Group Knowledge and Basics
What is a Group?
Two or more people who interact and work toward shared goals.
What is a role in group behavior?
A set of expected behaviors linked to a position.
What is status?
A socially defined rank or position within a group.
Why are teams so popular in organizations?
They’re flexible, collaborative, and can achieve goals individuals can’t.
What does “team cohesion” mean?
Emotional bonds and motivation to stay in the team.
What’s the difference between formal and informal groups?
Formal groups are created by the organization; informal groups form naturally.
What’s the difference between role perception and role expectation?
Role perception = how you see your role; role expectation = how others see it.
True or False: Diversity always improves group performance right away.
False — it may increase conflict at first.
What’s one main difference between a group and a team?
Teams have shared goals and accountability.
What’s the purpose of team reflexivity?
To review and adjust plans for improvement.
What theory explains why people feel pride or shame based on their group’s success or failure?
Social Identity Theory.
What’s an example of role conflict?
Being both a friend and a manager to the same person.
What is social loafing?
When people put in less effort in a group than when working alone.
Name one type of team.
Problem-solving, self-managed, cross-functional, or virtual.
What does team efficacy refer to?
The shared belief that the team can succeed.
Name four weakness of group decision-making.
Time-consuming, conformity pressure, or dominance of a few.
What are norms in a group?
Shared standards that guide behavior.
What happens when group members feel status inequity?
It causes resentment and corrective behavior.
What builds trust in a team?
Open communication, fairness, and reliability.
Name one factor that makes teams effective.
Explain...
Adequate resources, trust, strong leadership, fair rewards, etc.
What’s the main difference between brainstorming and the nominal group technique?
Brainstorming is open and verbal; nominal group technique is individual, structured, and ranked.
True or False: Norms only influence behavior, not emotions.
False — they influence both emotions and behavior.
Explain the Social Identity Theory
Social Identity Theory explains that people define themselves based on the groups they belong to. Developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, it states that our self-concept comes from both personal identity and social identity. Individuals categorize themselves into groups (e.g., students, teams, nationalities), adopt the group’s norms and values, and compare their group (ingroup) to others (outgroups). This can lead to ingroup favoritism and a stronger sense of belonging. In organizations, the theory helps explain teamwork, loyalty, and sometimes conflict between groups.
Why might an organization choose not to use a team?
The task can be done better by one person or doesn’t require interdependence.
What’s one way organizations can create strong team players?
Hire, train, and reward people who work well in teams.