¶ … group characteristics I have previously encountered include: a willingness to listen, an ability to define objectives, the ability to delegate work, a willingness to help others, a commitment to communication, the ability to stay on task, and respect for the other members of the group. The work group characteristics I have previously encountered include: a refusal to listen to others, arguing, failure to stay on task, and lack of respect for other group members. The most beneficial group skill I have encountered is the willingness to listen to other group members; this fundamental skill enables communication and makes it more likely that all group members will be able to contribute to the group dynamic (Lumsden et al., 2010). The willingness to listen is also related to the ability to ask additional questions for information gathering, which not only improves the transactional processes of the group, but also helps define the group's task and keep members on-task. On the flip-side, groups with members who are unwilling to listen to one another are, in my experience, the least constructive of all groups; even groups where members argue can be more productive than groups where people fail to listen. Employing active listening skills can always improve group processes. As a result, when forming groups in the future I will be very cognizant of what type of listening skills the potential members demonstrate prior to becoming group members.
Discussion Questions Unit Two
The ethical issues raised by the examples provided are significant, but manageable. For example, Karl and Tamara's desire to add additional money to the...
Group dynamics: Working as a nurse-Midwife Working as a midwife requires me to function as a member of a team, not simply an individual nurse. The midwife must coordinate her advice with other components of the patient's obstetric treatment team. The midwife must also work well with the patient's family. Groups are often said to be either task-oriented or person-oriented (Group Dynamics 1 PowerPoint, Slide 8). In the case of the
Group Dynamics Discuss the functions of formal and informal groups. How does each contribute to the organization? with examples Formal groups are organizations that have a fixed set of rules, structure and have procedures that leave little room for interpretation, and must be followed. As well, they have status symbol, limit activities of individuals in the group, set objectives and policies and coordination between people. They have rules that are readily observable
In a group situation, therefore, an emergent leader has an inherent power to be valued by a group of his or her peers. Rather than being viewed as superior, the leader's abilities are valued by other group members, with respect being earned rather than forced. As mentioned, communication is central to effective group functioning and leadership. Hence, a good group leader will also have a distinctive verbal style. Members who
The internal processes become more efficient because barriers in personal communication are broken down once the group is working towards the common purpose. Increasing cohesiveness in the group requires leadership that orients the objectives of group members more strongly towards the common purpose. This can be done a number of ways, including through individual and group task structure, the fostering of a common culture, the establishment of smooth communication
Adding conflict and competition to that precarious situation can be difficult, but is an important part of workplace group dynamics. However, conflict and competition can be both positive and negative components within a group dynamic situation. Jehn and Mannix (2001) discuss intragroup conflict and performance in their Academy of Management article, finding consistent results that implied the important nature of some conflict within workplace groups. The researchers found that
Leadership In considering leadership, Curtis (1995) suggests a number of optimal characteristics that are desirable in any group setup, whether formal or informal. An effective leader has certain responsibilities and concomitant traits that are important in performing his or her duties. Responsibilities for example include honesty, establishing trust, being a role model, adaptability, decision-making, motivation, and being sensitive to the needs of other group members. In leading a group, meeting these
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