IOPS 311

Study Division B: Study Unit 4

Group Dynamics (Groups and Teams)

Dr. J Bosman
Study Unit 4
Subsection 1
Group Dynamics
Defining and classifying groups (p. 332)

Two ore more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who come

together to achieve particular objectives
Why do people form groups (pp. 333 - 334)?

Social identity theory – a perspective that

considers when and why individuals consider
themselves members of groups

In-group favouritism – a perspective in which

we see members of our in-group as better than
other people, and people not in our group as
all the same

Social identity functions:

- Similarity
- Distinctiveness
- Status
- Uncertainty Reduction
Stages of group development (pp. 334 - 335)
An alternative model for temporary groups
Punctuated Equilibrium Model (p. 335)
Group properties (pp. 336 – 346)
Group property 1: Roles
Roles
Role perception
Role expectations
Psychological contract
Role conflict
Zimbardo’s prison experiment.
Group properties (pp. 336 – 346)
Group property 2: Norms
Norms
Hawthorne studies
Conformity
Asch’s line study
Reference group
Deviant workplace behaviour.
Group properties (pp. 336 – 346)
Group property 3: Status
Status
Status characteristics theory
Norms
Group interaction
Inequity.
Group properties (pp. 336 – 346)
Group property 4: Size
Group effectiveness
Social loafing.
Group properties (pp. 336 – 346)
Group property 5: Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness
Improving cohesiveness.
Group properties (pp. 336 – 346)
Group property 6: Diversity
Diversity
Group effectiveness.
Group decision making (p. 349 – 352)
Strengths of group decision making
Weaknesses of group decision making
(Effectiveness and efficiency)

Groupshift /
Groupthink VS Group
polarisation
Group decision-making techniques (p. 352)
• Interacting groups
• Brainstorming
• Nominal group techniques
• Electronic meeting
Study Unit 4
Subsection 2
Work Teams
Work Group VS Work Team (p. 369)
(pp. 370 – 373)
(pp. 374 – 383)
Turning individuals into team players (pp. 383 – 385)

Developing team identity: Breaking down silos

Selecting: Hiring team players
Training: Creating team players
Rewarding: Providing incentives to be a good team player
Coaching: Appointing a team coach to develop the team
Different approaches to team roles
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) (p. 386)
Different approaches to team roles
Belbin Team Roles (p. 386)
Different approaches to team roles
Margerison-McCann Team Management Systems (pp. 386 -
388)
Steps in a team building process (pp. 388 – 394)

1. Defining the end-result (the what)

2. Defining the mission (the how)
3. Defining the vision (the dream)
4. Defining the identity
5. Doing a force field analysis
6. Designing and optimising processes
7. Building trust (Trust = Knowledge x Competence x Intent)
• https://youtu.be/AKe5uNn4fL8