Group Dynamics and Characteristics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a defining characteristic of a group?

Mutually dependent relationships (correct)

Absence of shared goals

Independence among members

Lack of interaction

Which type of group is formed deliberately to perform a specific task?

Open group

Standing task group (correct)

Interest group

Informal group

What distinguishes a task group from a standing task group?

Task groups consist of members from the same department.

Task groups are temporary and disband after completing their goal. (correct)

Task groups are permanent.

Standing task groups solve specific problems.

Which characteristic is NOT one of the three limitations on group size?

Decentralized Leadership Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes informal interest groups?

They are formed to achieve objectives of mutual interest. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of informal group meets the needs of members through common characteristics?

Friendship Groups Signup and view all the answers

Informal groups are primarily characterized by which feature?

Lack of defined structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of open groups?

They allow frequent changes in membership, enhancing creativity. Signup and view all the answers

An open group can be best described as what type of group?

A group that allows anyone to join at any time Signup and view all the answers

What impact do informal groups have on individuals?

They can enhance status if perceived as prestigious. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of group consists of individuals with a common interest but is not formally structured?

Informal group Signup and view all the answers

What is a main function of a standing task group within an organization?

To oversee specific operations as part of the organizational structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of closed groups?

They are prone to high turnover rates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between in-groups and out-groups?

In-groups are groups with which we associate. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the instability of open groups?

High rate of member turnover. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key role of reference groups in an individual's decision-making?

They influence opinions based on shared characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnocentrism primarily characterized by?

Believing one’s own group is superior and judging others by its standards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why people tend to join groups?

Disinterest Signup and view all the answers

What feature identifies the second stage of group development?

Conflict arising from role clarification Signup and view all the answers

At which stage of group development does a single leader typically emerge?

Norming Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response is associated with the concluding features of the forming stage?

Anxiety and excitement Signup and view all the answers

Which function of groups emphasizes the implementation of complex decisions?

Liaison or coordinating Signup and view all the answers

In which stage of group development is productivity at its peak?

Performing Signup and view all the answers

What primarily occurs during the storming stage of group development?

Role ambiguity and confusion Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the last stage of development for temporary groups?

Disbanding after task completion Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT likely to increase group cohesiveness?

Increasing individual recognition Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state may group members experience when closure occurs?

Separation anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary cause of social loafing?

Lack of accountability Signup and view all the answers

What impact does social loafing have on group performance?

Reduced overall performance Signup and view all the answers

How can a leader facilitate positive closure for a group?

Recognizing and rewarding group performance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of social loafing?

High team morale Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to reduce social loafing in groups?

Establish individual accountability Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant drawback of brainstorming sessions?

They often generate ideas less efficiently than individuals working alone. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of the nominal group technique?

Members present their ideas without initial discussion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested strategy to enhance group decision-making effectiveness?

Engage in peer evaluations. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does 'production blocking' present in group brainstorming?

It disrupts the flow of individual thought processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested to reduce the pressure for conformity within a group?

Using brainstorming without restrictions. Signup and view all the answers

How does increased intergroup competition benefit groups?

It promotes a shared group outcome. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before discussion in the nominal group technique?

Members should independently record their ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is most likely to hinder the effectiveness of interacting groups?

Pressure for conformity among members. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Groups

A group is a crucial subsystem within any organization.
Group work isn't always enjoyable.
A group is any collection of individuals with interconnected relationships.
A group is defined as two or more people who interact, are interdependent, have shared objectives, and perceive themselves as a group.

Groups - Characteristics

Group size is limited by interaction among members, the presence of two or more people, and the perception of those individuals as members of the group, and shared goals.
Group size is limited by three factors: a shared interest, mutual awareness, and shared goals.

Groups - Types

Formal Groups are deliberately created for specific tasks.
- Appointed by the organization.
- Feature a hierarchy of authority and specific rules/regulations.
  - Two types:
    - Standing task groups: Permanent and part of the organizational structure. Supervisors have formal authority over subordinates.
    - Task groups: Temporary groups formed to solve specific problems. Employees can come from different departments. These groups disband after completion.
Informal Groups
- Also known as cliques.
- Not formally structured or organizationally determined.
- Develop naturally in the work environment as a response to needs for social contact.
- Roles are loosely defined; based on member expectations and group needs.
- Member behavior is guided by internalised perceptions of appropriate conduct.
- Behavior is sanctioned through social approval or disapproval.
  - Interest Groups: Formed to achieve common interests; e.g., working mothers requesting day care or flexible hours.
  - Friendship Groups: Based on shared characteristics (sports, marital status). Satisfies affiliation needs. Managers can influence these groups.
  - Reference Groups: The groups individuals identify with to establish opinions and make decisions. Based on race, gender, religion, politics. Reference groups provide values to individuals.

