Group Dynamics

Overview

Define “groups” Distinguish between formal and informal

groups Reasons people join groups Four stages of group development Specify group tasks and maintenance

functions

Formation of groupsA group is more than two persons who interact with

each other in such a manner that the behavior or

performance of one is influenced by the behavior of

the others.

Two group types

Formal groups (task oriented) Informal groups (social oriented)

Reasons for group formation

SECURITY SOCIAL ESTEEM PROXIMITY ATTRACTION ORDERED TO

Four stages of group development

Form stage Storm stage Norm stage Perform stage

Form stage

First stage – behavior of group members can be described as : DEPENDENT ON DIRECTION MEMBERS ARE POLITE INTRODUCTION AND SHARING OF

INFORMATION STEROTYPING INDIVIDUALS BASED ON FIRST

IMPRESSIONS CONVERSATIONS ARE ABOUT SAFE

ACCEPTABLE TOPICS AVOID DISCLOSURE, FEEDBACK, AND

INTERPRETING NON-VERBALS

Storm stage

Second stage – behavior of the group can be characterized as: COUNTER-DEPENDENT: EACH GROUP

MEMBER STRONGLY FEELS THE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF/HERSELF DURING THIS STAGE

BID FOR POWER COMPETITIVE RATIONALIZATION CLOSE-MINDED CONFLICT/HOSTILITY CLIQUES ARE FORMED

Storm stage - continued

UNEXPRESSED INDIVIDUAL NEEDS CREATIVITY SUPPRESSED TRY TO REACH RESOLUTION BY VOTE,

COMPROMISE, OR ARBITRATION

Norm stage

Third stage – behavior of the group can be characterized as: INDEPENDENT AND CONSTRUCTIVE REAL LISTENING TAKES PLACE ATTEMPTS TO GAIN AND MAINTAIN CONTROL

LESSEN PROGRESS TOWARD OBJECTIVES CREATIVITY BEGINS ROLES IDENTIFIED THE LEADER MAY BECOME SOMEWHAT LESS

IDENTIFIABLE OR NECESSARY TO THE GROUP

Perform stage

Fourth stage – behavior of the group can be characterized as: INDEPENDENT HIGH GROUP MORALE AND ESPRIT INTENSE GROUP LOYALTY INDIVIDUAL CREATIVITY IS ENCOURAGED DISAGREEMENT IS OK NO CLIQUES GROUP ADOPTS AN IDENTIFICATION SYMBOL

Adjourn stage

Fifth stage – behavior of the group can be characterized as: LESS TASK ABILITY REGRESSION TO LESS PRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR SEPARATION, GRIEVING BEHAVIORS RE-DEFINITION TERMINATION OR MINI-DEATH

Relationship of team maturity and performance

FORM STORM NORM PERFORM ADJOURN

ImmatureInefficientIneffective

MatureEfficientEffective

PossibleFailure

PossibleFailure

PossibleFailure

PE

RF

OR

MA

NC

E

Stages of team development and associated management challenges

FORMING(Orientation)

STORMING(Internal problem

solving)

NORMING(Growth andproductivity)

PERFORMING(Evaluationand control)

1. Establish structure, rules, communication networks2. Clarify relations and interdependencies among members3. Identify leader roles, clarify responsibility and authority4. Develop plans for goals accomplishment.

1. Identify and resolve interpersonal conflict.2. Further clarify rules, goals, and structural relationships3. Develop participate climate among group members

1. Direct group activity toward goal accomplishment.2. Develop data-flow & feedback systems for task performance.3. Promote more cohesion among group members

1. Leader role emphasis on facilitation, feedback, and evaluation.2. Renewal, revision, and strengthening of roles and group

interdependencies.3. Show of strong motivation toward goal accomplishment

Summary

IDENTIFY THE WORKING DEFINITION OF A GROUP

IDENTIFY FORMAL AND INFORMAL GROUPS

IDENTIFY THE REASONS PEOPLE JOIN GROUPS

DESCRIBE THE FOUR STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT