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GE347 – Group Dynamics

GE347 – Group Dynamics. Week 1: INTRODUCTION TO Groups and Teams Mr. O’Leary: DO_Leary@itt-tech.edu http://www.mrolearysclassroom.com. GE 347 Week 1 Objectives. Define “Small Group Communication” Distinguish between groups and teams Discuss characteristics of effective teams

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GE347 – Group Dynamics

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  1. GE347 – Group Dynamics Week 1: INTRODUCTION TO Groups and Teams Mr. O’Leary: DO_Leary@itt-tech.edu http://www.mrolearysclassroom.com

  2. GE 347 Week 1 Objectives • Define “Small Group Communication” • Distinguish between groups and teams • Discuss characteristics of effective teams • Identify advantages and disadvantages of working in groups and teams • Distinguish between primary and secondary groups • Define “Virtual Communication”

  3. Communication : the process of acting on information 3-12 people : the minimum and maximum optimal group sizes Share a common goal: A consistent motive or agenda for participation Identify with the group: Individuals believe themselves to be a member of the group Exert Influence: The essence of “leadership” – influencing the actions of others Q: What is Small Group Communication?A: Communication between 3-12 people who share a common goal, identify with the group, and exert influence on each other.

  4. What’s the difference between Groups and Teams? Groups Teams • Goals are not consistent or clear • Roles and responsibilities not defined • Rules and expectations not clear • Collaboration not guaranteed; 1-2 members may do bulk of work • Goals are clear and consistent • Roles and responsibilities clearly defined • Rules and expectations are clear • Members collaborate and divide labor to achieve goal

  5. Characteristics of Effective Teams • A clear and elevating goal (something worth working for) • A results-driven structure (contributing to the bottom line) • Competent team members (members are skilled and qualified to perform tasks assigned to them) • Unified Commitment (All for one, one for all) • Collaborative climate (not a competitive one) • Standards of excellence (defines what is acceptable and unacceptable in terms of quality) • External support and recognition (Bosses, managers, coaches, etc) • Principled Leadership (all teams need leaders)

  6. Characteristics of Effective Team Members • Experience (nothing can substitute for this, especially in technical fields) • Problem-Solving Ability (it’s a common reason groups/teams are put together in the first place) • Openness (to ideas, to others, to things “new” and “different”) • Supportiveness (willingness to help others, listen to others, be optimistic about others) • Action oriented (It’s not what you know, it’s what you can DO) • Positive Personal Style (Motivated, friendly, patient, enthusiastic)

  7. What are ways to enhance team effectiveness? • Clarify rules and expectations (teams without them may succeed, but it will always take longer and cause more conflict). • Learn team members strengths and weaknesses (so that tasks and roles can be properly assigned to team members). • Identify barriers (there will always be obstacles, but you can plan ahead for them). • Develop a plan and put it into action (All teams need “playbooks” or everyone does what they want to, not what they need to). • Evaluate team procedures (to fix what needs fixing).

  8. Pros/Cons of Working in Groups/Teams Advantages Disadvantages • Teams have more information that individuals • Teams stimulate creativity • Teams remember what they discuss • Teams are more satisfied with decision making • Members learn more about themselves • Members may conform to majority opinion (Groupthink) • Individuals may dominate group • Individuals may rely too much on others • Takes more time and $$$ (otherwise an individual could just do it!)

  9. When shouldn’t you collaborate? • When there’s limited time • When an expert has the answer • If an answer is available from research sources • When conflict becomes unmanageable

  10. 2 Types of Groups Primary Groups Secondary Groups • Exist to fulfill basic human need to socialize: • Family • Friends • Peers • Church/Temple/ Mosque • Exist to accomplish task or achieve goal: • Problem Solving groups • Decision making groups • Study groups • Therapy groups • Committees • Quality Circles • Focus Groups

  11. What is Virtual Communication? • Communication among people who are not in the same time or place • Facilitated by technology: • Telephone Conferences • Email • Video Conferences • Electronic Meeting Systems

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