Organizational behavior 7e by luthans chap010

Learning Objectives• Describe the basic nature of groups: the dynamics of group formation and the various types of groups.. • Explain the important dynamics of informal groups and orga

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Groups and

Teams

Chapter Ten

Learning Objectives

• Describe the basic nature of groups: the

dynamics of group formation and the various types of groups.

• Discuss the implications that research on

groups has for the practice of management

• Explain the important dynamics of informal

groups and organizations.

• Analyze the impact of groupthink.

• Present the team concept and its practice.

• Formal and informal groups – the team

concept and practice

• Teams – self-managed and

cross-functional

Nature of Groups

• Meaning of a group and group dynamics

• Dynamics of group formation

– Theories of group formation

• Theory of George Homans: activities, interactions,

and sentiments

• Theodore Newcomb’s classic balance theory of

group formation

• Theoretical approach to group formation from

social psychology: exchange theory

Nature of Groups

Continued

• Dynamics of group formation (continued)

• Theodore Newcomb’s classic balance theory of

group formation

Nature of Groups

Continued

• Dynamics of group formation (continued)

– Identifiable stages of group development:

• Forming

• Storming

• Norming

• Performing

• Adjourning

– Practicalities of group formation

• Punctuated equilibrium model

Nature of Groups

Continued

• Types of groups

– Primary groups

• Small groups and self-managed teams

– Coalitions

– Other types of groups

• Memberships and reference groups

• In-groups and out-groups

Nature of Groups

Continued

• Implications from research on group

dynamics

– Groups expert Richard Hackman - important

role leadership plays in group performance

– Conditions a leader can control include:

• Setting a compelling direction for the group’s work

• Designing and enabling group structure

• Ensuring that the group operates within a

supportive context

• Providing expert coaching

Nature of Groups

Continued

• Group Cohesiveness

Nature of Groups

Continued

• Group/team effectiveness

– Three factors that play the major role

• Task interdependence

• Outcome interdependence

• Potency

– Three behaviors keys to adapting to unusual

circumstances or events:

• Information collection and transfer

• Task prioritization

• Task distribution

Dynamics of Informal Groups

• Norms and roles in informal groups

– Boundary spanner

– Buffer

– Lobbyist

– Negotiator

– Spokesperson

• Informal organization

Dysfunctions of Groups and Teams

• Norm violation and role ambiguity/conflict

• Groupthink, conformity problem

– Symptoms of groupthink

Dysfunctions of Groups and Teams

Continued

• Risky shift phenomenon

• Dysfunctions in perspective

• Social loafing

Teams in the Workplace

• Nature of teams

• Cross-functional teams

– Choose members carefully

– Establishing team purpose

– Ensuring understanding of functions

– Conduct intensive team building

– Achieve noticeable results

Teams in the Workplace

Continued

• Virtual teams

– Synchronous technologies

• Self-managed teams

– A group of employees who are responsible for

managing and performing technical tasks that result in a product or service being delivered

to an internal or external customer

Teams in the Workplace

Continued

• Training guidelines: self-managed teams

Teams in the Workplace

Continued

• How to make teams more effective

– Team building

– Collaboration

– Group leadership

– Cultural/global issues

Questions