What is a group, and what stages of development do groups go through.pdf

Monday, 25 September 2023 6:15 am What is a group, and what stages of development do groups go through? A group is also defined as two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve specific goals. Formal groups are work groups that are defined by the organisation'...

Monday, 25 September 2023 6:15 am What is a group, and what stages of development do groups go through? A group is also defined as two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve specific goals. Formal groups are work groups that are defined by the organisation's structure and have designated work assignments and specific tasks. Informal groups are social groups. These occur naturally in the workplace and tend to form around friendships and common interests. Examples of formal work groups within an organization might include: • Project Teams: Teams formed to work on specific projects or initiatives, such as a • • • • product development team or a marketing campaign team. Departmental Teams: Groups of employees within a department who work together to achieve departmental goals, such as a sales team, an IT support team, or a finance team. Cross-Functional Teams: Teams composed of individuals from different departments or functional areas who collaborate to address complex issues or projects that require diverse expertise. Management Teams: Teams of managers and supervisors who oversee the operations of a specific department or division and make decisions related to their areas of responsibility. Advisory Committees: Groups formed to provide guidance and recommendations on specific organizational matters, such as a safety committee or an ethics committee. From <https://chat.openai.com/c/cf882aaa-5aec-4214-9c96-52fffd47aff5> A group is a collection of individuals who come together for a specific purpose, shared goal, or common interest. Groups can take various forms and sizes, ranging from small, informal gatherings of friends to large, formal organizations. Within groups, members interact, communicate, and collaborate to achieve their objectives, solve problems, make decisions, or engage in social activities. Groups often go through several stages of development as they form, grow, and accomplish their goals. These stages are commonly referred to as the "group development stages" or "Tuckman's stages of group development," named after psychologist Bruce Tuckman, who introduced the model in 1965. The five stages of group development are: 1. Forming: In this initial stage, group members come together, and there is a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity. Members may be polite and cautious in their interactions as they get to know one another and understand the group's purpose and goals. The leader's role in this stage is typically more directive, providing guidance and structure. 2. Storming: During this stage, conflicts and disagreements may arise as group members begin to assert their opinions, preferences, and ideas. It is a critical phase where individuals express their individuality and challenge the group's norms and leadership. Storming can be a challenging period, but it is essential for the group to clarify its goals and establish norms for interaction. 3. Norming: In this stage, the group starts to resolve conflicts, and cohesion begins to develop. Members establish norms, values, and standards of behaviour that facilitate cooperation and collaboration. The group becomes more harmonious, and individuals start working together more effectively. New Section 1 Page 1 more effectively. 4. Performing: At the performing stage, the group is highly functional and productive. Members work cohesively, and they are focused on achieving their shared goals. Leadership is often shared among group members, and decision-making is efficient. 5. Adjourning (or Mourning): This stage marks the end of the group's life cycle. It occurs when the group has achieved its goals, and its purpose is fulfilled, or when the group disbands for other reasons. There may be a sense of accomplishment and closure, but some members may also experience a sense of loss or nostalgia as the group comes to an end. It's important to note that not all groups progress through these stages in a linear fashion, and some groups may skip certain stages or return to earlier stages if new challenges or changes arise. Additionally, the dynamics and duration of each stage can vary depending on the group's size, purpose, and composition. Understanding these group development stages can help leaders and members navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise within groups, ultimately contributing to more effective and productive group interactions. From <https://chat.openai.com/c/cf882aaa-5aec-4214-9c96-52fffd47aff5> What are the main concepts of group behaviour? 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Group behaviour is a field of study in psychology and sociology that examines how individuals behave when they are part of a group or social context. Several main concepts and principles are central to understanding group behaviour: Social Influence: Social influence refers to the ways in which group members impact each other's attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and behaviours. It can be categorized into three main types: conformity (going along with the group's norms), compliance (complying with a direct request), and obedience (following orders from an authority figure). Group Dynamics: Group dynamics involve the interactions, relationships, and processes that occur within a group. This includes the roles members take on, communication patterns, power structures, and the emergence of group norms and cohesion. Norms: Norms are shared expectations or rules within a group that guide members' behaviour. They can be explicit (formally stated) or implicit (unspoken but understood). Norms help establish a sense of order and predictability within the group. Roles: Roles are the expected behaviours and responsibilities associated with a particular position or function within the group. Roles help define members' contributions and facilitate the division of labour. Leadership: Leadership involves the process by which one or more individuals influence and guide the activities and decisions of a group. Leadership styles can vary, including autocratic (authoritarian), democratic (collaborative), and laissez-faire (hands-off). Group Cohesion: Group cohesion refers to the degree of unity, solidarity, and emotional bonding among group members. Cohesion is influenced by factors like shared goals, interpersonal relationships, and the attractiveness of the group. Social Loafing: Social loafing is the tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone. This phenomenon is often attributed to a diffusion of responsibility. Groupthink: Groupthink is a group decision-making phenomenon in which members prioritize consensus and harmony over critical evaluation of alternative options. It can lead to flawed decisions and a lack of creativity. Conflict: Conflict is the presence of disagreements, differences of opinion, or competing interests within a group. While excessive conflict can be detrimental, constructive conflict can lead to improved decision-making and problem-solving. Group Identity: Group identity is the sense of belonging, attachment, and identification that individuals feel toward a particular group. It can influence behavior, attitudes, and loyalty. Social Identity Theory: This theory posits that individuals categorize themselves and New Section 1 Page 2 16. Social Identity Theory: This theory posits that individuals categorize themselves and others into social groups, leading to in-group favoritism and out-group bias. It plays a significant role in shaping group behavior and intergroup relations. 17. Social Norms: Social norms are the accepted and expected behaviors within a specific culture or society. Groups often establish their own norms, which can influence individual behavior when one is part of the group. Understanding these concepts of group behavior can help explain how individuals interact within groups, the impact of social influence, and the dynamics that shape collective decision-making and behavior. These concepts are applicable in various settings, including workplaces, social organizations, and communities. From <https://chat.openai.com/c/cf882aaa-5aec-4214-9c96-52fffd47aff5> New Section 1 Page 3