OB Chp 7, 8

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Questions and Answers

What are the two primary reasons why individuals join groups?

Task efficiency and social pressure (correct)

Rules and norms

Means and ends

Group cohesiveness and conformity (correct)

What is described as 'means' in the context of joining groups?

Groups that share the same diversity

Groups as a tool to achieve something (correct)

Groups as an end goal

Groups formed for personal characteristics

What happens during the 'storming' stage in the five-stage model of group development?

Conflict arises as roles are sorted out (correct)

Members disband after task completion

Norms are established and cohesion grows

The group achieves its goals

According to the punctuated equilibrium model, what is considered the most critical phase of group development?

The midpoint transition Signup and view all the answers

What are the four critical components of groups?

Cohesiveness, diversity, norms, and roles Signup and view all the answers

In a disjunctive task, how is group performance determined?

By the performance of the best group member Signup and view all the answers

What impact does group size have on performance in additive tasks?

Larger groups perform better Signup and view all the answers

How do diverse groups perform on tasks requiring creativity?

They often outperform homogenous groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely result of strong group cohesiveness?

Lower individual performance. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes rules from norms?

Norms are informal and implicit, while rules are formal and explicitly stated. Signup and view all the answers

What is social loafing?

Withholding effort while performing a group task. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the types of norms?

Emotional expression norms. Signup and view all the answers

How can social loafing be effectively reduced?

Encouraging individual recognition. Signup and view all the answers

What is collective efficacy?

Confidence that the group can perform effectively and trust its members. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drives conformity in group settings according to the Asch experiment?

A preference for group cohesion over accurate decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is process loss in groups?

Performance loss due to coordination and motivation issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy can promote group cohesiveness?

Promoting success and shared goals within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of the five-stage model of group development?

Conflict arises as roles within the group are sorted out. Signup and view all the answers

What role does conflict play during the storming stage of group development?

Conflict arises as roles are sorted out. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to promote effective decision-making in diverse groups?

Varied perspectives leading to innovative solutions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the midpoint transition affect group dynamics in the punctuated equilibrium model?

It marks a shift from planning to decisive action. Signup and view all the answers

Why do individuals with similar interests tend to join the same group?

To enhance relationships or group functionality. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of larger group sizes in decision-making?

Tendency towards social loafing or lack of participation. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of group cohesiveness, what is an important consideration?

Open communication can strengthen bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What generally occurs during the norming stage of group development?

Strong norms and relationships begin to form. Signup and view all the answers

How does social pressure influence group membership?

It can compel individuals to join groups for acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between culture and climate?

Culture is general, while climate is task-specific. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes organizational climate?

The tangible outcomes of behavior and consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is socialization in an organizational context?

The process of adapting employees to organizational culture. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three stages of socialization?

Pre-arrival, Encounter, Role Management. Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of socialization do inconsistencies between expectations and reality emerge?

Encounter. Signup and view all the answers

How does socialization reduce uncertainty for new employees?

By clarifying expectations and norms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six socialization tactics?

Collective, Formal, Sequential, Fixed, Serial, Divestiture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of institutionalized socialization tactics?

To reduce uncertainty and promote uniformity. Signup and view all the answers

How does investiture differ from divestiture as a socialization tactic?

Investiture affirms a recruit’s identity; divestiture strips it away. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a strong organizational culture?

Intense and pervasive shared beliefs, values, and assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

How can you diagnose a strong organizational culture quickly?

Observing symbols, rituals, and stories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential liability of a strong culture?

Resistance to change. Signup and view all the answers

What is proactive socialization?

Encouraging employees to take active roles in their socialization process. Signup and view all the answers

What is mentoring?

A process where experienced employees provide guidance and opportunities to junior employees. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of social loafing in group tasks?

Decreased motivation among group members. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to result in higher group cohesiveness?

Promoting shared goals and success. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes norms from rules?

Norms are informal and implicit, while rules are formal and explicitly stated. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines collective efficacy?

Belief that the group can achieve its objectives. Signup and view all the answers

How does a breach of the psychological contract typically manifest?

Perception of unmet obligations between parties. Signup and view all the answers

What is process loss in groups primarily associated with?

Motivation and coordination challenges. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of norm is primarily concerned with behavior outside of work?

Social interaction norms. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does not contribute to reducing social loafing?

