GE347 – Group Dynamics
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Transcript GE347 – Group Dynamics
GE347 – Group Dynamics
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO GROUPS
AND TEAMS
MR. O’LEARY: [email protected]
HTTP://WWW.MROLEARYSCLASSROOM.COM
GE 347 Week 1 Objectives
Define “Small Group Communication”
Distinguish between groups and teams
Discuss characteristics of effective teams
Identify advantages and disadvantages of working in
groups and teams
Distinguish between primary and secondary groups
Define “Virtual Communication”
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
•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.
What’s the difference between Groups and Teams?
Groups
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
Teams
Goals are clear and
consistent
Roles and
responsibilities clearly
defined
Rules and expectations
are clear
Members collaborate and
divide labor to achieve
goal
Characteristics of Effective Teams
A clear and elevating goal
Collaborative climate (not a
(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)
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
Identify barriers (there will
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).
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).
Pros/Cons of Working in Groups/Teams
Advantages
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
Disadvantages
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!)
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
2 Types of Groups
Secondary Groups
Primary Groups
Exist to fulfill basic
human need to
socialize:
Family
Friends
Peers
Church/Temple/
Mosque
Exist to accomplish task
or achieve goal:
Problem Solving groups
Decision making groups
Study groups
Therapy groups
Committees
Quality Circles
Focus Groups
What is Virtual Communication?
Communication among people who are not in the
same time or place
Facilitated by technology:
Telephone Conferences
Email
Video Conferences
Electronic Meeting Systems