Group and team dynamics

Question 1

Define a group

Answer 1

A collection of people who interact by having a common goal

Question 2

Describe the forming stage of group dynamics

Answer 2

• Where the group first meet and get to know each other
• High dependency on the leader for guidance
• No goals or roles are agreed and there is little agreement regarding direction

Question 3

Describe the storming stage of group dynamics

Answer 3

• Conflict when team members jostle for position in the team
• Team may have difficulty in making decisions
• Co-ordination issues with group members pulling in different directions

Question 4

Describe the norming stage of group dynamics

Answer 4

• Team members work together towards a common goal
• Roles are now accepted in the team
• There is agreement in the team and the team show respect towards the leaders

Question 5

Describe the performing stage of group dynamics

Answer 5

• Clear vision and goals
• Little interference from the leader
• Trust and mutual respect between team members to pull in the same direction and achieve goal

Question 6

How can a coach help a group move through the stages

Answer 6

Give roles and responsibilities, establish clear goals, organise social activities or team bonding activities

Question 7

What is Steiner’s model of group effectiveness

Answer 7

Actual productivity = Potential productivity – faulty processes

Question 8

Give reasons why a large team may experience more faulty processes than a small team

Answer 8

• More chance of a breakdown in communication
• More chances of motivation problems
• Ringelmann effect could occur – as group size increases, individual performance decreases
• More chance of social loafing occurring – others letting others do the work
• Less chance of everyone having a role
• Lower chance of cohesion