Question

Our text tells us that the behavior of group members is shaped by the workgroups, which " help explain individual behaviors as well as the performance of the group." ( Robbins & Judge, p.139) There are several defining group properties including roles, norms, status, size, cohesiveness, and diversity. Pick three and give a brief explanation of how each might affects the workgroup positively and/or negatively.

Answer 1

Answer: (1) Group norms: The group norms are the informal rules that guide the behaviors inside the groups and hence create an order inside the groups. They help the group members to understand that what is expected from them and align their behaviors with the aim of the group. But at times they may interfere with personal values of people and cause resentment in the group.

(2) Group Roles: These are the functions that are performed by the individual group members inside a group. Thus they help in defining the responsibilities and tasks that any group member will perform. This provides role clarity in the group and facilitates the working of the group and the team dynamics. This helps in improving the performance of the group. But at times people are not satisfied with their roles it creates in fighting.

(3) Group diversity: This is the degree of difference in the group members based on the factors like their race, color, nationality, and gender and so on. Diversity brings difference in perspective and promotes creative thinking. It is very good for innovation and creative problem solving inside the groups. But it is also a source of differences inside the group.