groups and teams

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1. A definition of the term group as used in the context of management

2.A thorough understanding of the difference between formal and informal groups

3.Knowledge of the types of formal groups that exist in organizations

4.An understanding of how managers can determine which groups exist in an organization

5.An appreciation for what teams are and how to manage them



A Group is any number of people who:

1. Interact with one another

2. Are psychologically aware of one another

3. Perceive themselves to be a group

Why managers should study groups:

1. Exist in all kinds of organizations

2. Form in all facets of organizational existence

3. Cause either desirable or undesirable consequences

4. Raise the probability of causing desirable consequences


Formal Groups

• Kinds of Formal Groups

Command groups

Task groups


Formal Groups (continued)• Examples of Formal Groups

Committees

Reasons for establishing committees:

1. Allow organization members to exchange ideas

2. Generate suggestions and recommendations

3. Develop new ideas for solving existing organizational problems

4. Assist in the development of organizational policies

Why Managers Should Use Committees Improve quality of decision making

Encourage expression of honest opinions

Increase members’ participation in decision-making

Ensure representation of important groups in decision-making process


Formal Groups (continued)• Examples of Formal Groups (continued)

Committees (continued) What Makes Committees Successful Procedural Steps

Define goals clearly, preferably in writingSpecify authorityDetermine optimum sizeSelect chairpersonAppoint permanent secretaryDistribute agenda and support material before meetingStart meetings on time and announce ending time at outset

People-Oriented GuidelinesRephrasing ideas already expressedBringing all members into active participationStimulating further thought by members

Groupthink


Formal Groups (continued)• Examples of Formal Groups (continued)

Work Teams Special-Purpose and Self-Managed Teams

• Stages of Formal Group Development The Acceptance Stage The Communication and Decision-Making Stage The Group Solidarity Stage The Group Control Stage

Members function as a unitMembers participate effectively in group effortMembers are oriented toward a single goalMembers have equipment, tools, and skills necessary to attain

goalsMembers exchange suggestions, opinions, and information


Informal Groups• Kinds of Informal Groups

Interest groups

Friendship groups

• Benefits of Informal Group Membership

1. Perpetuation of social and cultural values

2. Status and social satisfaction

3. Increased ease of communication

4. Increased desirability of the overall work environment


Determining Group Existence

• Sociometric Analysis

• Applying the Sociogram Model

Understanding the Evolution of Informal Groups

• Homans’ Model

• Applying the Homans Model


Groups Versus Teams

Groups consist of people who:

Interact with one another

Are psychologically aware of one another

Think of themselves as a group

Team is a group whose members:

Influence one another toward the accomplishment of objective(s)

Types of Teams in Organizations

• Problem-Solving Teams

• Self-Managed Teams

• Cross-Functional Teams


Stages of Team Development

• Forming

• Storming

• Norming

• Performing

• Adjourning


Team Effectiveness

People-related steps:

1. Trying to make the team’s work satisfying

2. Developing mutual trust among team members andbetween the team and management

3. Building good communication

4. Minimizing unresolved conflicts and power struggles within the team

5. Dealing effectively with threats toward and within the team

6. Building the perception that the jobs of team members are secure


Team Effectiveness (continued)

Organization-related steps:

1. Building a stable overall structure that team members view as secure

2. Becoming involved in team events and demonstrating interest in team progress and functioning

3. Properly rewarding and recognizing teams for accomplishments

4. Setting stable goals and priorities for the team


Team Effectiveness (continued)

Task-related steps:

1. Developing clear objectives, directions, and project plans for the team

2. Providing proper technical direction and leadership for the team

3. Establishing autonomy for team and challenging work within the team

4. Appointing experienced and qualified team personnel

5. Encouraging team involvement

6. Building visibility within the organization for the team’s work


Trust and Effective Teams

Communicate often to team members

Show respect for team members

Be fair to team members

Be predictable

Demonstrate competence

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