Formal groups fulfill 2 basic functions

Formal groups fulfill 2 basic functions: organizational and individual
- individual functions : satisfy individuals need for affiliation, develop/confirm individual’s self-
esteem and sense of identity, give individuals an opportunity to test and share their perceptions of
social reality, reduce the individual’s anxieties and feelings of insecurity and powerlessness,
provide a problem-solving mechanism for social and interpersonal problems
-organizational functio ns: accomplish complex tasks beyond capabilities of individuals, generate
new ideas/solutions, coordinate interdependent efforts, provide problem-solving mechanism for
complex problems, implement complex decisions, socialize and train newcomers (Ad Hoc
groups – ex, Houston Task Force)
The Group Development Process
Workplace goes through a maturation process
Tuckman’s 5- Stage Theory of group/team development:
-as we move from groups to teams, we start As independents and come together to “ form”
No stage has the same duration or intensity. Ex. The norming stage can be nonexistent or
painfully long, depending on goal clarity and commitment and maturity of the members.
Forming: Group members tend to be uncertain and anxious about such things as their roles, who
is in charge, and the group’s goals.
Mutual trust is low, and a good deal of holding back to see who takes charge and how
If formal leader doesn’t assert authority an emergent leader will eventually step in to
fulfill group’s need for leadership and direction
INDEPENDENCE
Leadership changes can happen later
Storming
Individuals test leader’s policies and assumptions as they try to determine how they fit
into power structure
Define responsibilities, how work together
Subgroups take shape, and subtle forms of rebellion, such as procrastination, occur –
conflicts
Many groups stall in stage 2 because power politics erupt into open rebellion
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Norming
Groups that make it through stage 2 do so because a respected member other than the
leader challenges the group to resolve its power struggles so something can be
accomplished
Understanding of task
Feeling of team spirit is experienced because members believe they have found their
proper roles
DEPENDENCE/INTERDEPENDECE
Group cohesiveness: A “We feeling” binding group members together= principal by-
product of stage 3
Performing
-productive stage when team begins to see significant payoffs from their shared history
and the work norms they have developed
Adjourning
-team members must make the transition from becoming part of a cohesive team to
enlarging their network and sharing their knowledge gained from the experience (leave
group/team)
-RETURN TO INDEPENDENCE