Introduction to Group Dynamics

Question 1

Interdependence

Answer 1

when there is mutual reliability on all group members to be accountable, to communicate, and to strive for the group as a whole
we all depend on each other to succeed

Question 2

What is a Group?

Answer 2

A group is 2 or more individuals, involved in an interaction, where each group member is aware of: their membership to the group, and the membership of others in the same group
All members in a group are engaged in positive interdependence to achieve the same goal

Question 3

Independence

Answer 3

not dependent or reliant on others

Question 4

Dependence

Answer 4

Reliant on others

Question 5

What impact does dependence have on a group?

Answer 5

groupthink, poor resource management, lack of information, conformity, lack of individual motivation, not fully contributing, lack of communication (disables discussion and/or new ideas)

Question 6

What impact does independence have on a group?

Answer 6

creates division, takes away empowerment from the rest of the group (lack of support, lack of empowerment), lack of communication, slowed progress (delayed results), lack of cooperation, ideas may not be well thought through (interruption in sharing ideas), lack of sharing of knowledge, can lead to complacency from the rest of the group, can lead to problem-solving blocks

Question 7

What should be considered when forming a group?

Answer 7

Strengths and weaknesses, schedules, goals/motivations, diversity, chemistry

Question 8

Advantages of Groups in the Workplace

Answer 8

shared experience and knowledge, idea generation, fact-checking, support, unity=power, amplifies accountability, increases efficiency, accountability for weak areas, improved office relationships, promotes problem-solving

Question 9

Shared Experience and Knowledge

Answer 9

If an employee works individually on a project, he might struggle with some aspects of it because of limited experience. In a group, he can draw on the expertise of his colleagues and potentially expand his own knowledge

Question 10

Idea Generation

Answer 10

The team environment requires employees to discuss the project. This leads to more ideas being generated. This discussion may encourage creativity and push the members to think of new ideas. Discussing the project may also be better for finding solutions to problems. Employees may discover new ways to approach a particular task that is more effective

Question 11

Fact-Checking

Answer 11

With multiple people working on the same project, you have a built-in system of checks and balances. When all team members are actively engaged in the project, they are more likely to catch a mistake before it turns into a major problem

Question 12

Support

Answer 12

The sense of security and support a team creates may encourage employees to take more risks. The support of the team environment helps some employees increase productivity and become more motivated at work.

Question 13

Shared Ideas=Better Ideas

Answer 13

Team members can all weigh in with their ideas as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each approach

Question 14

Increased Efficiency

Answer 14

Meet individual and team goals more quickly because more people are committed to each project

Question 15

Accountability for Weak Areas

Answer 15

Every worker is matched to a job based on their skills and talents, helping to create a stronger and more skilled workforce

Question 16

Improved Office Relationships

Answer 16

Team relationships may result in teamwork approaches even outside of the official team structure, resulting in employees sharing ideas or brainstorms to propel one another along to reach personal and professional goals. Cohesive employees’ are less likely to be confrontational toward one another and more accepting of each others’ decisions

Question 17

Promotes Problem-Solving

Answer 17

Team members pool their collective ideas together to generate unique ideas for dealing with problems. Two or more people working together also build upon one another’s ideas, weeding out the weak parts and making the ideas better