Chapter 7: Group Work

Question 1

Group

Answer 1

Two or more people interacting interdependently to achieve a common goal
* influence beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors
* provide a context for exerting influence on others

Question 2

Questions to determine whether a team fits the situation:

Answer 2

Can the work be done better by more than one person (Creativity, Difficulty, Variety of Skills)?

Does work create a common purpose or set of goals for the people in the group that is more than the aggregate of individual goals?
* Are members of the group interdependent?

Question 3

Types of Groups

Answer 3

1. Formal Work Groups (established by organizations)
2. Informal Groups (naturally emerge based on common interests)

Question 4

Typical Stages of Group Development

Answer 4

1. Forming: Group members test the waters and orient themselves to their purpose and each other
2. Storming: Confrontations emerge as members determine roles and responsibilities
3. Norming: Issues are resolved, and members develop consensus and cohesion
4. Performing: The group achieves its purpose with a focus on tasks, creativity, and mutual support
5. Adjourning: Groups with a finite lifespan disband after achieving goals.

Question 5

3 phases of punctuated equilibrium

Answer 5

Phase 1
Midpoint Transition
Phase 2

Question 6

Social Loafing

Answer 6

the tendency for individuals to reduce effort in a group task compared to working alone. It stems from motivation problems, not coordination

Question 7

To improve the effectiveness of brainstorming…

Answer 7

• Identifiable contribution
• No judgments during brainstorming session
• Equal status
• Using individual sessions to generate initial ideas

Question 8

Sucker Effect

Answer 8

People lower their effort because they believe others are free riding, aiming to restore equity.

Question 9

Counteracting Social Loafing

Answer 9

1. Make Individual Performance Visible:
2. Ensure Work is Interesting
3. Increase Feelings of Indispensability
4. Provide Performance Feedback
5. Reward Group Performance
6. Change norms