Building Winning Teams

These flashcards cover key concepts related to building effective teams and group dynamics, based on the lecture notes.

What is a group according to Forsyth?

A group is defined as two or more individuals who are connected to one another by social relationships.

What are the characteristics of primary groups?

Primary groups are small, long-term groups characterized by face-to-face interaction, high levels of cohesiveness, and member-to-group interdependence.

How does Cooley classify groups?

Cooley distinguishes between primary groups and secondary groups, with primary groups being intimate and long-lasting.

What is entitativity?

Entitativity is the extent to which a collection of individuals is perceived as a group rather than merely as a collection of independent individuals.

Why are groups formed according to individual needs?

Groups satisfy social needs, help develop a positive self-image, and enable individuals to assist each other.

What role does common fate play in group perception?

Common fate refers to whether individuals experience the same or interrelated outcomes, influencing their perception of being a group.

What defines a work team according to Katzenbach & Smith?

A team is a small number of people with complementary skills committed to a common purpose and mutually accountable for performance.

What are barriers to effective teamwork as identified by Butterworth?

The barriers are personal insecurity, unhealthy competition, non-communication, and being afraid to change.

What is groupthink?

Groupthink is a phenomenon where group consensus prevents the consideration of alternatives and constructive criticism.

What are some tools for building effective teams?

Tools include respect for differences, rewarding collective success, recognizing the importance of every role, and inspiring members.

What does Tuckman's theory of team development include?

Tuckman's theory includes five stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.

What happens during the Storming stage of Tuckman’s model?

During the Storming stage, conflicts emerge as team members disagree over objectives, priorities, and the leader's guidance.

What is group cohesiveness?

Group cohesiveness is the forces that act on members to remain in the group, promoting attraction, motivation, and resistance to leaving.

What are the characteristics of effective teams?

Effective teams have shared aims, commitment, mutual trust, full participation, and effective communication.

What is the significance of norms in teams?

Norms are shared standards of behavior that maintain conformity and reduce conflict among team members.

How do norms develop within teams?

Norms develop from experience, direction from leaders, or inherited behaviors from previous group experiences.

What role does communication play in team effectiveness?

Open, honest communication is vital for resolving issues and ensuring effective collaboration among team members.

What is social loafing?

Social loafing refers to the reduction of individual effort as group size increases, leading to less accountability for individual contributions.

How does team cohesion impact job satisfaction?

Increased cohesion leads to higher job satisfaction due to mutual support, trust, and acknowledgment of contributions.

What is the adaptive change process for team leaders?

Leaders should start with small, attainable goals, introduce gradual change, and encourage proactive rather than reactive adjustments.