Group Processes and Decision-Making

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Questions and Answers

What is the main distinction between formal and informal groups?

Formal groups are structured and have defined roles, whereas informal groups develop naturally. (correct)

Formal groups have no specific goals, while informal groups have clear objectives.

Formal groups are based on social interactions, while informal groups are not.

Formal groups change frequently, while informal groups tend to remain stable.

What is a potential disadvantage of cohesive groups?

Cohesive groups may discourage individuality and critical thinking. (correct)

Cohesive groups have strong interpersonal relationships.

Cohesive groups tend to have high turnover rates.

Cohesive groups often have lower morale.

Which statement best describes social loafing?

The phenomenon where group members take on more responsibilities.

The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group. (correct)

A behavior that enhances overall group performance.

An increase in individual effort in a group setting.

In the context of group decision making, what is a common strength observed?

Groups are more likely to have diverse perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of group typically involves face-to-face interaction for idea generation?

Interacting groups. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a command group?

It is dictated by the formal organization. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a friendship group?

It is an informal group that appears in response to social contact needs. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a task group include members from different organizational levels?

Task groups can be formed to address specific projects regardless of hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between command groups and interest groups?

Interest groups are informal alliances that are not dictated by the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding command and task groups?

Every command group is a task group, but not vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of electronic meetings compared to traditional methods?

Increased anonymity during discussions Signup and view all the answers

In which type of group is the potential for interpersonal conflict highest?

Interacting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of brainstorming according to the effectiveness criteria?

Increased social pressure among participants Signup and view all the answers

How does the speed of decision-making in electronic meetings compare to that in brainstorming sessions?

Electronic meetings have a moderate speed advantage Signup and view all the answers

Which effectiveness criteria shows that nominal group technique has a moderate characteristic?

Money costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of group rewards according to group processes?

To enhance group collaboration Signup and view all the answers

Which group size is most effective for coordinating and implementing complex tasks?

Small groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of the groupthink phenomenon?

Pressure to conform to the majority view Signup and view all the answers

How does group decision-making typically affect creativity?

High creativity in groups despite pressure Signup and view all the answers

What can hinder group performance during decision-making?

Groupthink pressures Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the decision-making process of large groups?

Pooling of information for complex tasks Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might group members exhibit in response to doubts about shared views?

Rationalize their resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential risk of groups working under the influence of groupthink?

Deterioration in decision quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage in the Five-Stage Model of Group Development?

Forming Stage Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows the Storming Stage in the Five-Stage Model?

Norming Stage Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Punctuated Equilibrium Model?

It is structured around deadlines and phases. Signup and view all the answers

In the Five-Stage Model, which stage focuses primarily on task completion and productivity?

Performing Stage Signup and view all the answers

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

Isolation Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the half-way point in the Punctuated Equilibrium Model?

Transition to major changes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages is included in the Five-Stage Model of Group Development?

Norming Stage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about group development?

Both models highlight different processes in group development. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Processes

Communication patterns can be formal or informal.
Other processes used include decision making, leader behavior, power dynamics, and conflict interactions.

Effects of Group Processes

Group processes can lead to positive and negative outcomes.
The effectiveness of group processes can determine success or failure.

Group Decision-Making

Large groups are better for gathering information.
Smaller groups are better at coordination and implementation.
Simple tasks require less effective group processes for good performance.
Groups can improve accuracy and creativity, but will be slower.
Groups also increase acceptance.

Groupthink

This occurs when group pressures for conformity deter critical appraisal of unpopular views.
This can negatively impact performance.

Symptoms of Groupthink

Members rationalize resistance to their own assumptions.
Members pressure others to agree with the majority opinion.
Members keep doubts or differing opinions silent.

Objectives After Learning This Topic

Differentiate between formal and informal groups
Compare two models of group development.
Explain how group interaction can be analyzed.
Identify key factors in explaining group behavior.
Explain how role requirements change in different situations.
Identify the benefits and disadvantages of cohesive groups.
Define social loafing and its effects on performance.
Describe how norms influence individual behavior.
List the strengths and weaknesses of group decision-making.
Contrast the effectiveness of interacting, brainstorming, nominal and electronic meeting groups.

Defining and Classifying Groups

A group is defined as two or more individuals interacting and interdependent to achieve objectives.
Formal Groups are defined by organizational structures.
Informal Groups are alliances that appear organically in response to a social contact need.
Command Groups are dictated by the organizational structure.
Task Groups are formed to complete organizational tasks.
Interest Groups are united by a common interest.
Friendship Groups are informal alliances based on social connections.

Why People Join Groups

Security
Status
Self-esteem
Affiliation
Power
Goal Achievement

Stages of Group Development

Groups go through a standardized sequence called the FIVE-STAGE MODEL.
Temporary groups follow an alternative model called the PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM MODEL.

The Five-Stage Model of Group Development

Forming Stage - Members get acquainted and try to understand group dynamics.
Storming Stage - Conflicts arise as members compete for roles and influence.
Norming Stage - Members develop shared norms, expectations, and roles.
Performing Stage - Members work together effectively, focusing on completing tasks.
Adjourning Stage - The group disbands or transitions to a new phase.

Punctuated-Equilibrium Model

Sequence of actions:
- Setting group direction
- First phase of inertia
- Half-way point transition with major changes.
- Second phase of inertia.

Electronic Meeting

This method blends nominal group technique with computer technology.
Members sit at a table and type responses to questions on their terminals.
Responses are projected on a screen.
Advantages include anonymity, honesty, and speed.

Evaluating Group Effectiveness

Effectiveness Criteria:
- Number and Quality of Ideas
- Social Pressure
- Money Costs
- Speed
- Task Orientation
- Potential for Interpersonal Conflict
- Commitment to Solution
- Development of Solutions

Evaluating Group Effectiveness, by Type:

Interacting Group - High potential for interpersonal conflict but leads to high commitment to solutions.
Brainstorming Group - Low social pressure and money costs but has low commitment to solutions.
Nominal Group - High task orientation but low potential for interpersonal conflict.
Electronic Group - High number and quality of ideas, high task orientation, moderate speed, but high money costs.

Input Requirements

Group complexity
Tasks
Interdependence

Check-Up:

Brainstorming has the drawbacks of low task orientation and low commitment to solutions.
Brainstorming has the advantage of high creativity and low cost.
The Nominal Group Technique has the advantage of high task orientation and high commitment to solutions.
The Nominal Group Technique has the drawback of low creativity and requires more time.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of group processes and their effects on decision-making. This quiz covers topics like communication patterns, groupthink, and the advantages and disadvantages of group decision-making. Test your understanding of how group behaviors impact performance and outcomes.