Assessing Groups and Teams

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I am posting some very useful information that should allow you to draft your own original document in response to the question. This is in the form of question and answer, but could easily be melted into a single paper response. There are references in APA format attached as well to support the information delivered.

1. Why do people join groups?

There are many different reasons that individuals join groups. According to Robbins, there is SECURITY, in an attempt to not feel alone people may join a group. STATUS may be the reason for people to join a group in order to gain status by those who view belonging to a group as a positive aspect. SELF-ESTEEM may be a reason to join a group, as belonging to a group can provide a feeling of belonging which leads to an increased feeling of self worth. AFFILIATION is a social need that can be fulfilled by individuals belonging to a group. People enjoy the feeling of socialization that they often get from belonging to a group. POWER is an affect of participating in a group. There is power is numbers as we have often heard. GOAL ACHIEVEMENT is a side effect of belonging to a group. Often goals that are not attainable by an individual can be attained by a group. (Robbins, 1994/2005)

2. What are group roles, and why is it important for a manager to understand them?

Group roles are the behaviors that we pick up in regards to the situation that we are interacting within. Roles are learned from our surroundings, including from other people in the group, television, books, newspapers and written guides, such as employee handbooks in the role as an employee.

Managers need to understand that roles are learned, and that individuals can change their behavior and the role in any organization if they deem it necessary. People have the ability to shift roles rapidly. (Robbins, 1994/2005) It is important for managers to understand which role the people working for them are trying to play. That way the manager will be able to anticipate the behaviors in reaction to events.

3. What are group norms, and what role do they play in organizational behavior?

Norms are acceptable standards for behavior that vary depending on the environment, the situation and the person's position within the group. In organizational behavior these norms become ...