Contribution of Informal Groups to Individuals

Satisfy social and affiliation needs.
Fulfill security and support needs.
Enhance status and perceived prestige if viewed positively by others.
Increase self-esteem if valued by fellow members.
Increase competence through shared group influence and achievement.

Open & Closed Groups

Open Groups: Membership is constantly changing (people joining and leaving). High turnover rate. New members bring new perspectives, enhancing creativity. Focus on present or near future. Easily affected by imbalances.
Closed Groups: Relatively stable membership; few members join or leave over time. Narrow focus; less creativity. Focus on much longer term horizons. Less susceptible to instability compared to open groups.

In Groups & Out Groups

In-Groups: Groups to which people belong.
Out-Groups: Groups to which people do not belong.
Can lead to friendly rivalries between groups.
Ethnocentrism: A belief that one's own group is superior to others

Why Do People Join Groups?

Proximity, Interacting, and Influence
Security
Esteem
Affiliation
Power
Identity
Huddling (informal get-togethers)

Functions of Groups

Division of work/tasks
Ideation and creativity
Liaison or coordinating
Implementation of complex decisions
Training new employees

Five Stages of Group Development

Forming: The polite stage - uncertainty, exploring possible friendships, unclear purpose/strategy. Emotions: excitement, anticipation, anxiety, optimism.
Storming: Potential conflicts arise - clarifying roles, disagreements on procedures, power struggles. Emotions: frustration, dissatisfaction, reality check, adjustment anxiety.
Norming: A single leader emerges, standards for roles/behavior are set. Increased member involvement and harmony. Emotions: group identity, camaraderie, coping, acceptance.
Performing: Productivity at its peak. Team work, role clarity, and accomplishment of desired goals. Emotions: teamwork, leadership, cohesiveness.
Adjourning: Disbanding of the group. Emotional closure, rewarding group performance. Emotions: separation anxiety, crisis, dissatisfaction, negativity.

Group Cohesiveness

Groups can vary greatly in cohesiveness - the degree that members are attracted to and motivated to remain in the group.
Some factors that can cause cohesiveness include time spent together, smaller group size, and facing common external threats.
Group cohesiveness affects productivity. More cohesive groups often achieve higher productivity if their goals align favorably with those of the members.

The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to working alone.
Challenges the assumption that group productivity should equal the combined productivity of its individuals.
Causes of social loafing: Lack of accountability, diffusion of responsibility, low motivation/interest, perception that efforts are not noticeable, unequal distribution of effort, group size.
Impacts of social loafing can include decreased group performance, resentment among others in the group, delayed decision-making, and decreased morale.

Establish shared group goals.
Increase intergroup competition (toward shared group outcomes).
Engage in peer evaluations.
Select motivated members who prefer group work.
Base group rewards partially on individual contributions.

Group Decision Making Techniques – Interaction

Common method- members interact face-to-face verbally and nonverbally, and groups often pressure members toward conformity.

Group Decision Making Techniques – Brainstorming

A technique to overcome pressures for conformity that can stifle creativity.
In a session, a group leader introduces a problem for a half-dozen to a dozen people who sit around a table.
Members generate as many ideas as possible in a given timeframe, with no criticism allowed, even of unusual suggestions.
All ideas are recorded, which are later analyzed and discussed.

Group Decision Making Techniques – Nominal Group Technique

More effective than brainstorming, this approach restricts discussion during the decision-making process.
Group members are physically present but independently work on the problem.
Steps: Problem is introduced, members independently write down ideas, members share ideas, and ideas are then ranked to determine final decision.

Importance of Group Dynamics in Team Work

Effective communication
Fostering trust and collaboration
Enhanced problem solving and decision making
Managing conflict productively

Characteristics of Effective Teams

Strong leadership
Mutual respect and trust
Adaptability to change
Diverse skills and perspectives
Shared responsibility and rewards

Challenges in Team Work

Common challenges: Communication barriers, personality clashes, unequal participation, social loafing, and conflict mismanagement.
Solutions: Active listening and feedback, role clarification, and conflict-resolution strategies.

Benefits of Strong Group Dynamics and Teamwork

Improved productivity
Enhanced creativity and innovation
Greater job satisfaction
Improved decision-making and problem-solving
Achievement of shared goals effectively
Positive impact on the organization

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various types of groups, their characteristics, and the dynamics involved in their formation and function. This quiz covers concepts such as formal and informal groups, task groups, and the effects of group size and structure. Dive into the intricacies of group interactions and their impact on individuals.