resolved - unity

Question 7

Explain what happens on the performing stage of the linear model of group formation?

Answer 7

1. Members band together for group success
2. Roles well defined

Question 8

Explain the stages and basic premise of the cyclical model of group formation. Give an example

Answer 8

1. Birth
2. Growth
3. Death

As group develops, it psychologically prepares for its own break up

e.g. 10-15 week exercise class

Question 9

Explain the pendular model of team formation

Answer 9

Group does not move progressively through stages linearly

Question 10

What are the main factors giving rise to group structure?

Answer 10

Roles and norms

Question 11

Give some examples of categories of group norms

Answer 11

Levels of performance, patterns of behaviour or beliefs

Question 12

Explain broad types of group roles

Answer 12

Task vs non-task
Formal vs informal

Question 13

Explain 3 aspects which are relevant to the effectiveness of an individual fulfilling a group role

Answer 13

1. Clarity
2. Acceptance
3. Conflict

Question 14

What factors are important to role clarity?

Answer 14

1. Scope of responsibility
2. Behavioural responsibilities
3. Evaluation of performance
4. Consequence of not fulfilling responsibilities

Question 15

What factors are important to role acceptance by an individual?

Answer 15

1. Opportunity to use specialised skills or competence
2. Feedback and role recognition
3. Role significance
4. Autonomy

Question 16

What factors can give rise to role conflict?

Answer 16

Individual does not have sufficient ability, motivation, time or understanding to achieve the goals of the role

Question 17

What are the four categories of group norm?

Answer 17

1. Prescribed
2. Proscribed
3. Permissive
4. Preference

Question 18

What norm is most important?

How is this defined?

Answer 18

Norm for productivity

• the standard for effort and performance accepted by the team

Question 19

How are/can productivity norms be created?

Answer 19

1. By coach e.g.
   a. Enlist formal and informal leaders to set a positive example
   b. Include all team members in decision making re team norms
2. Top performer often a role model setting norm for productivity

Question 20

Explain Steiner’s model of team productivity

Answer 20

Actual productivity =

Potential productivity (possible best performance given each player’s ability, knowledge and skill)

-

(Process) losses attributable to
- motivation losses
- coordination losses

Question 21

How can a coach improve team productivity (by reference to Steiner’s model of productivity)

Answer 21

1. Increase resource:
   - training
   - instruction
   - recruitment
   - selection
2. Reduce process losses
   - enhance cohesion
   - enhance cohesion (tactical coaching and run-through plays)
   - communication structure
   - motivation

Question 22

Explain the Ringelmann effect, the key cause and give an example

Answer 22

As group size increases, performance is lower than expected

Motivation rather than coordination losses

Tug of war

Question 23

What is the name for the the phenomenon which is the main reason for the Ringelmann effect

Answer 23

Social loafing

Question 24

Explain “Social loafing”

Answer 24

Where individuals in a team give < 100% because of loss in motivation

Question 25

In what circumstances is social loafing most predominant?

Answer 25

1. Contribution not identifiable/cannot be evaluated
2. Comparison against group standards is not possible
3. Contribution dispensable/personal involvement in the task is low
4. Contribution disproportionate to that of other group members (team mates are seen as high ability).
5. Individual perceives their contribution to the outcome as redundant
6. The individual is competing against what they perceive to be a weaker opponent
7. The individuals contributing to the collective effort are strangers

Question 26

What impact can perceived social loafing have on others?

Answer 26

Reduction in effort

Question 27

What strategies can be used to deal with social loafing

Answer 27

1. Emphasise importance of social pride and unique contribution
2. Increase identifiability of individual performances
3. Speak to the individuals about loafing
4. Assign players to other positions (gives an appreciation to teammates and how their performance affects others)
5. Attribute failure to internal unstable factors (effort, strategy) rather than lack of ability (what’s the point in trying?)