Designating routine tasks to individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception does the Asch experiment highlight regarding group decision-making?

Groups are always more accurate than individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about rules and norms is accurate?

Rules provide formal expectations, while norms are informal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies social loafing?

One member doing most of the work while others contribute minimally. Signup and view all the answers

How can organizations develop commitment in new hires early on?

By making expected behaviors clear and visible. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does collective efficacy have on group performance?

It enhances motivation and overall effectiveness of the group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of a realistic job preview (RJP)?

Improved communication within the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Dynamics and Decision Making

Reasons for Joining Groups: Individuals join groups for "means" (using the group to achieve a goal) and "ends" (personal attributes and shared interests).
Group Development Models: Two key models are the five-stage model (forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning) and the punctuated equilibrium model (with a critical midpoint).
Group Development's Stages: Conflict (storming) and role clarification are key in the early stages. The midpoint in the punctuated equilibrium model is a crucial transition point often signifying a shift from planning to action.
Group Components: Core components include group size, diversity, norms (informal rules), and roles. Group size, diversity, norms (informal rules), and roles are vital aspects.
Group Size and Performance: Group size impact varies by task. Additive tasks benefit from larger groups; disjunctive tasks excel when the best individual performs well.
Diverse Groups and Creativity: Diverse groups often generate innovative ideas due to varied perspectives.
Process Loss: Process loss is a reduction in group effectiveness due to coordination and motivational issues, affecting cohesiveness and performance.
Rules vs. Norms: Rules are formal, explicit expectations; norms are informal, implicit guidelines. Norms govern various aspects like dress code, social interaction, and work behaviors.
Why People Join Groups:
- "Means" refer to using a group as a tool to achieve a goal.
- "Ends" refer to joining groups based on personal attributes or shared interests like similar interests or complementing others.

Group Cohesiveness

Increasing Cohesiveness: Factors include shared successes, reduced group size, and shared challenges.
Consequences of Cohesiveness: High cohesion results in increased participation and better performance.

Definition: Social loafing is reduced individual effort when working in a group compared to working alone.
Reducing Social Loafing: Increase individual accountability and promote interdependence.

Collective Efficacy

Definition: Collective efficacy is a group's belief in its ability to succeed and members trusting each other.
Impact on Performance: High collective efficacy enhances motivation and improves overall group performance.

Asch Conformity Experiment

Findings: Individuals conform to group decisions, even when they are incorrect, as demonstrated in Asch's experiment.
Driving Force: The desire for acceptance and avoiding conflict are major conformity motivators.

Realistic Job Preview (RJP)

Definition: A tool that presents both the positive and negative aspects of a job, aiding in realistic employee expectations.
Examples: Includes work simulations, job shadowing, interviews with current job holders. Company orientation programs are not an example.
Benefits: Increased likelihood of job fit, reduced "reality shock," and promoted self-selection in candidates.

Psychological Contract

Definition: Unwritten expectations between employers and employees about roles and responsibilities.
Breach: A perception that either party has not met their obligations.
Early Commitment Development: Making behaviors visible and explicit facilitates early commitment.

Culture vs. Climate

Difference: Culture encompasses overall shared beliefs and assumptions; climate focuses on task-specific perceptions that influence work behaviors.

Socialization

Definition: Adaptation of employees to the organizational culture.
Stages: Pre-arrival, Encounter, Role Management.
Uncertainty Reduction: Clarifying expectations and norms help reduce uncertainty.
Inconsistencies: Encounter stage often reveals discrepancies between pre-employment expectations and reality.

Socialization Tactics

Tactics: Collective, formal, sequential, fixed, serial, and divestiture.
Institutionalized Tactics Goal: Reduce uncertainty and promote a uniform culture.
Investiture vs. Divestiture: Investiture affirms identity; divestiture strips it away.

Strong Culture

Characteristic: Intense and pervasive shared beliefs, values, and assumptions.
Diagnosis: Observing symbols, rituals, and stories.
Liability: Resistance to change.

Proactive Socialization

Definition: Employees actively shaping their own socialization.
Example: Building relationships with coworkers.

Mentoring

Definition: Experienced employees guiding and supporting junior colleagues.
Functions: Career and psychosocial support.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of group dynamics and how decisions are made within groups. This quiz covers models of group development, key components, and the impact of group size on performance. Test your understanding of why individuals join groups and how they evolve through various stages.