Question

Defining and classifying groups -Why do people join groups?
Describe Obstacle to group productivity. Take your company/
organization and assess the way it deals with working groups in the
organization.

Answer 1

Defining and classifying groups -Why do people join groups?

A group is a coming together of two or more individuals with a common objective/goal and who work, interact and coordinate together in achieving it.

There are many categories of groups, namely: Formal and Informal groups, Managed group, Problem-solving group, Learning group, Command group, Interest group, Task group, Friendship group etc.

People join groups for many reasons. The most common reason is for building interpersonal connections and relationships. People have a basic need to feel secure and to be seen. They also join groups in order to gain self-esteem, to form social identity, to accomplish tasks, to feel motivated, to gain power, to huddle, to develop affiliation etc.

Describe Obstacle to group productivity.

The below are the main obstacles to group productivity-

Lack of trust – People in groups do not necessarily know others on an intimate level to be aware of each one’s personality or their individual agendas, this creates feelings of distrust and insecurity. Also building trust among members in a group takes time, commitment and effort which may take longer time to achieve.

Unclear goals – Sometimes there is vagueness and unclear goals which can hamper group productivity. Lacking of specific goals or measurable outcomes can discourage the group members from giving their optimal.

Lack of importance or Role uncertainty – If members within the group are not assigned challenging/important tasks and roles, they may begin to disengage from the group, effecting the overall productivity.

Differences of talent – Not everyone in the group will be equally talented or skilled. Some individuals may perform better than others hence creating imbalance in productivity.

Withholding information and miscommunication – This is widely common and apparent in groups where the members are in competition with each other, this can drastically bring down the group productivity to a very large extent.

Lack of effective leadership – every group will function more effectively with the help of a good leader., and in the absence of a leader the group might get dysfunctional affecting productivity.

Take your company/ organization and assess the way it deals with working groups in the
organization.

Increased Management/Leadership involvement – The organization takes great care in choosing the right type of leadership for the specific groups. The management makes itself friendly and approachable so all members in the group can raise any issues or concerns more easily and freely. The leader of the group keeps motivating and directing the group towards success and greater productivity.

Building Trust and Cohesiveness – The organization plans may interactive activities for the groups in order to give them the time and space in building of trust and to encourage group cohesiveness.

Defines clear goals and rules – The goals, norms and rules are well defined for the group by the company, adherence is made compulsory and deviance meted out with consequences in order to deter bad or inappropriate behaviours.

Open communication – The company keeps all communication channels open and clear so every group member feels safe, secure and less paranoid on the group’s happenings.

Effective coordination – The company ensures every member along with the leader/management coordinates properly and effectively, any small lag is immediately corrected hence ensuring better group work.