Flashcards
Chapter 2: Groups as Sytems
Cards in this deck (43)
- 1—
- 2What is a system?A system is a set of interconnected parts working together to form a whole in the context of a changing environment
- 3What are the three things a system is composed of?input (resources that come from outside the system/the environment, if ceased= group death)
throughput ( the process of transforming input into the output to keep the system functioning; structuration theory)
output (the continual results of the group's throughput; decisions made, solutions, relationship improvement, cohesiveness advance) - 4entropythe wearing down/dismantling process of a group, movement toward disorganization and eventual termination
- 5why do all living system combat entropy in input?This happens because all groups need new input (members) and with new input comes disruption of the system. New members can cause friction and tension but can also energize and revitalize group.
- 6structuration theorya system, i.e small group, establishes structures for discussions and problem-solving in the form of rules, norms, and power distribution=group production and self-sustainability
- 7Groups are in a perpetual state of becoming. What does it mean?This means that in groups factors, ideas, members, rules, norms are always chnaging and never static. Reinforcement and chnage is always occurring for the better of the group.
- 8ripple effectone part significantly impacting the group as a whole, where forced adjustments have to be made in the system.
- 9When can the ripple effect be positive?It can be positive when ex: parent gets a promotion or wins the lottery, the family gain from good fortune
- 10synergywhen group performance from joint action of members exceeds expectations based on perceived abilities and skills if individual members (Habitat for Humanity)
- 11How is synergy produced (3)?1.when group members are highly motivated to achieve a common goal
2. group effort, not individual/independent effort.
3. Groups that have deep diversity - 12deep diversityis the substantial variation among members in task-relevant skills, knowledge, abilities, beliefs, values, perspectives, and problem-solving strategies
- 13What produces negative synergy?Shared ignorance
- 14negative synergywhen group members working together produce a worse result than expected based on perceived individual skills and abilities of members.
- 15examples of negative synergyWhen:
group members know little to nothing about the subject
me-orientation
resist change
compete with one another - 16T or F Systems are never in a static stateTrue. they are at a constant rate of changing/becoming until they terminate because they have to adapt t their changing environment.
- 17environmentthe context within which a system operates ex: a team within an organization
- 18equifinalityAccomplishment of similar or identical goals in highly diverse ways by different groups
- 19dynamic equlibriumA range in which systems can manage change effectively to promote growth and success without pushing the system to disaster
- 20What three measures does dynamic equilibrium regulate?degree, the desirability of change, and rate allows stability and change to coexist
- 21What steps should be taken to accommodate a bad apple?1. make sure the group climate is cooperative
2. establish a clear code of conduct for all group members
3.change your communication in relation to difficult person's behavior (don't pacify the troublemaker, don't feed into him, become a listener (out of body), don't address him)
4.convert disruption into constructive contribution
5.Confront directly
6. Separation from bad apple - 22opennessThe degree of continuous interchange with the outside environment
- 23adaptability to changeThe adjustment of group boundaries in response to changing environmental conditions.
- 24what do boundaries do?Boundaries regulate input and consequent exposure to change in a system
- 25boundary controldetermines the amount of access a group has to input, and thus influence, from outsiders. Every group has bc to some extent.
- 26T or F Boundaries are not permeable.False.
Groups cannot close themselves off so completely that no change is allowed to occur. Boundaries leak.
ex. jurors accessing media on further information of a case - 27What boundaries can a group establish?Linguistic (private vocab/slang)
physical(locked door, turf)
psychological (ignoring members, outcasting)
rules, roles, and information networks - 28rolea pattern of expected behavior associated with parts we play in groups
- 29T or F role boundaries and culture are not interconnected.False.
They are inseparably connected because in different cultures different boundaries are not viewed the same way - 30networka structured pattern of information flow and personal contact. Can control access and flow of info and may isolate group from outside influences.
ex: Facebook for only Harvard - 31What do open/closed networks encourage?Open networks encourage change and potential disruption.
Closed networks emphasize stability, privacy, and permanence. - 32When must a group close off?When both the quantity and type of input place undue stress and prevent it from accomplishing its task.
- 33What are some signs of excessive group openness or closedness?Debilitating stress
Malaise
Divisive conflicts
Boredom
Poor productivity - 34T or F As group increases numerically, complexity increasesTrue.
The possible number of interactions between member increases, dynamics increase. - 35Why do larger groups typically have more nonparticipants?In larger groups there is more intense competition, other members will sit quietly to avoid it, talkative people may become leaders
- 36How does group size affect group transactions? What ways (4)?1.larger groups=less participants
2. small groups show obvious disagreement & dissatisfaction
3. group size affects levels of cooperation
4. groups of 10+ tend to be less satisfied - 37Why do small groups show obvious signs of disagreement/dissatisfaction?They apply more pressure to conform to majority opinion, factions occur
- 38cliquesnarrowly focused subgroups
- 39rule of sevenEach member added to the group of 7 reduces decision-making effectiveness by about 10%
- 40whats the best size for a group?the best size is the number needed to complete the task
- 41T or F with increasing group size, comes greater casualty?False.
With an increase in size comes greater formality because hierarchy is enabled, power structures and networks are established. - 42What is the most important difference between small groups and complex organizations?The flow of information
ex. bad news in a small group- quickly dealt with
Bad news in C.O- pushed to the side - 43What is a bigger problem in organizations than in small groups?Information distortion.
Organizations- like a game of telephone
small groups- info is direct
Information
- Description
- Interconnectedness of Parts, Adaptability to changing Environment, Influence of Size
- Created by
- Korinn Harris · Sep 2017
- Updated
- Sep 27, 2017
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