GE347 – Group Dynamics

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO GROUPS AND TEAMS

MR. O’LEARY: [email protected]://WWW.MROLEARYSCLASSROOM.COM

GE347 – Group Dynamics

GE 347 Week 1 Objectives

Define “Small Group Communication”Distinguish between groups and teamsDiscuss characteristics of effective teamsIdentify advantages and disadvantages of

working in groups and teamsDistinguish between primary and secondary

groupsDefine “Virtual Communication”

•Q: What is Small Group Communication?A: Communication between 3-12 people who share a common goal, identify with the group, and exert influence on each other.

1) Communication : the process of acting on information

2) 3-12 people : the minimum and maximum optimal group sizes

3) Share a common goal: A consistent motive or agenda for participation

4) Identify with the group: Individuals believe themselves to be a member of the group

5) Exert Influence: The essence of “leadership” – influencing the actions of others

GroupsGroups TeamsTeams

Goals are not consistent or clear

Roles and responsibilities not defined

Rules and expectations not clear

Collaboration not guaranteed; 1-2 members may do bulk of work

Goals are clear and consistent

Roles and responsibilities clearly defined

Rules and expectations are clear

Members collaborate and divide labor to achieve goal

What’s the difference between Groups and Teams?

Characteristics of Effective Teams

A clear and elevating goal (something worth working for)

A results-driven structure (contributing to the bottom line)

Competent team members (members are skilled and qualified to perform tasks assigned to them)

Unified Commitment (All for one, one for all)

Collaborative climate (not a competitive one)

Standards of excellence (defines what is acceptable and unacceptable in terms of quality)

External support and recognition (Bosses, managers, coaches, etc)

Principled Leadership (all teams need leaders)

Characteristics of Effective Team Members

Experience (nothing can substitute for this, especially in technical fields)

Problem-Solving Ability (it’s a common reason groups/teams are put together in the first place)

Openness (to ideas, to others, to things “new” and “different”)

Supportiveness (willingness to help others, listen to others, be optimistic about others)

Action oriented (It’s not what you know, it’s what you can DO)

Positive Personal Style (Motivated, friendly, patient, enthusiastic)

What are ways to enhance team effectiveness?

Clarify rules and expectations (teams without them may succeed, but it will always take longer and cause more conflict).

Learn team members strengths and weaknesses (so that tasks and roles can be properly assigned to team members).

Identify barriers (there will always be obstacles, but you can plan ahead for them).

Develop a plan and put it into action (All teams need “playbooks” or everyone does what they want to, not what they need to).

Evaluate team procedures (to fix what needs fixing).

AdvantagesAdvantages DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Teams have more information that individuals

Teams stimulate creativity

Teams remember what they discuss

Teams are more satisfied with decision making

Members learn more about themselves

Members may conform to majority opinion (Groupthink)

Individuals may dominate group

Individuals may rely too much on others

Takes more time and $$$ (otherwise an individual could just do it!)

Pros/Cons of Working in Groups/Teams

When shouldn’t you collaborate?

When there’s limited time

When an expert has the answer

If an answer is available from research sources

When conflict becomes unmanageable

Primary GroupsPrimary Groups Secondary GroupsSecondary Groups

Exist to fulfill basic human need to socialize:

FamilyFriendsPeersChurch/Temple/

Mosque

Exist to accomplish task or achieve goal:

Problem Solving groupsDecision making

groupsStudy groupsTherapy groupsCommitteesQuality CirclesFocus Groups

2 Types of Groups

What is Virtual Communication?

Communication among people who are not in the same time or place

Facilitated by technology:Telephone ConferencesEmailVideo ConferencesElectronic Meeting Systems