9 chapter understanding groups and managing work teams copyright ©2011 pearson education

9Chapter

Understanding Groups and Managing Work Teams

Copyright ©2011 Pearson Education

9-2

Learning Outcomes

• Define a group and describe the stages of group development

• Describe the major concepts of group behavior

• Discuss how groups are turned into effective teams

• Discuss contemporary issues in managing teams


9-3

What Is a Group?

• Group– Two or more

interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve specific goals


9-5

What Are the Stages of Group Development?• Forming Stage– The first stage of group development in which

people join the group and then define the group’s purpose, structure, and leadership

• Storming Stage– The second stage of group development, which is

characterized by intragroup conflict


9-6

Group Development Stages (cont.)

• Norming Stage– The third stage of group development, which is

characterized by close relationships and cohesiveness

• Performing Stage– The fourth stage of group development, when the

group is fully functional and works on the group task


9-7

Group Development Stages (cont.)

• Adjourning Stage– The final stage of

group development for temporary groups, during which groups prepare to disband


9-8

What Are the Major Concepts of Group Behavior?• Role– Behavior patterns expected of someone who

occupies a given position in a social unit

• Norms– Standards or expectations that are accepted and

shared by a group’s members


9-9

What Is Status and Why Is It Important?• Status– A prestige grading,

position, or rank within a group


9-10

Does Group Size Affect Behavior?

Large Groups – are good for gaining diverse input

Small Groups– Are typically faster at implementation

• Social Loafing– The tendency for individuals to expend less effort

when working collectively than when working individually


9-11

Are Cohesive Groups More Effective?• Group Cohesiveness– The degree to which

group members are attracted to one another and share the group’s goals


9-13

How Are Groups Turned into Effective Teams?• 80 percent of Fortune 500 use teams• Teams typically outperform individuals when the

tasks require multiple skills, judgment, and experience

• Work Teams– Groups whose members work intensely on

specific, common goals using their positive synergy, individual and mutual accountability, and complementary skills


9-15

Types of Work Teams

• Problem-Solving Teams– A team from the same department or functional

area that’s involved in efforts to improve work activities or to solve specific problems

• Self-Managed Work Team– A type of work team that operates without a

manager and is responsible for a complete work process or segment


9-16

Types of Teams (cont.)

• Cross-Functional Team– Teams made up of individuals from various

departments and that cross traditional departmental lines

• Virtual Team– A type of work team that uses technology to link

physically dispersed members in order to achieve a common goal


9-18

WHAT FACTORS MAKE A TEAM EFFECTIVE?• Adequate Resources – the team’s ability is reduced without adequate resources

• Team Leadership and Structure– all members contribute in the work

• Trust– Team members must trust each

• Performance Evaluation and Reward System– Members have to be accountable both individually and

jointly


9-20

Processes Related to Effectiveness

• Five team process variables have been shown to be related to team effectiveness. These include :– a common purpose– specific team goals– team efficacy– managed conflict– minimal social loafing


9-21

Work Design and Team Effectiveness• These Important work design characteristics

enhance team member motivation and increase team effectiveness– Autonomy– Using a variety of skills– Completing a whole and identifiable task or

product


9-23

When Are Teams Not the Answer?

• Teamwork takes more time and often more resources than does individual work

• Teams require managers to communicate more, manage conflicts, and run meetings

• The benefits of using teams need to exceed the costs


9 chapter understanding groups and managing work teams copyright ©2011 pearson education

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