Groups

Question 1

What is a Group?

Answer 1

Term - Used in a more general sense.

Groups are psychologically aware individuals who interact with each other and perceive themselves as part of a group. (In psychological terms)

They are formed through org.al structure and work division.

Question 2

What is a Work Group?

Answer 2

Shares info and decisions to help members perform within their area of responsibility, without joint effort or positive synergy, resulting in performance as a sum of individual contributions.

Question 3

What is Groupthink?

Answer 3

i. Janis = G.T can influence group decisions.
He describes this as a decline in mental abilities, critical thinking, and ethical judgment due to pressures from within the group.

ii. Where a group prioritizes harmony and conformity over rational decision-making, leading to dysfunctional decision-making and members staying silent to maintain unity, even if they disagree.

(The tendency for members of a group to conform to and agree with each other’s opinions based on assumptions about the beliefs, morals, biases, and perceptions of the other members of the group.)

Question 4

Characteristics of Groups (Are worth noting) (6)

Answer 4

i. A definable membership - In the cooperate world, not anyone can enter, there are requirements (ex; Qualifications)

ii. Group consciousness - Aware that they are a group. Not a loner. (If don’t realise this = Conflicts + Duplication of work)

iii. A sense of Shared Purpose – The members are all aligned to the same mission.

iv. Interdependence - Your work will depend on someone else. (Like a chain)

v. Interaction - Interact together. Proper Communication & Interaction = Success.

vi. Ability to act in a unitary manner - Act as one. Collaboration between each other.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of an Effective Work Group? (8)

Answer 5

i. There is clear leadership.

ii. There is mutual trust and reliance is present in the group as the members are dependent on others.

iii. There is open and honest communication.

iv. Loyalty and commitment to the group.

v. Members feel included and have a sense of belonging.

vi. The members can solve conflicts amongst themselves.

vii. There is diversity, in terms of educational background, experience, and culture.

viii. Members are empowered.

Question 6

What are the types of Groups?

Answer 6

• Formal
• Informal

Question 7

What is a Formal Group?

Question 8

What is an Informal Group?

Question 9

Characteristics of Formal groups. (7)

Answer 9

i. Created to accomplish specific organisational goals and focused on coordination work activity.

ii. Formally established (Goals, Relationships, Roles, Norms - Identified & established by mgt)

iii. Defining roles within the structure of the org.

iv. Work Assignment

v. Specific tasks

vi. More rigid

vii. Management holds authority.

Question 10

What are the Characteristics of Informal groups? (7)

Answer 10

i. Happens naturally & automatically. (Arise from social interaction and informal org)

ii. Fulfils social and psychological needs. (Ex; Friendships)

iii. Common interests (Movies, TV Series, Football teams, groups, BTS, Syndicat, and Cinema.)

iv. More flexible (Membership cut across the formal structure (Tall & Flat))

v. Group members have authority.

vi. Not always connected to the work being done.

vii. Based more on personal relationships and agreement of group members

Question 11

Major Functions/Reasons for Informal Groups (4)

Answer 11

i. Continuation of informal group culture (A set of Values, Norms & Beliefs that form a guide to group acceptance & group behaviour - They are intangible)

ii. Provision of interest and fun in work life.
Work often lacks informal interaction opportunities, leading employees to form informal groups and engage in activities like sports, adventures, gambling, and cinemas to maintain attention.

iii. Implementation of (Applying) social control in a situation.
Conformity (Compliance/Obedience) to group culture - Enforced by opinion (+ or -), ridicule, or even violence (Physical or Non-physical).

iv. Maintenance of a communication system or process. Communication – Important, as groups want all the info that affects the welfare/well-being either +ly or -ly.

Question 12

What are the Reasons for the formation of Teams or Groups? (5)

Answer 12

1. By working together, a group of people can accomplish tasks that require a range of skills and knowledge. The different backgrounds and expertise of team members create a powerful effect that can help solve the complex problems modern orgs face.
2. Members working together to change formal arrangements, like sharing or rotating tasks they don’t like, can lead to more creativity and initiative. Having friends at work can provide companionship and a shared understanding, which can be beneficial in resolving work issues and coping with stress.
3. Membership provides the individual with a sense of belonging.
   It gives them a sense of identity and the chance to be recognized and respected within the group/team.
4. Guidelines on generally acceptable behavior. (Rules for acceptable behaviour)
   These help to clear up unclear situations, like how much official rules should be followed, the rules of a game, and what is considered the right behavior. Loyalty to the group can influence how people act, and those who go against the norms may face consequences.
5. Protection of its membership.
   Group/Team members work together to protect their interests from external pressures or threats.