Fundamentals of Management Chapter 8
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes self-managed teams from problem-solving teams?

  • Self-managed teams do not have direct daily supervision. (correct)
  • Self-managed teams do not involve team members managing themselves.
  • Problem-solving teams solely focus on feedback and recommendations.
  • Problem-solving teams operate using specific technology.
  • What is a primary characteristic of a work team?

  • Members work intensely on a specific, common goal. (correct)
  • Members act solely to share information.
  • Members work independently on individual tasks.
  • Members do not need complementary skills.
  • Which type of team is responsible for providing feedback to decision makers?

  • Self-managed teams
  • Advisory teams (correct)
  • Work groups
  • Virtual teams
  • What is the main focus of work groups compared to work teams?

    <p>Work groups mainly aim to share information and make decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines synergy in a work team context?

    <p>The combined efforts exceed the sum of individual efforts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes virtual teams?

    <p>Teams using technology to connect geographically dispersed members. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do work teams achieve superior performance levels?

    <p>Through positive synergy and accountability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about self-managed teams?

    <p>They are accountable to each other without direct supervision. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of a work team compared to a work group?

    <p>Achieving collective performance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At which stage of group development do team members begin to experience intragroup conflict?

    <p>Storming (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the 'norms' within a group?

    <p>Shared standards or expectations embraced by members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is likely to increase the likelihood of social loafing in a group setting?

    <p>Dispersed responsibilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is true about smaller groups compared to larger groups?

    <p>Smaller groups complete tasks faster. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the 'performing' stage in Tuckman's model of group development?

    <p>The team operates at full functionality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of group behaviour, what is conformity?

    <p>Adjusting behaviour to align with group norms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of roles are NOT considered in key aspects of group behaviour?

    <p>Initiative-oriented roles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of managing teams?

    <p>Increased tension (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor should be considered when managing global teams?

    <p>Cultural differences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What questions should be asked to determine if a team approach is suitable?

    <p>Can the work be better done by more than one person? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what situations are teams generally more beneficial?

    <p>When speed and complex relationships matter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can increase communication problems in global teams?

    <p>Language barriers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for individuals to engage in free-riding within larger groups?

    <p>Feeling that others are not contributing equally (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective teams?

    <p>Inflexibility in roles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which team composition factor significantly impacts team effectiveness?

    <p>Abilities of members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What work design characteristic enhances team member motivation?

    <p>Task significance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which contextual factor is least related to team performance?

    <p>Work hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is NOT part of the Team Effectiveness Model?

    <p>Profit sharing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics is least likely to lead to team effectiveness?

    <p>Rigid role allocation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is a climate of trust important for team effectiveness?

    <p>It fosters open communication and collaboration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a common purpose in a team?

    <p>It provides direction, momentum, and commitment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can low to moderate levels of task conflict be perceived?

    <p>As productive in certain circumstances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of relationship conflict?

    <p>It usually disrupts team dynamics negatively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following techniques can help minimize social loafing in teams?

    <p>Seeking advice from team members. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way managers can shape team behavior?

    <p>By providing training in negotiation and conflict resolution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes team efficacy?

    <p>Confidence in the capabilities of both the team and its members. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rewards in team settings serve what primary purpose?

    <p>To promote cooperative efforts within the team. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is developing a Team Charter important?

    <p>It helps ensure that responsibilities are equitably assigned. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a formal group in an organization?

    <p>Defined by the organization’s structure with designated tasks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes informal groups?

    <p>Occur naturally in the workplace for social contact (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of team involves members from different departments with limited task interdependence?

    <p>Cross-functional teams (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of problem-solving teams?

    <p>Members from the same department working to improve processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of both groups and teams in an organization?

    <p>To achieve specific organizational goals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major difference between formal and informal groups?

    <p>Formal groups have designated tasks, while informal groups do not (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the nature of teamwork?

    <p>Teamwork emphasizes collaboration and synergy among members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a contemporary issue in managing teams?

    <p>Addressing the challenges of virtual collaboration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Group

    Two or more interdependent individuals interacting to achieve shared goals.

    Formal Group

    A group structured by the organization for designated tasks or projects.

    Informal Group

    A naturally formed group based on social interactions and needs.

    Cross-functional team

    A team with members from different functions, working towards a common goal, limited task interdependence.

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    Problem-solving team

    A team of employees from the same department or function tasked with improving workplace activities or solving specific issues.

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    Work Group

    A group of people organized to work together on a common task or project.

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    Work Teams

    Groups that involve more interaction and synergy compared to work groups.

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    Group Development Stages

    Sequential phases that groups go through as they evolve, often including stages such as forming, storming, norming, and performing.

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    Self-managed teams

    Teams with high autonomy, responsible for a whole work process or segment. They manage themselves and are accountable to each other, without direct daily supervision.

