Team dynamics

• Describe Steiner's model of group effectiveness

  Actual productivity = potential productivity - losses due to faulty process

  Looks into the relationship between individuals and group performance
• What are the 5 properties of a group

  1. Group unity

  2. Collective identity

  3. Common goal

  4. Structured patterns of communication

  5. Shared purpose
• Potential productivity


  The best possible performance of a group, taking into account resources available and the ability of the players
• What are losses due to faulty processes caused by

  Coordination problems -

  If coord and timing of team members don't match, team strategies depending on them will suffer

  
  

  Motivational problems -

  If individual team members aren't motivated to the same extent, they will be pulling in different directions and players will withdraw effort
• Describe the Ringelmann effect

  This occurs when individual performances decrease and group size increases

  E.g. a team of 8 does not work as hard as 8 solo performers

  Group performance suffers as groups got larger due to social loafing

  This is undesirable in teams - not all players are working as hard as they can
• How to reduce the Ringelmann effect

  Ensure that players know their roles and responsibilities

  Setting challenging but realistic goals

  Encouraging group identity

  Developing drills and training which develops team skills
• Define 'group'


  A collection of people who both share a common goal and interact with one another
• Describe social loafing


  An individual in a group loses motivation

  Characterised by a lack of effort - 'coasting
• What causes social loafing

  Caused by the individual losing identity when placed in a group

  Individual efforts may not be recognised by spectators or participants

  Perceived low ability

  Boredom and low arousal

  Lack of individual attention

  Negative past experiences
• How to reduce effects of social loafing

  Highlighting individual effort

  Positive feedback

  Having a responsibility

  Support from team

  Setting individual and team goals
• Define potential productivity


  The maximum capability of the group when cohesiveness appears at its strongest
• Define actual productivity


  Is the team performance at a given time during a game of event
• Define the forming stage 1 of a group

  High dependence on leader for guidance- leader gives strong direction

  Group members getting to know each other

  Little agreement to aims of team

  Individual roles unclear
• Define the storming stage 2 of a group

  Leader has a more advisory role

  Cliques form - power struggles

  Members establishing themselves in the group

  Focus is clearer

  Need for compromise
• Define the norming stage 3 of a group

  Respect for leader, leadership is shared

  Team members are social and friendly with each other

  Much more agreement and consensus of opinion

  Decisions made through group agreement

  Roles and responsibilities accepted

  Strong sense of commitment and unity
• Define the performing stage 4 of a group

  No interference or participation from the leader

  Team is trusted with the task at hand

  Team is able to work and be personable

  Disagreements are resolved within the team

  Team does not need to be instructed/assisted
• Define team cohesion


  The total field of forces which act on members to remain in the group
• Define group integration


  How the individual members of the group feel about the group as a whole
• Define individual attraction to the group

  How attracted the individuals are to the group