Group Behavior and Teams

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to group behavior and teams.

Group (Gordon, 2001)

A collection of people who see themselves as a unit, reward one another, experience corresponding effects, and share a common goal.

Group Cohesiveness

The degree to which members like and trust each other, feel group pride, and commit to a shared goal; higher cohesiveness boosts performance and satisfaction.

Group Homogeneity

Similarity among members in characteristics such as demographics, attitudes, or abilities; true homogeneity can be hard to gauge.

Stability of Membership

Consistency of group membership over time; low turnover leads to stronger cohesion and better performance.

Isolation (Group Context)

Physical distance from other groups; greater isolation tends to increase within-group cohesiveness.

Outside Pressure

Psychological influence exerted by nonmembers; groups may react by resisting or doing the opposite of the intended influence.

Group Size

Optimal performance and cohesion occur in small groups (≈5 members); larger groups are less productive, coordinated, active, and cohesive.

Assignment (Reason for Joining)

Employees join groups because they are formally placed into them by the organization.

Physical Proximity

People form groups with those who live or work nearby due to ease of interaction.

Affiliation (Reason for Joining)

Joining a group to be near others and engage in social interaction.

Identification (Reason for Joining)

Aligning with a group to share or enhance one’s self-image through the group’s image.

Emotional Support

Seeking comfort and understanding from group membership.

Assistance or Help

Joining a group to obtain practical aid or resources.

Common Interest

Forming or joining groups with others who share similar hobbies or goals.

Team (Devine et al., 1999)

A set of three or more individuals who interact intensively to deliver an organizational product, plan, decision, or service.

Identification (Team Factor)

The extent to which members define themselves by their team rather than by other groups.

Interdependence

Team members’ mutual need for each other’s assistance, expertise, and opinions to accomplish tasks.

Power Differentiation

In teams, members strive to minimize power gaps and treat one another as equals.

Social Distance

The psychological closeness among team members; teams reduce it by being casual and showing empathy.

Conflict Management Tactics

Teams handle disputes through collaboration, unlike non-teams that may threaten or yield.

Negotiation Process (Team)

Teams pursue win-win negotiations so that all members benefit.

Work Team

Self-managed employees who plan, schedule, and solve problems while producing goods or services.

Parallel (Cross-Functional) Team

Representatives from different departments who meet to solve problems or improve processes; success requires clear purpose and trust.

Project Team

A temporary group formed to deliver a one-time output (e.g., new product) and disbanded after completion.

Management Team

Managers who coordinate, advise, and direct employees or other teams rather than produce a specific product.

Forming

Initial team stage marked by uncertainty as members try to fit in and understand objectives.

Storming

Stage of conflict over opinions, roles, and tasks; unpleasant but necessary for growth.

Norming

Stage where conflicts resolve, roles clarify, and norms of communication and behavior emerge.

Performing

Stage in which the team works efficiently toward goals, resolving issues constructively.

Adjourning

Final stage where the team disbands after achieving its purpose, allowing members to move on.