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    Advisory teams

    Teams that provide feedback and recommendations to decision-makers within an organization.

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    Virtual teams

    Teams using technology to connect members who are geographically separated.

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    Synergy

    Combined efforts greater than the sum of individual contributions. Results in better performance.

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    Accountability

    The duty to follow through on something.

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    Complementary skills

    Skills that enhance each other within a team

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    Social Loafing

    The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group, as they believe their individual contribution is less noticeable.

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    Equity Concerns

    Motivation to restore fairness when people believe others aren't contributing equally, leading to increased effort to compensate.

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    Group Cohesiveness

    The degree to which members are attracted to each other and share the group's goals.

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    Team Effectiveness Model

    A framework for understanding the factors that contribute to a team's effectiveness, including context, composition, work design, and team processes.

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    Contextual Factors

    External elements that influence team effectiveness, such as resources, leadership, trust, and reward systems.

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    Team Composition Factors

    Characteristics of team members that impact effectiveness, including abilities, personality, roles, diversity, size, and preferences.

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    Work Design Impact

    How the structure of work tasks affects team effectiveness, focusing on autonomy, skill variety, task identity, and task significance.

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    Team Processes

    Interpersonal interactions and behaviors within the team that influence effectiveness, such as communication, conflict management, and decision-making.

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    Synergy in Teams

    The combined effect of team members working together is greater than the sum of their individual contributions.

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    Team vs. Work Group

    A team focuses on collective performance, while a work group emphasizes sharing information. Teams have a strong focus on mutual accountability and synergy.

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    Storming Stage

    A period of conflict and tension within a team as members adjust to their roles and address disagreements.

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    Norming Stage

    Team members develop relationships, establish norms, and learn to work together effectively.

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    Performing Stage

    The team is fully functional, members work together effectively to achieve goals, and strong performance is evident.

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    Adjourning Stage

    Temporary teams wrap up activities, disband, and celebrate achievements.

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    Role in a Group

    Expected behavior patterns associated with a specific position within a social unit. Roles can be action-oriented, people-oriented, or thought-oriented.

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    Group Conformity

    The tendency for individuals in a group to adjust their behaviors to align with group norms.

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    Common Purpose

    A shared understanding of the team's overarching goal, providing direction, momentum, and commitment.

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    Specific Goals

    Clear, measurable objectives that break down the common purpose, facilitating communication and keeping the team focused.

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    Team Efficacy

    The team's belief in its ability to succeed, boosting individual confidence and performance.

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    Task Conflict

    Disagreement about tasks, goals, or content – can be productive at low to moderate levels.

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    Relationship Conflict

    Disagreement based on interpersonal relationships – often dysfunctional for team performance.

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    Team Charter

    A document outlining team values, norms, responsibilities, and processes, guiding team behaviour and performance.

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    How to Shape Team Behaviour

    A manager can influence team behaviour by selecting competent members, providing training, and offering incentives for collaboration.

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    Managing Global Teams

    Leading teams with members from different countries and cultures, requiring understanding of cultural differences and communication styles.

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    Groupthink

    A phenomenon where team members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking, hindering problem-solving and decision-making.

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    When Teams Aren't the Answer

    Teams are not always the ideal solution. Consider if the work can be done better by individuals, if there's a shared purpose, and if team members need to be interdependent.

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    Team Usefulness

    Teams are more effective when work processes cross functional lines, speed is crucial, innovation is a priority, tasks require online integration of interdependent performers, and the organization adapts to complex and changing markets.

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    Communication Problems

    Challenges in global teams arise from language barriers, different communication styles, and cultural nuances that can hinder effective message transfer.

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    Study Notes

    Fundamentals of Management - Chapter 8: Understanding Groups and Teams

    • Managers need to understand team/group behavior. Teams and groups may differ based on their purpose, but the terms are often used interchangeably in this study.
    • Group members' processes are similar; however, formal teams often have increased synergy compared to less defined groups.

    Learning Objectives

    • Define groups and describe the stages of group development.
    • Describe the major concepts of group behavior.
    • Explain how groups become effective teams.
    • Discuss contemporary issues in managing teams.

    What Is a Group?

    • A group is two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve specific goals.
      • Formal groups are structured work groups with designated tasks and assignments defined by the organization.
      • Informal groups are social groups that naturally emerge in the workplace to fulfill social needs.

    Exhibit 8.1 Examples of Groups in Organizations

    • This exhibit provides examples of various group types within organizations, including cross-functional teams, problem-solving teams, self-managed teams, advisory teams, and virtual teams. Specific examples include: Calgary-based CPR, RCMP drug task force, Muskoseepi Park self-managed team, Nova Scotia Business Inc. advisory team, Microsoft virtual teams.

    Are Work Groups and Work Teams the Same?

