1. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Topic 23 : HR Management: Groups in Business By Zhu Wenzhong

2. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. State the difference between formal groups and informal groups State the difference between formal groups and informal groups State the functions served by groups for both the organization and individuals State the functions served by groups for both the organization and individuals State the five stages of group development State the five stages of group development State the features of an effective group State the features of an effective group State the factors influencing group decisions State the factors influencing group decisions LEARNING GOALS

3. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Types of groups Groups specially set up by a business to carry out tasks Groups specially set up by a business to carry out tasks An actual part of the organization with arranged meetings and rules determining behavior and actions An actual part of the organization with arranged meetings and rules determining behavior and actions Formal groups

4. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Types of groups Groups made up of individuals in business with similar interests Groups made up of individuals in business with similar interests Not an actual part of the organization with no formal rules determining behavior and actions Not an actual part of the organization with no formal rules determining behavior and actions Formal groups Informal groups

5. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Functions of groups Accomplish jobs that can not done by one individual, especially complex tasks Accomplish jobs that can not done by one individual, especially complex tasks Aid decision making Aid decision making Help control individual behavior Help control individual behavior Facilitate changes Facilitate changes For the organization

6. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Functions of groups Help learn about the company and the individuals themselves Help learn about the company and the individuals themselves Help in gaining new skills Help in gaining new skills Obtain rewards unable to be achieved alone Obtain rewards unable to be achieved alone Satisfy personal needs in social acceptance esteem Satisfy personal needs in social acceptance esteem For the organization For the individual

7. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Group development stages Figure © PhotoDisc FormingStormingNormingPerformingAdjourning

8. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Group development stages Groups members try to set rules for group behaviors Groups members try to set rules for group behaviors Individuals start to find out about each other. Individuals start to find out about each other. Guidance is needed from the leader. Guidance is needed from the leader. Forming

9. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Group development stages Characteristics of the Forming Stage ： Exploration. Exploration. Focus on similarities and differences. Focus on similarities and differences. First impressions are key. First impressions are key. Confusion/anxiety. Confusion/anxiety. Lower productivity. Lower productivity. Issues of inclusion, leadership, developing trust. Issues of inclusion, leadership, developing trust. Open communication is a must. Open communication is a must. Forming

10. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Group development stages A conflict stage where members bargain with each other. A conflict stage where members bargain with each other. Individuals reveal their personal goals and may resist the control of others. Individuals reveal their personal goals and may resist the control of others. Forming Storming

11. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Group development stages Characteristics of the Storming Stage: Characteristics of the Storming Stage: Competition. Competition. Strained relationships. Strained relationships. Leader is challenged. Leader is challenged. Tension and disunity. Tension and disunity. Differences are uncomfortable. Differences are uncomfortable. Issues of autonomy vs. control, support vs. competition, influence, and decision-making. Issues of autonomy vs. control, support vs. competition, influence, and decision-making. Forming Storming

12. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Group members are developing ways of working together. They agree on the shared goals. Rules have been developed. Forming Storming Norming © PhotoDisc Group development stages

13. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Characteristics of the Norming Stage: Increased cohesion. More collaboration. Emerging trust. Appreciation of differences. Issues of strengthening relationships, open communication, positive/constructive feedback. Forming Storming Norming © PhotoDisc Group development stages

14. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. The group has developed unity or cohesion. People are getting the job done to realize goals. Forming Storming Norming Performing © PhotoDisc Group development stages

15. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Characteristics of the Performing Stage: You have to go through the other stages to get here. Harmony. Productivity. Problem-solving. Shared and participative leadership. Full development of potential. Forming Storming Norming Performing © PhotoDisc Group development stages

16. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. The group ends. The group terminates because the task has been achieved or when the members have left due to failure or loss of interest. The feelings of members vary at this stage. While some may be happy about the group's accomplishments others may be depressed that they would be losing their friends after the group is disbanded. Forming Storming Norming Performing © PhotoDisc Group development stages Adjourning

17. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Characteristics of an effective groups High commitment to achieving goals High commitment to achieving goals Clear understanding of the group’s work Clear understanding of the group’s work Open communication and trust Open communication and trust Ideas sharing and generating Ideas sharing and generating Constructive criticism and suggestions Constructive criticism and suggestions © PhotoDisc

18. Copyright © 2002 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved. Factors affecting group decisions The size of groups: ideally 5, over 21 ineffective The size of groups: ideally 5, over 21 ineffective Communication ways: centralization or decentralization Communication ways: centralization or decentralization Leadership styles: automatic, persuasive,consultative or democratic Leadership styles: automatic, persuasive,consultative or democratic Skills used in groups: contribution skills cooperation skills, production skills Skills used in groups: contribution skills cooperation skills, production skills © PhotoDisc