Focus Questions 1. Discuss how the Ronald Allen (Delta’s Chairman) case study illustrates the importance of social relations on group performance and effectiveness. 2. How do the task and social dimensions of groups interconnect? 3. How does a group build cohesiveness?

TASK AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS: WORKING AND SOCIALIZING Define Task and Social Dimension Task Dimension is, the work performed by a group. Social Dimension is, the relationships that form between members in the group and their impact on the group as a whole.

TASK AND SOCIAL DIMENSION CONTINUED The output from a group’s task dimension is, productivity. The output from the social dimension is, cohesiveness. NOTE: Neither task nor the social dimension can be ignored for a Decision-making group to be successful.

THE CASE OF “HORMONES WITH FEET” A Case Study Read in your text on Page 7 Questions for Thought 1. How do you know when the group as a whole has become excessively social? 2. Have you ever experienced a similar case of over- socializing to the detriment of task accomplishment?

BUILDING COHESIVENESS: BRINGING US TOGETHER What are some strategies for groups to build cohesiveness? 1. Encourage compatible membership. 2. Develop shared goals. 3. Accomplish tasks> 4. Develop a positive history of cooperation. 5. Promote acceptance of group members.

WHY WE JOIN GROUPS We join groups to satisfy some need. This need satisfaction divides into six principle categories. 1. Need to belong 2. Interpersonal attraction (we are drawn to members of the group) 3. Attraction to the activities of the group 4. Attraction to group goals 5. Establishment of meaning and identity 6. Attraction to the fulfillment of needs outside of the group

PERIODIC PHASES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT Tuckman describes four phases of group development which are: 1. Forming (individuals join for a reason, appearing open, friendly) 2. Storming (a feeling the tension phase) 3. Norming ( a standards and rules of conduct phase) 4. Performing (focused on goal achievement)

FOCUS QUESTIONS 1. Does why we join a group make any difference to the group? 2. Is tension in a group undesirable? 3. Where do group norms come from? Why do conform to group norms? 4. Under what conditions do groups outperform individuals?

STORMING: FEELING THE TENSION What are the two types of social tension? 1. Primary Tension-this happens when you first gather in a group 2. Secondary Tension-this stress and strain occurs later in the development of the group

PRIMARY TENSION With time, you become comfortable with the group and your primary tension will diminish. Joking, laughing, and chatting about your interests, experiences, and beliefs on non-controversial subjects all serve to reduce primary tension.

SECONDARY TENSION The goal is not to eliminate secondary tension in groups. Most decision-making groups experience secondary tension. With tolerable limits, such tension can be a positive force. It can energize a group and challenge the members to think creatively.

SECONDARY TENSION CONTINUED How can you handle secondary tension from a communication standpoint? 1. Tolerate, even encourage, disagreement. 2. Keep a civil tongue. 3. Be an active listener.

NORMING: REGULATING THE GROUP How do you define norms? Norms are rules that establish standards of appropriate behavior. What are two types of norms? Two types of norms are Explicit and Implicit

DEGREE OF CONFORMITY: STRENGH OF GROUP PRESSURE What is Conformity? Conformity is the adherence to group norms by group members, in this case “following the crowd” by choosing the wrong answer. The degree of conformity is the U.S. is fairly high but it is higher in other cultures. Conformity is not always a negative experience.

CONDITIONS FOR GROUPS TO OUTPERFORM INDIVIDUALS What is social loafing? It is the tendency of a group member to exert less effort on a task when working in a group than when working individually. Social loafing is displayed by: Missing meetings Showing up late Performing and participating in a lackluster manner Failing to start or complete tasks

GROUP VERSUS INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE Conditions Broad-range task Neither have expertise Experts, complex task Individual expert, informed group Reason(s) Pool knowledge, group remembering Synergy Share the load, teamwork Error correction, synergy Group Superior to Individual

GROUP VERSUS INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE CONTINUED Conditions Individual expert, uninformed group Groups establish mediocrity norms Group becomes to large Simple task Time is a critical factor Reason(s) Pooling ignorance, negative energy Insufficient motivation to excel Difficulty coordinating, social loafing Minimal resources required Groups too slow Individual Superior to Group

NEWCOMERS AND GROUP DEVELOPMENT Several characteristics of a group directly affect the acceptance of a newcomer: Level of group development Level of group performance The number of members The degree of turnover

CASE STUDY MEMBER DIVERSITY AND GROUP DEVELOPMENT Read the case study on page 105 in your text. Questions for Thought 1. Why does the Twenty Percent Rule work to diminish discrimination against minorities and women? 2. How important do you think it is to have a diverse group membership? Is there any connection to group synergy? Explain.

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