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A group is defined as two or more people who are working together to achieve a specific goal. There are two types of groups formal and informal. A formal group is a work group that is assembled by the organization’s structure. An informal group is a group that is not formally organized or related to work. Ingroups and outgroups form within formal and informal groups. Ingroups are the individuals that belong to our specific groups. Outgroups are the people who are not part of our groups. The main issue that arises is ingroup favoritism. This is the theory that some individuals may perceive that other members in the groups that they belong to are superior to nonmembers.

The punctuated – equilibrium model is a series of phases that temporarily formed groups experience that cycle them through periods of productivity and stalled progress. A role is how an individual is expected to act and preform because of a place in a group. Role requirements can evolve over time. Reference groups are the groups that an individual aspires to belong to or does belong to.

A person’s status is a group that they belong to due to rank or position. The status characteristics theory states that differences in status creates status hierarchies. Status is determined by the power an individual has over others, amount on contribution to the group’s goals, and personal characteristics. Status can cause individuals to become more assertive. Often times this stifles creativity, communication, and group think.

In a group, cohesiveness is key due to it’s impact on productivity. Diversity of a group is important because differences in members of the group allow for increased creativity. Diversity is challenging to groups because it decreases group satisfaction and cohesiveness which in turn decreases productivity.

Chapter 10 – Understanding Work Teams

It is no secret that teamwork strategies are becoming more common in the workplace. Teams are effective and more productive than an individual. A work group is a set of individuals that interchange information in order to aid one another with individual job duties. A work team is a group of individuals whom work together to achieve a desired outcome. The five main types of team arrangements are problem solving teams, self managed work teams, cross functional teams, virtual teams, and multiteam systems.

A problem solving team is five to ten employees who meet for a few hours a week to discuss ideas to improve the workplace. Self managed work teams are groups of 10 to 15 people whom preform duties that were formerly assignment to their supervisor. Cross functional teams are employees from the same hierarchical level from different departments who work together to achieve a goal. Virtual teams use computers to communicate and achieve a shared objective. Multiteam systems is a team of teams.

The three main categories of team effectiveness are contextual influences, composition, and process. Contextual influences are made up of resources, leadership, trust, and performance evaluation / reward system. Composition has to do with member’s abilities, member’s personality, diversity, size, and role placement. Process involves team cohesion, team identity, efficacy, goals and social loafing.

Organizations can create team players by training. In our team focused workforce it is important that individuals understand the importance of diversity, cohesion, communication, and cooperation. It is important for organizations who embrace the teamwork approach to ensure that they are hiring, training, and rewarding their valued employees.