Groups & Teamwork

Question 1

Differences between a group and team?

Answer 1

A group is a collection of people sharing space or interest ect. A team is a group of people with a common goal.
E.g Group = passengers
Team = flight crew

Question 2

Basic Team Components - Structure

Answer 2

Structure;

• goals
• task structure
• group functioning
• Composition (Homogenous/Heterogeneous)
• Performance Norms (Formal and Informal)
• Size

Question 3

Basic Team Components - Processes

Answer 3

Processes;

• Leadership
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Cohesion
• Managing Autonomy
• Minority group influence
• Group Affective Process
• Unconscious group processes

Question 4

Psychological Contracts

Answer 4

Subjective set of beliefs held by the employee about reciprocal obligations & promises of employer
Can be either Relational (exchange of effort, social exchange) or Transactional (Monetisable exchanges over a period of time)

Question 5

Breach of Psychological Contracts

Answer 5

Breach is the cognitive element, violation is the affective/emotional element. Can be either a) reneging (deliberate breaking of a promise) or, b) incongruence (different thinking).
After a breach the contract becomes more transactional.

Question 6

Stages of Development

Answer 6

1) Forming; uncertainty, begin to consider themselves a group.
2) Storming; intergroup conflict, resistance to limits on individuality, eventually establish heir achy.
3) Norming; sense of group identity, form norms
4) Performing; stage in which group is fully functional
5) Adjourning; concern for wrapping up activities rather than task performance.

Question 7

Dissimilarity in Groups

Answer 7

Dissimilarity in consciousness can have varying positive and negative effects.
As with pre-existing relationships.

Question 8

Common Challenges

Answer 8

Social Loafing (slacking off)
Group Think (me too!)

Question 9

Group Think (8 elements)

Answer 9

1- Illusion of invulnerability
2- Belief in inherent morality of group
3- Collective rationalism
4- Stereotyping other groups
5- Self-sensorship
6- Illusion of unanimity
7- Direct pressure on disagreers
8- Self appointed mind guards.

Question 10

Guidelines for good team performance

Answer 10

• Clear and engaging direction
• Enabling team structure
• Leadership
• Supportive organisational environment
• Available expert coaches

Question 11

Deviant Workplace Behaviour

Answer 11

“Voluntary behaviour which violates significant normans and in doing so threatens the well-being of the organisation.”
-Production; leaving early
-Property; stealing
-Political; showing favouritism
-Personal Agression; Sexual harassment
Belonging to a group all individuals to create a false sense of not being caught.