Organizational Behavior Lecture March 11th 2025

Overview of Groups and Teams

• The chapter focuses on dynamics within groups and teams, emphasizing their importance in collaborative work settings.

Module Introduction

• This is the first chapter of module two, marking the continuation of the course.

Individual vs. Team Work

• Discuss preferences for working alone versus in teams:

  • Working alone grants control over projects and deadlines.

  • Individual comparisons allow for personal oversight of project quality.

• Concerns about team reliance:

  • Fear of being associated with poor performance when team members do not contribute equally.

Conflict and Team Dynamics

• Acknowledgment of potential conflicts within teams; a rhetorical question about experiencing friction among team members led to an informal discussion.

• Importance of recognizing effective team leadership:

  • Effective leaders identify and address problems ahead of time.

Culture vs. Climate

• Distinguishing between team culture (values and norms) and climate (current feelings and atmosphere):

  • Team culture is about shared values and expected behaviors.

  • Team climate refers to the emotional environment of the group.

Leadership Styles in Teams

• Shifting dynamics between shared leadership and designated leadership:

  • Shared leadership allows for individuals to take charge based on strengths at various times.

  • Emergent leadership is when individuals naturally arise to lead based on their skills or qualities.

Group vs. Team

• Understanding the distinction between a group and a team:

  • Group: A collection of two or more individuals who share norms, goals, and a common identity.

  • Team: A specialized group with complementary skills, specific performance goals, and mutual accountability.

Characteristics of a Group

• Groups can be either formal (e.g., faculty senate) or informal (e.g., clubs).

• Expected behavior and roles serve as the operational framework for groups.

Groups' Functions and Roles

• Task Roles: Facilitate the group's ability to remain on task.

• Maintenance Roles: Address the interpersonal dynamics and well-being of group members.

• Norms develop as shared expectations which guide member behavior, providing structure and order within groups.

The Group Development Process

• Tuckman’s Model: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing (basic life cycle of team development).

  • Forming: Individuals establish their roles and tasks.

  • Storming: Conflicts arise as personalities and opinions clash.

  • Norming: Groups start to resolve conflicts and establish norms.

  • Performing: Groups work effectively toward their goals.

Trust in Teams

• Trust is paramount; it enables vulnerability and supportive communication.

• Types of trust include:

  • Trust of Character: Belief in another's ethics and values.

  • Trust of Disclosure: Assurance that shared thoughts will remain confidential.

  • Trust of Capability: Confidence in each member's ability to perform tasks.

Rebuilding Trust

• A model for rebuilding trust includes acknowledgment of wrongs, discussion of emotions, and a commitment to support each other during the rebuilding process.

Teams in Practice

• Different types of teams mentioned include work teams, project teams, self-managed teams, cross-functional teams, and virtual teams.

• Each type has unique characteristics and functions, with an emphasis on collaborative existence.

Tenets of High-Performing Teams

• High-performing teams share:

  • Clear communication and roles.

  • Open conflict resolution methods.

  • Commitment to shared goals and accountability.

Models of Team Performance

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (by Patrick Lencioni):

  1. Absence of Trust

  2. Fear of Conflict

  3. Lack of Commitment

  4. Avoidance of Accountability

  5. Inattention to Results

• Understanding these dysfunctions helps teams improve their effectiveness.

Conclusion

• Recap of key concepts about groups and teams, including dynamics, roles, and the importance of trust and communication for team success.