Unit 9 Flashcards
Characteristics of groups
-Social interaction (communicate, and exert influence)
-Agreed upon goals (targets and objectives)
-Group structure (tasks, roles, rules)
-Group identity (members feel part of a group)
Two models of group development
-Five-stage model of group development
-Punctuated equilibrium model
Five-stage model of group development
-Forming:
When group is established
-Storming
Characterised by intra-group conflict
-Norming
Development of common set of expectations that defines desired behaviour
-Performing
Fully functioning group
-Adjourning
When task is completed
Forming
-Characterised by a great deal of uncertainty about the group’s purpose, structure and leadership, which often results in dependency on the leader.
-Members try to determine
what types of behaviour are required.
-This stage is complete when members start to think of themselves as part of a group
Storming
-Conflict within the group
-Power struggles
-Coaching
-When this stage is done there is clear hierarchy of leadership
Norming
-Rules are laid down
-Agreement & consensus
-Clear roles & responsibilities
-When this stage is complete there is a strong sense of group identity and camaraderie
Performing
-Clear vision& purpose
-Focus on goal achievement
-Delegation
Punctuated equilibrium model
Groups do not develop in a universal sequence of stages
Groups have similar experiences at specific points in the group’s development that shift the direction of the group
Adjourning
-Task completed
-Good feeling about achievements
-Recognition
Punctuated equilibrium model points of development
-The first meeting
-Inertia
-The transition
The transition
-Halfway between its first meeting and its official deadline
-Characterised by changes, the dropping of old patterns and adoption of new perspectives
Inertia
Once set out, the group’s direction becomes “written in stone” and is unlikely to be re-examined throughout the first half of the group’s life
The first meeting
-This sets the group’s direction
-During this meeting (often in the first few seconds) the group decides on a framework of assumptions and behavioural patterns for approaching the project
Second phase of inertia
-This represents a new equilibrium
-In this phase the group executes plans created during the transition period
Last meeting
Characterised by a final burst of activity to finish its work and meet the deadline
