Group Work vs. Team Work Flashcards
What is the primary focus of a work group?
Interacts to share information and decisions help each member perform within own area
A work group does not engage in collective work that requires everyone’s participation, and its performance is the sum total of each member’s contribution.
What defines a work team?
Individuals with complementary skills working towards a common result
A work team achieves positive synergy where the group’s performance is greater than the sum of individual inputs.
What is meant by ‘positive synergy’ in a team context?
Group’s performance > sum of individual inputs
This concept emphasizes that the team is worth more than the sum of its parts.
What are the characteristics of a successful team leader?
Takes full advantage of each member’s strengths and ensures successful team characteristics are present
The leader acts as a project manager.
List the differences when a group becomes a team.
1) Shared leadership
2) Accountability shared by the team
3) Responsibility shared equally
3) Mission and goals developed by the team
4) Continual work
5) Effectiveness measured in team outcomes
These shift from individualistic to collaborative dynamics.
What occurs during the ‘forming’ stage of group development?
Group members are introduced, familiarizing themselves and testing the waters
There is uncertainty about the group’s purpose, structure, and leadership.
Describe the ‘storming’ stage in group development.
Infighting, conflict, open rebellion, power struggles, and resistance to constraints
Acceptance of the existence of the group occurs, but conflicts arise over leadership.
What characterizes the ‘norming’ stage of group development?
Development of close relationships, cohesiveness, group identity, camaraderie, and norms
This stage results in a solid group structure and recognition of norms.
What happens during the ‘performing’ stage of group development?
Significant task progress is accomplished with a functional team structure
The leader’s ultimate goal is achieved in this stage.
What are the outcomes of temporary work teams after task completion?
1) Disbandment
2) Wrapping up activities replaces task performance
3) Members may feel happy, a sense of loss, or reform for a new project
This stage is referred to as ‘adjourning.’
What are acceptable standards of behaviour in a group?
Considered appropriate and vary from group to group.
What is the role of a leader in understanding group norms?
Strives to understand norms and ensures compliance.
What happens when there is a deviation from group norms?
Leader interprets and makes recommendations for positive change; other members may punish or correct.
What is the effect of group size on purpose and goals?
Varies depending on the purpose and goals.
What are the four leadership dimensions?
When is the High Relationship/Low Task leadership dimension most effective?
Works best in the forming stage when facing strict deadlines.
What is the focus during the High Relationship/High Task leadership dimension?
Building relationships while setting timelines for tasks.
In which stage is the Low Relationship/High Task leadership dimension used?
Moving out of the storming stage.
What characterizes the Low Relationship/Low Task leadership dimension?
Group functions on its own, leader offers advice when needed.
What are task behaviours in group settings?
1) Initiator
2) Elaborator/Clarifier
3) Summarizer
4) Recorder
5) Time keeper
What are positive relationship behaviours in a group?
1) Encourager
2) Gate keeper/Involver
3) Mediator
4) Custodian
What are negative relationship behaviours in a group?
1) Blocker
2) Joker
3) Dominator
4) Hidden agenda
5) Dependent
What are characteristics of heterogeneous groups?
1) Composed of dissimilar individuals
2) Promotes group conflict
3) More likely to have diverse information and abilities
4) Improved decision-making and task completion
What is the role of preselected groups?
Existing prior to the appointment of a leader; leader must make this group work.
What is an example of task delegation in a preselected group?
Within the picnic committee, different members handle specific tasks like decorations, scheduling, and organizing.
What are some ways to divide students into groups when balance of skill is important?
1) Assign teams based on observations
2) Select captains to choose students privately
3) Pair students of similar skill and then split
List the five key dimensions of organizational trust.
1) Integrity
2) Competence
3) Consistency
4) Loyalty
5) Openness
These dimensions are essential for establishing trust within organizations.
Define groupthink.
Desire for consensus overrides the best possible viewpoint for solving the problem
Symptoms include rationalizing resistance and pressuring hesitant members.
What are the symptoms of groupthink?
1) Rationalizing resistance
2) Pressuring of hesitant members
3) Silence interpreted as ‘yes’
These symptoms can lead to poor decision making.
Describe the 5-stages of group development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and
Adjourning.
1) Forming: The group comes together, gets to know each other, and sets initial goals and roles.
2) Storming: Members face conflicts as they assert opinions and work through differences.
3) Norming: The group establishes rules, resolves conflicts, and builds stronger relationships.
4) Performing: Members work effectively toward goals with collaboration and focus.
5)Adjourning: The group disbands after achieving its objectives, often reflecting on accomplishments.
