Communication at Work (week 6b)

Working in Teams

Objectives

• Diagnose a group and identify the kind of communication that can transform it into a true team;
• Analyze the advantages and drawbacks of whether a group should meet face-o-face or work as a virtual team;
• Compare various approaches to centralized leadership, self-directed teams, and power distribution;
• Identify the stages and characteristics of each stage of group problem solving and the roles that help groups function;
• Explain various decision-making methods and the circumstances in which each is most appropriate;
• Apply the guidelines for effective communication in groups and teams to a group to which you belong.

The Nature of Teams

• Teams Are Essential
• Characteristics of Work Groups
• Size
• Interaction
• Shared Purpose
• Interdependence
• Regular Interaction and Communication
• Identity

• Virtual Teams

Leadership and Influence in Groups and Teams

• Centralised Leadership
• Trait Approach
• Style Approach
• Contingency Approaches

• Becoming a Leader

• Power and Influence of Members
• Position  Power
• Coercive Power
• Reward Power
• Expert Power
• Referent Power
• Information Power
• Connection Power

Problem-Solving Communication

• Systematic Problem Solving
• Define the problem
• Analyse the problem
• Establish criteria for a solution
• Consider possible solutions to the problem
• Decide on a solution
• Implement the solution
• Follow up on the solution
• Stages in Group Problem Solving
• Orientation phase or forming
• Conflict phase or storming
• Emergence phase or norming
• Reinforcement phase or performing
• Functional Role Analysis
• Task functions
• Relational functions
• Dysfunctional Roles
• Decicion-Making Methods
• Conscensus
• Majority Vote
• Minority Decision
• Expert Opinion
• Authority Role
• Choice of a Decision-Making Method
• How important is the decision
• How much time is available
• What are the personal reltionships among members

Effective Communication in Groups and Teams

• Recognize Both Group and Personal Goals
• Promote Desirable Norms
• Promote an Optimal Level of Cohesiveness
• Avoid Excessive Conformity
• Encourage Creativity

Groups vs. individual performance

• Group superior to individuals
• Task requires braod range of talents and knowledge
• Complicated task (requires division, coordination of labor)
• Time available for deliberation
• Members are motivated to succeed
• High standards of performance

• Individuals superior to group
• Task requires limited knowledge, information (which individuals possess)
• Simple task (can be done by one personor individuals working separately)
• Little time available
• Members do not care about job
• Social loafing is the norm