Key Concepts in Group Dynamics and Leadership

Group Size

Number of individuals forming a group.

7 features of a group

interdependence, Goals, Influence, Size, Membership, Structure, Systems

Open Systems

Groups interact with their environment dynamically.

Equifinality

Same resources yield different outcomes in groups.

Self fufillment needs

self-actualization

pyschological needs

the urge to belong and to give and receive love, and the urge to acquire esteem

basic needs

Safety needs and physiological needs

Group Development Stages

1. Forming

2. Storming

3. Norming

4. Performing

5. Adjourning

Role Diversity

Balance between task and socioemotional functions.

Role Differentiation

Process of assigning specific roles in a group.

Role Ambiguity

Uncertainty in expectations for a role.

Role Conflict

Competing expectations within a role.

Role Status

Power and perception associated with a role.

4 Stage Model

Framework for understanding group development stages.

Reflection/debriefing

what worked, what didn't, what should/would you change, what went well/didn't

Debrief Techniques

Methods for reflecting on group performance.

SMART Goals

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound objectives.

Normative Ethics

Study of ethical action and moral principles.

Consequentialism

Ethical theory focusing on outcomes of actions.

Deontology

Ethical theory based on rules and duties.

Virtue Ethics

Focus on character and virtues in ethical behavior.

Group Decision Making Advantages

greater pool of knowledge, different perspectives, greater comprehension, increased acceptance, training ground

Group decision making disadvantages

social pressure, few people dominate, goal displacement, groupthink

Selective Information Sharing

Distributing information strategically within a group.

Social Loafing

Reduced effort by individuals in a group setting.

Production Blocking

Loss of contribution due to rapid topic changes.

Groupthink

Desire for consensus overrides critical thinking.

social facilitation

stronger responses on simple or well-learned tasks in the presence of others

group polarization

tendency of group members to move to an extreme position after discussing an issue as a group

7 methods of decision making

- decision by authority without discussion

- expert member

- average members' opinion

- decision by authority after discussion

- minority control

- majority control

- consensus: "no one is violated by decision"

coercive power

A power base that is dependent on fear of the negative results from failing to comply

reward power

Power to provide things people need to achievedesired results

legit power

Power that is derived from a formal position held within the hierarchy

referent power

power that comes from subordinates' and coworkers' respect, admiration, and loyalty

expert power

influence based on special skills or knowledge

procedural conflict

conflict that arises over how work should be completed

substantive conflict

involves fundamental disagreement over ends or goals to be pursued and the means for their accomplishment

interpersonal conflict

emotional conflict that occurs between two or more individuals

how people deal with conflict

Competing, Avoiding, Accommodating, Compromising, Collaborating

comfort = greater focus

People feel stressed when uncomfortable in their situation

Leadership Facets

Leadership requires competence, relationships, and goal orientation.

Trait Theory

Leadership based on inherent personal characteristics.

Style Theory

Leadership styles: Authoritarian, Democratic, Laissez-faire.

Contingency Theory

Effectiveness depends on leader and situational context.

Situational Leadership

Leadership style adapts to group and situation.

Conflict Management Styles

Approaches to resolving interpersonal conflicts.

Problem-Solving (Collaboration)

Win-win approach to conflict resolution.

Self-categorization theory

develops social identity theory's point that people categorize themselves, along with each other into groups, favoring their own group.

emergent norm theory

Act how others act

convergence theory

theory of collective action stating that collective action happens when people with similar ideas and tendencies gather in the same place

De-individuation

when immersion in a group causes people to become less aware of their individual values