Transcript Chapter 4 Group Tasks and Activities  Wide variety of synonyms and metaphors for groups and teams • Crosses context and situation • Three common attributes •

Chapter 4
Group Tasks and Activities

Wide variety of synonyms and
metaphors for groups and teams
• Crosses context and situation
• Three common attributes
• Some type of organizing structure
• Cooperation among members
• Group purpose
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Oxford University Press
1
Types of Group Tasks
and Activities


What is the degree of interdependence
required by the task?
Can the task be broken into subtasks?
• Subtasks may differ even though they
•
contribute to a larger goal
Subtasks may be interrelated
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Oxford University Press
2
Types of Group Tasks
and Activities
1.
Planning
6.
Performing
2.
Generating ideas
7.
Deliberating
3.
Making choices
8.
4.
Negotiating
Building
Relationships
5.
Competing
9.
Providing social
support
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3
Analyzing a Group Task

Task difficulty

Solution multiplicity

Intrinsic interest
• Degree of effort, knowledge, or skill required
• Number of alternatives for solving the problem
• How interested group members are in the
task
more
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4

Analyzing a Group Task

Population familiarity

Acceptance level
• Level of familiarity with the task
• Will the group’s decision be accepted by
others?

Area of freedom

Social complexity
• Degree of group authority or responsibility
• Social demands placed on the group
Copyright c 2006
Oxford University Press
5
Degree of Participation
Influences the Task

The more a group member speaks, the more
impact on the group and its task




Participation among group members is not equal
Participation is partly a function of group size
Some tasks influence how members
participate
It is common for members to participate more
when they share common information
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6
Time Influences the Task

Time both enables and constrains

Pace

Time flexibility
• When groups talk
• How much time they have to talk
• How much information to share
• Intensity of interaction
• Greater autonomy in structuring the task
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7
Diversity Influences the Task




Use of different interaction styles can result in
subgroup formation
Diverse groups may require extra time to
develop cohesion
How a diverse group handles conflict and
status issues is key
Cultural distance
•
Integration of all differences—gender, cultural, social,
professional
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8
Technology Influences the Task

Issues groups using technology should
consider:
• Effects of asynchronous communication
• How to build group identity
• Coordination on complex tasks
• Relationship development
• How to ensure understanding among group
members
Copyright c 2006
Oxford University Press
9
Evaluating Task
and Activity Outcomes

Decision quality

Member satisfaction

Group continuity
• Standards of quality, quantity, and timeliness
• Are members satisfied with group process?
• Future orientation of group members
Copyright c 2006
Oxford University Press
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