understanding groups and managin work teams

Question 1

four types of groups

Answer 1

• command groups
• task groups
• cross-functional teams
• self-managed teams

Question 2

five stages of group development

Answer 2

1. forming
2. storming
3. norming
4. performing
5. adjourning

Question 3

foundations for understanding group behaviour

Answer 3

• roles
• norms and conformity
• status systems
• group size
• group cohesiveness

Question 4

what are roles?

Answer 4

behaviour patterns expected of someone

Question 5

How do norms and conformity affect group behaviour?

Answer 5

standards or expectations that are accepted and shared by a group’s members e.g dress, loyalty, effort and performance

Question 6

what is status and why is it important?

Answer 6

status is a prestige grading, position or rank within a group.

• status is a significant motivator
• status may be informally conferred
• formal status system need to be congruent

Question 7

what is social loafing?

Answer 7

the tendency for individuals to expend less effort when working collectively than when working individually.

Question 8

does group size affect group behaviour?

Answer 8

yes because of social loafing

Question 9

are cohesive groups more effective?

Answer 9

group cohesiveness: the degree to which members are motivated to remain in a group and share the group’s goals.
the stronger the members desire to stay in the group and the more that a groups goals align with each individuals goals, the greater the group’s cohesiveness.

Question 10

work teams

Answer 10

groups whose members work intensely on a specific, common goal using their positive synergy, individual and mutual accountability and complementary skills.

Question 11

work groups

Answer 11

interact primarily to share information and to make decisions to help each member do his or her job more efficiently and effectively

Question 12

four different types of work teams

Answer 12

1. problem solving team
2. self managed work team
3. cross-functional team
4. virtual team

Question 13

key work design elements

Answer 13

• autonomy
• using a variety of skills
• completing a whole and identifiable task
• working on a task or project that has a significant impact on others.

Question 14

variables related to effectiveness

Answer 14

• common plan and purpose
• specific goals
• team efficiency
• conflict
• minimise social loafing