Module Six Work Group Dynamics & Problem Solving What is a “Group within the Organization A work Group is defined as two or more employees who 1. Interact with each other. 2. Perceive themselves as sharing several common interests or goals 3. Come together or are brought together to accomplish a meaningful organizational activity Understanding Group Work Dynamics What are the types of groups in organizations? 1. Formal groups. 2. Informal groups 3. Project teams Understanding Group Work Dynamics What are the types of groups in organizations? 1. Formal groups’ criteria. i. Two or more members ii. Prescribed interaction pattern iii. Purpose (s) stated in a meaningful organizational terms iv. Members who are aware of the formal group’s existence in their involvement in it. Understanding Group Work Dynamics What are the types of groups in organizations? 1. Formal groups sub-classification: i. Task group: works together on a series of related activities e.g. self-directed team e.g. a team assembles car emission system. ii. Command group: exercises authority within the organization e.g. board of directors for any public corporation. Members of the board of directors are grouped into sub-committees to oversee particular company function while each board member is responsible for representing shareholders interests. Understanding Group Work Dynamics What are the types of groups in organizations? 2. Informal groups i. It is a a group of employees who come together voluntarily for a common purpose. ii. Managers do NOT always encourage informal groups. (they may develop goals which are not consistent with the organizational goals). Informal groups may even threaten management with public exposure of wrong practices within the organization. This might lead to polarization iii. Informal groups can function as “whistle blowers” about corrupted organizational work systems Understanding Group Work Dynamics What are the types of groups in organizations? 3. Project Teams