Group Behavior

A compilation of notes as
transcribed by
DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO
Objectives

At the end of the unit, the students are able to:

1. Define group and distinguish the different
types of groups.
2. Identify the five stages of group development.
3. Show how role requirements change in
different situations.
4. Demonstrate how norms and status exert
influence on an individual’s behavior.
5. Show how group size affects group
performance.
Objectives

At the end of the unit, the students are able to:

6. Contrast the benefits and disadvantages of
cohesive groups.
7. Understand the implications of diversity for
group effectiveness.
8. Contrast the strengths and weaknesses of
group decision making.
9. Compare the effectiveness of interacting,
brainstorming, nominal, and electronic
meeting groups.
What is a Group?

Group
Two or more individuals, interacting and
interdependent, who have come together to
achieve particular objectives.

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Types of Group

• Formal
• Informal

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Why do people from group?

Reasons:
• Social needs
• Proximity and attraction
• Group goals
• Economic benefits

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Why do people from group?

Characteristics of social identity:

• Similarity
• Distinctiveness
• Status
• Uncertainty reduction

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Stages of Group Development

• Forming
• Storming
• Norming
• Performing
• Adjourning

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties

• Roles
• Norms
• Status
• Size
• Cohesiveness
• Diversity

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties: Roles

Role requirements on individuals

• Role perception
• Role expectation
• Role conflict

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties: Roles
Know your roles:
• Knowledge contributor
• Process observer
• People supporter
• Challenger
• Listener
• Mediator
• Gate keeper
• Take charge leader
A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO
 Group Properties: Norms

Types:
• Performance norm
• Appearance norms
• Social arrangement norms
• Resource allocation norms

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties: Status

Sources:
• Power
• Ability
• Characteristics

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties: Size
Social loafing
Ways to prevent:
1. Set group goals.
2. Increase intergroup competition.
3. Engage in peer evaluation.
4. Select members.
5. Base group rewards in part on each
member’s unique contributions.

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties: Cohesiveness
Ways to encourage group cohesiveness:
(1) Make the group smaller.
(2) Encourage agreement with group goals.
(3) Increase the time members spend together.
(4) Increase the group’s status and the
perceived difficulty of attaining membership.
(5) Stimulate competition with other groups.
(6) Give rewards to the group.
(7) Physically isolate the group.

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Properties: Diversity

Types:
• Surface-level
• Deep-level

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Decision Making

Advantages:
1. More complete information and knowledge.
2. Increased diversity of views
3. Acceptance of a solution.

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Decision Making

Disadvantages:
1. Time consuming
2. Conformity pressures
3. Dominated by one or a few members
4. Ambiguous responsibility

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Decision Making

Two by-products:
1. Group think
2. Group shift

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Group Decision Making Techniques

• Brainstorming
• Nominal group
• Electronic meeting

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

 Understanding Work Teams

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Types of Teams
• Problem solving
• Self-managed work
• Cross-functional
• Virtual team

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO
 Factors that Influence Effective
Teams
• Adequate resources
• Effective leadership
• A climate of trust
• Performance evaluation and reward system

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Team Composition Variables
• Abilities of Members
• Personality of Members
• Allocation of Roles
• Diversity of Members
• Size of Teams
• Member Preferences

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Key Roles of
Teams

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

Reference:
Robbins, Stephen & Judge, Timothy (2018)
Organizational Behavior. 18ed , Pearson Prentice
Hall, New Jersey

A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO

END
A compilation of notes as transcribed by DR. BENJAMIN O. ALO