OB Chp 7/11

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Questions and Answers

What is one method to increase group cohesiveness?

Increasing the size of the group

Promoting competition among groups (correct)

Implementing random selection for group membership

Encouraging individualism within the group

What characterizes social loafing?

High levels of conformity in work behavior

Withholding effort when parts of a task are done collectively (correct)

Increased individual performance in a group setting

The tendency to exert more effort in teamwork

When is it advisable to assign a task to an individual rather than a group?

When the task is simple or routine (correct)

When creative problem-solving is necessary

When the task requires diverse skills

When the task's components are interdependent

Which of the following is a potential result of high group cohesiveness?

Increased participation and conforming behaviors Signup and view all the answers

How can social loafing be counteracted in group settings?

By making individual contributions visible Signup and view all the answers

Why do people often join groups for social belonging?

To be a part of something larger than themselves Signup and view all the answers

What key event occurs during the storming stage of group development?

Emergence of conflicts Signup and view all the answers

In which type of task does the group output depend on the weakest member's performance?

Conjunctive task Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of having larger groups?

More process losses Signup and view all the answers

How does diversity impact group performance, particularly on complex tasks?

It improves creativity Signup and view all the answers

Which component of groups refers to informal expectations that guide behavior?

Norms Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the group's output being the sum of individual efforts?

Additive task Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key phases in the Punctuated Equilibrium Model?

Midpoint transition Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of group diversity can initially delay cohesion?

Surface diversity Signup and view all the answers

What can occur as a result of larger group sizes in terms of group dynamics?

Higher coordination loss Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT considered a key component of groups?

Performance levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical phase in the Punctuated Equilibrium Model?

Midpoint transition Signup and view all the answers

How does collective efficacy influence group performance?

By enhancing the group's confidence in achieving goals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Dynamics and Decision-Making

Reasons for Joining Groups:
- Means: Groups are tools to accomplish tasks.
- Ends: Groups offer social belonging, valued for themselves.
- Personal characteristics: Similarity or difference in traits can draw people to groups.

Group Development Models

5-Stage Model:
- Forming: Members get acquainted, clarifying purpose.
- Storming: Conflicts emerge as roles and responsibilities are defined.
- Norming: Norms are created, increasing cohesiveness.
- Performing: Group focuses on achieving the task.
- Adjourning: Group dissolves after objectives are met.
Punctuated Equilibrium Model:
- Phase 1: Initial progress is slow, a framework is established.
- Midpoint transition: Renewed urgency realigns the group.
- Phase 2: Increased activity to complete the task.

Important Group Components

Group Size: Impacts performance and satisfaction.
Diversity: Surface-level (visible traits) and deep-level (values, attitudes) contribute to performance initially, though cohesion might be slower.
Group Norms: Informal guidelines that impact behavior and interactions.
Group Roles: Assigned (formal) or emergent (natural), affecting overall effectiveness.
Group Tasks:
- Additive: Group output is sum of individual efforts (shoveling snow).
- Conjunctive: Group output depends on weakest member (assembly line).
- Disjunctive: Group output depends on the best member (solving a riddle).

Process Loss in Groups

Larger groups experience process loss due to:
- Motivation loss: Social loafing.
- Coordination loss: Problems with organization and communication.

Group Diversity and Effectiveness

Diverse groups: Can excel in complex, creative tasks, although initial cohesion might be slower.
Surface vs. Deep Diversity: Visible and underlying differences affect performance.

Group Rules and Norms

Norms:
- Dress norms: Appearance expectations.
- Reward allocation norms: Equity, equality, reciprocity, etc.
- Performance norms: Expected work behavior and absenteeism.
- Social interaction norms: Expectations regarding interactions outside work.

Group Cohesiveness

Increasing Cohesiveness:
- Threats and competition.
- Shared success.
- Member diversity.
- Small group size.
- Difficult initiation.
Effects of High Cohesiveness:
- Increased participation.
- Potential for conformity (groupthink).
- High productivity if norms align with organizational goals.

Collective Efficacy

Definition: Belief in the group's ability to achieve its goals.
Impact: High collective efficacy leads to better performance.

Group vs. Individual Tasks

Group tasks are beneficial when:
- Tasks are complex and require diverse skills.
- Creativity and problem-solving are essential.
- Tasks are interdependent.
Individual tasks are more appropriate when:
- Tasks are simple.
- Speed and efficiency are critical.

Definition: Reduced effort in groups.
Types: "Free rider effect," "sucker effect."
Countering social loafing:
- Making individual contributions visible.
- Increasing task interest.
- Providing thorough performance feedback.
- Rewarding group performance.

Conformity

Aash Experiment: People conform to group decisions despite personal disagreements, influenced by group pressure and the desire for approval.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of group dynamics and the decision-making process through this quiz. Delve into important models like the 5-stage model and the punctuated equilibrium model, and understand the essential components that influence group behavior. Test your knowledge on why individuals join groups and how development stages affect performance.