8.1. Understanding Groups in Organizations

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define what a group is.

   Hint

   Think about the number of members and their objectives.

2. 2.

   What is a formal group?

   Hint

   Relate it to the organizational hierarchy.

3. 3.

   What defines a group?

   • Two or more individuals
   • A single person
   • Non-interacting individuals

   Hint

   Remember the minimum size requirement for groups.

4. 4.

   True or False: Informal groups are always beneficial to an organization.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider both sides of informal relationships.

5. 5.

   Consider a project group where members have conflicting views. How would you apply the concepts of group norms and cohesiveness to resolve the situation?

   Hint

   Think about how to mediate between diverse perspectives.

6. 6.

   Describe a scenario where an informal group could negatively impact the dynamics of a formal project team.

   Hint

   Consider the implications of exclusion on team dynamics.