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 Copyright c 2006 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 Copyright c 2006 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 Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 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 Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 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 Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 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 Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 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 Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 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 10