Session 8: Group Dynamics

Question 1

What is a group?

Answer 1

Two or more individuals who interact and are interdependent, and who have come together to achieve a set of objectives

Question 2

What is a formal group?

Answer 2

A group with a formal structure, is task-oriented, its activities contribute directly to the company, and is consciously chosen by mgmt in order to achieve goals

Question 3

What is a formal group?

Answer 3

A group with a natural group formation, ppl spontaneously join, ppl of the group are interdependent and influence on another

Question 4

What are the 5 functions of groups?

Answer 4

Task and goal achievement, security, self-esteem, need for affiliation, power, and status

Question 5

Do groups influence ppl’s behavior? If so, how?

Answer 5

Yes, through 1) group size 2) group norms 3) group cohesiveness (unity)

Question 6

What are the negative effects of group sizes?

Answer 6

It can lead to social loafing and free riding

Question 7

What is social loafing?

Answer 7

Refers to the reduction of individual effort when working on a group task compared to working alone

Question 8

What is the free-rider effect?

Answer 8

Gaining benefits arising from the group but w/out contributing to the work