Chapter 8: Teams & Groups
Team
A group of individuals working together for a common goal.
Groups
Formal Groups: Created by the organization (work teams, committees).
Informal Groups: Naturally formed (friend groups at work).
Task vs. Maintenance Roles
Task Roles: Focused on getting work done (initiator, coordinator).
Maintenance Roles: Focused on relationships (encourager, mediator).
Norms
Shared expectations in a group. Important for stability and efficiency.
5-Stage Model of Group Development
Forming: Group members get acquainted.
Storming: Conflicts arise.
Norming: Cohesion develops.
Performing: Effective teamwork.
Adjourning: Team disbands.
Social Loafing (Free Riders)
Prevention: Define individual responsibilities, set goals, peer evaluations.
Types of Teams
Cross-Functional: Members from different departments.
Self-Managed: No formal leader.
Virtual: Geographically dispersed teams (issues: communication, trust).
Trust
Definition: Confidence in others' reliability.
Repairing Trust: Apologize, show consistency.
Synergy
The whole team achieves more than the sum of its parts.
Process Loss
Inefficiencies in team performance.
Cohesion
Team unity and commitment.
Conflict in Teams
Can be functional (constructive) or dysfunctional (harmful).
Characteristics of High-Performing Teams
Clear goals, trust, accountability, and strong leadership.
Team Charter
Document outlining team values, norms, and goals.