Managing Resources SAQs 2a/b p127 1. What is a group?

Explain the importance and influence of group values and norms and give practical examples from within your own organization. A group is an assembly of people who are classed as being together. In a business sense a group may be a key feature of an organisation in the sense that groups may be split up in subsections to work on certain parts of possibly a marketing project to ensure that all aspects are covered broadly. 2. How would you distinguish between a group and a team? To what extent do you believe the distinction has practical significance for managers? A group is a selection of workers who are placed together to get a job done and there main objective is to get the job done, however these workers tend to work individually and to ensure their job is done, on the other hand team workers often focus on the team goal and produce collective work products rather than individual ones. In reference to Q1 a team is more likely to cover a topic in depth rather than broadly. 3. Distinguish between formal and informal groups and provide your own supporting examples. What functions do groups serve in an organization? Formal groups are mainly based on important business meetings, for example you would have a formal meeting with your boss about the annual takings, however you could have an informal meeting with your colleagues about your weekend, this would be an informal group gathering. 4. Identify different stages in group development and maturity. What other factors influence the cohesiveness of work groups? Group development i) Forming initial forming and bringing together of the group ii) Storming members of the group get to know each other better iii) Norming conflict and hostility start to be controlled iv) Performing group has progressed successfully through the earlier stages of development v) Adjourning the break up of the group because of the completion of the task or members moving to another task. 5. What is meant by the role structure of an organisation? Construct a diagram that shows your own role set within a college or work situation. The framework, normally hierarchical, where an organisation organises its authority, lines of communication, allocates rights and duties.

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Organisational structure determines the manner and extent to which roles, power, and responsibilities are delegated, controlled, and coordinated, and how information flows between levels of management.

6. Contrast different types of communication networks. Give examples of a situation in which each type of network is likely to be most appropriate. The wheel this is the most centralized network, it enables problems to be solved quickly with minimum mistakes for the members of the organisation this is the least satisfying network. The circle is a bit more decentralised network, it has low leadership predictability. The circle is more time efficient than the wheel and is the most satisfying for the members. The all channel network a decentralised network that involves full discussions and participation. It does not cope well under pressure. Chain network is a network made to cope with simple problem solving works better when little interaction is required. Low to medium member satisfaction. 7. Distinguish between (a) group task roles the group are meant to select, define and solve everyday problems All roles can be performed by any member of the group or its leader. (b) group building and maintenance roles analysis of members roles are orientated around the activities taking place. Contributions may involve a number of roles and members or the leader could perform these roles.

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(c) individual roles aimed at satisfying the personal needs of the worker. Their purpose is not related to the group task or group functionality. 8. Explain what is meant by and assess critically the likely standard of individual compared with group or team performance. (a) the risky-shift phenomenon A decision which is everyones is the responsibility of no one. Pressure of conformity means there is a technology for groups to make riskier decisions. Risk taking is more likely to be expressed in social situations such as group work. People being inclined to take risks are those who are the most influential in group decisions. (b) groupthink a deteriation of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment that results from in group pressures. Tends to occur when group members have very similar experiences and frame of references. (c) brainstorming The group adopts a freewheeling attitude and generating as many ideas as possible. The more wild or far-fetched the better. 9. Detail fully the main factors to be considered in a review of effective teamworking. Smart Goals - Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound goals should be established by the teams sponsor and then broken into sub-goals by the leadership team. Without SMART goals, the team will lack the milestones necessary to drive action. Commited leadership The leader is required to focus the team members on their jobs, purpose and goals of the team to ensure the work gets done efficiently. Are required to be committed to the teams result and willing to take the blame for any mistakes made. The team leader is required to bring everyone together and to ensure that all runs smoothly when members are working in a group or individually.