UCR PSYCH 142 - Chapter 12: Group Processes

Group

Two or more people interacting to achieve shared goals.

Team

Interdependent group with complementary skills working toward a common goal.

Effective Group Characteristics

Shared goals, clear communication, conflict resolution, cooperation, mutual support.

Functional Team

Works together daily on ongoing interdependent tasks.

Problem-Solving Team

Focuses on specific issues and creates actionable solutions.

Cross-Functional Team

Brings together people from different departments to solve mutual problems.

Self-Managed Team

Team that manages itself to produce a full product or service.

Tuckman's Stages of Team Development

Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning.

Forming

Members get oriented and establish relationships.

Storming

Conflict arises as roles are negotiated.

Norming

Group norms and cohesion develop.

Performing

Team works effectively toward goals.

Adjourning

Team disbands after task completion.

Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Styles

Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, Accommodating.

Competing (Dominating)

Asserting one's goals at others' expense (win-lose).

Collaborating

Seeking a mutually beneficial (win-win) solution.

Compromising

Each side gives up something (lose-lose).

Avoiding

Ignoring or evading conflict.

Accommodating

Yielding or giving in to maintain harmony.

Team Effectiveness Factors

Context, goals, size, member roles, norms, cohesiveness, leadership.

Cohesiveness

The degree to which team members are attracted to and motivated to remain part of the group.

Team Size

Smaller teams (2-7) communicate better; larger teams (13-16) take longer to decide and need more structure.

Groupthink

When desire for harmony overrides realistic decision-making.

Groupthink Symptoms

Illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, pressure on dissenters, self-censorship, illusion of unanimity, mind guards.

Causes of Groupthink

High cohesiveness, insulation from outsiders, directive leadership, stress, lack of procedures.

Preventing Groupthink

Encourage open debate, invite external opinions, assign a devil's advocate, and use structured decision-making methods.

Effective Team Decisions

Teams outperform individuals when diversity, acceptance, participation, and interdependence are high.