    • Work teams differ from work groups in their approach to goals, synergy, and accountability.
      • Work teams have a specific common goal and use positive synergy, accountability, and complementary skills; work groups primarily share information to improve individual performance.
      • Synergy is when combined efforts are greater than individual efforts; leading to superior performance.

    Exhibit 8.2 Groups Versus Teams

    • This exhibit contrasts work groups and work teams, highlighting differences in goals, synergy, accountability, and skills. Work teams have collective performance, positive synergy (and individual and mutual accountability). Work groups have individual or sometimes negative synergy and random-varied skills.

    Stages of Group Development

    • Tuckman's model outlines five stages of group development:
      • Forming: Individuals join and define the team's purpose.
      • Storming: Intragroup conflict is common.
      • Norming: Relationships improve and cohesiveness emerges.
      • Performing: The team is fully functional and accepted by members.
      • Adjourning: Temporary teams conclude their work.

    Key Aspects of Group Behavior

    • Roles: Behavior patterns expected of individuals in a social unit. This includes action-, people-, and thought-oriented roles.
    • Norms: Standards and expectations shared and accepted by group members. These include norms of effort, performance, and dress codes.
    • Conformity: The tendency of group members to adjust their behavior to align with group norms.
    • Status Systems: Hierarchies within groups.
    • Group Size: Larger groups may lead to social loafing – reduced individual effort when working in a group. Smaller groups of 5-7 are better at completing tasks, clarifying tasks and getting work done. Larger groups of 12+ tend to be more suited for problem solving, finding facts, and gaining diverse input.
    • Social Loafing: The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group. This is more likely in larger groups due to perceived lack of contribution or inability of efforts to be individually measured. Group cohesiveness is the degree to which members are attracted to each other and share group goals.

    Turning Groups into Effective Teams

    • Effective teams possess specific characteristics and can be assessed to determine effectiveness (refer to Exhibit 8.6 Team Effectiveness Model page 229)

    Characteristics of Effective Teams

    • Effectiveness often measured through productivity, manager performance ratings, and team member satisfaction. The Team Effectiveness Model distinguishes four distinct groups: Context, Team Composition, Work Design and Process Variables

    What Contextual Factors Lead to Team Effectiveness

    • Key contextual factors, important to team performance include: adequate resources; leadership and structure; climate of trust; and performance evaluation and reward systems.

    What Team Composition Factors Lead to Effectiveness

    • Important features include member abilities, personalities, allocating relevant roles, diversity, team size, and member preferences.

    How Does Work Design Affect Team Effectiveness

    • Key characteristics of effective work design include autonomy, skill variety, task identity, and task significance. These features enhance team member motivation.
    • Common purpose: Provides direction, momentum, and commitment.
    • Specific goals: Facilitates communication and helps maintain focus.
    • Team efficacy: Confidence in themselves and their members.
    • Conflict: Results from perceived differences, affecting productivity. Task conflict – based on content disagreement - low-moderate levels can be productive; Relationship conflict – based on interpersonal relationships - almost always dysfunctional
    • Exhibit 8.7 Conflict Resolution Techniques: Provides options for addressing conflict within the team using assertiveness, cooperativeness, and compromise
    • Minimizing Social Loafing: Effective teams minimize this by clarifying roles, and creating team accountability through participation and checking in methods.

    How Can a Manager Shape Team Behaviour

    • Managers shape team behavior through:
      • Selection: Ensuring applicants can fulfill team roles.
      • Training: Developing skills like problem-solving, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
      • Rewards: Encouraging cooperative efforts.

    Current Challenges in Managing Teams

    • Contemporary issues include managing global teams and understanding when a team approach is appropriate. The drawback of teams include lacking team member trust and disliking team members. Benefits include greater diversity in ideas and perspectives.
    • Managing global teams requires assessing group members' resources in the specific cultural context and anticipating potential communication and status concerns. Social loafing is a concern with global teams.

    Teams Aren't Always the Answer

    • Teams aren't always the best solution; appropriate evaluation of the task is required to determine team appropriateness over individual approaches. Appropriate criteria include individual capacity; tasks creating a common purpose over individual goals; and interdependence of members in the achievement of the group's goals.

    Beware! Teams Are Not Always the Answer

    • Teams are most useful when:
      • Work processes cut across functional lines.
      • Speed is important, demanding collaborative and complex relationships.
      • Organization operates in a rapidly changing, complex, and differentiated market environment.
      • Innovation and learning are top priorities.
      • Tasks necessitate online integration of highly interdependent performers.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the concepts of groups and teams as covered in Chapter 8 of Fundamentals of Management. You will learn about group development stages, the behavior of groups, and the dynamics of formal and informal teams. Test your understanding of how managers can effectively manage and lead teams in an organizational setting.

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