The role of group work

Warning! Possible excessive use of Role Plays

Learning Goals 7-107. I will be able to explain the roles a manager can take in

group work

8. I will be able to explain the nature and types of groups within an organization (e.g., formal/ informal)

9. I will be able to analyse the stages of group development (e.g. forming)

10. I will be able to analyze the factors that contribute to the success or failure of a team

Definitions Team

A small group of people with complementary skills, who work together to achieve a shared purpose and hold themselves mutually accountable for performance results.

Teamwork The process of people actively working together to

accomplish common goals

Why do you think teams and teamwork is useful?

Team and teamwork roles for managers: Supervisor — serving as the appointed head of a formal

work unit. Network facilitator — serving as a peer leader an

network hub for a special task force. Participant — serving as a helpful contributing member

of a project team. External coach — serving as the external convener or

sponsor of a problem-solving team staffed by others.

Role Play – Woot!You will be given a role. Your group needs to

create a role play that demonstrates your assigned role.

The RolesNetwork FacilitatorExternal CoachSupervisorHelpful Participant

Learning Goal Review7. I will be able to explain the roles a manager

can take in group work

NEXT GOAL - 8. I will be able to explain the nature and types of groups within an organization (e.g., formal/ informal)

Types of Groups Formal groups

Teams that are officially recognized and supported by the organization for specific purposes.

Specifically created to perform essential tasks.Managers and leaders serve “linking pin” roles.Can be demonstrated on an Organizations Chart.

Organizations Chart – a chart that shows the specific formal structure of an organization.

Informal groups —Not recognized on organization charts.Not officially created for an organizational

purpose.Emerge as part of the informal structure and

from natural or spontaneous relationships among people.

Include interest, friendship, and support groups.

Can have positive performance impact.Can help satisfy social needs.

Committees, project teams, and task forces

Committees.People outside their daily job assignments work

together in a small team for a specific purpose.Task agenda is narrow, focused, and ongoing.

Projects teams or task forces.People from various parts of an organization work

together on common problems, but on a temporary basis.

Official tasks are very specific and time defined.Disbands after task is completed.

Virtual teams —Teams of people who work together and solve problems

through largely computer-mediated rather than face-to-face interactions.

Advantages of Virtual TeamsSavings in time and travel expenses.Minimization or elimination of interpersonal difficulties.Ease of expansion

Disadvantages of Virtual TeamsDifficulty in establishing good working relationships.Depersonalization of working relationships.

GUESS WHAT’S NEXT?!?!?

ROLE PLAYYou will be give a type of team. You need to create

a role play that demonstrates that particular type of team.

Teams InformalFormalTask forceCommitteeVirtual team

Learning Goal8. I will be able to explain the nature and types of

groups within an organization (e.g., formal/ informal)

NEXT ONE:

9. I will be able to analyse the stages of group development (e.g. forming)

If you were to describe the stages of group work what

would you say?

Stages of team development and group work:Forming — initial orientation and interpersonal

testing.

Storming — conflict over tasks and ways of working as a team.

Norming — consolidation around task and operating agendas.

Performing — teamwork and focused task performance.

Adjourning — task accomplishment and eventual disengagement.

Working through the stages

Step 1 – get into groups of 3 or 4Step 2 – Your task is to create a new product. ANY

product.You need to figure out the product, marketing and cost

of the product. As you are creating your new product, each person

needs to record your progress through the 5 stages.Your final product will be;

a group small poster (5 marks communication). (on turnitin) In point form, an individually written

account of your progress through the 5 steps (15 marks application/3 marks each step).

What are some characteristics of high

performing teams?

Characteristics of high-performing teams:A clear and elevating goal.A task-driven, results-oriented structure.Competent and committed members who work

hard.A collaborative climate.High standards of excellence.External support and recognition.Strong and principled leadership.Strong Cohesion

Factors that contribute the the success and failure of a team.

Shared Norms – shared ideas on appropriate behaviour in a group.

Cohesiveness – the degree to which members are attracted to and are motivated to remain part of a team.

Social Loafing – essentially being lazy and not contributing to the team

Communication Network – effective communication between all members of the team.

Learning Goal Review7. I will be able to explain the roles a manager can take in

group work

8. I will be able to explain the nature and types of groups within an organization (e.g., formal/ informal)

9. I will be able to explain the stages of group development (e.g. forming)

10. I will be able to explain the factors that contribute to the success or failure of a team