Group Development Process/Influence of Informal Groups - Assignment Example

Discussion Group Development To ensure a group functions properly and in accordance to the set standards, there is a need for an effective manager or group leader. According to (Losh, 2011)several factors provide a significant deal of information that may help an individual understand groups, and the work of an effective manager is to emphasize on the importance of gaining a clear understanding of this groups. The role of an effective manager can be demonstrated through Tuchman’ sequential stage theory that focuses on a five stage process of forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.

Since these stages are sequential, it is important for the manager to participate actively in the process to fast-forward it to the performing stage. The actions taken by the leader of the group are what determine its pace at reaching the performing stage. Therefore, as an effective leader some of the actions to be taken for each stage include: Forming stage, many members of the group are unsure about their behavior towards the group (Losh, 2011). At this stage, it is common that most members’ personal relations are based on dependence.

The manager therefore uses guidance and direction to control the members’ desire for a safer group and acceptance into the group. Storming stage, this stage is tough, and the leader must use his or her prowess to control the group (Losh, 2011). Tuckman indicates that, this stage is mainly characterized by conflict and competition, which results to rebellion either against the leader or against pressure to conform. Therefore, as an effective leader the best action to take is to coach the members to adopt and accept their position in the group.

Norming stage, effective coaching from the storming stage will result into individuals’ acceptance of the group structure and their roles inside the group. These results to unity and stability, the manager’s actions now should be only involve enabling and facilitating the group towards achieving its goals. Performing stage, this stage is not easily reached by all groups, but only those that are guided by an effective manager. Here, the group is more defined, and individuals can perform independently, in subgroups or as the whole group (Losh, 2011).

This is because individual authorities and roles dynamically change to the needs of the group. At this stage, the manager’s actions involve overseeing and delegation since the group now has a high degree of autonomy. References Losh, S. (2011). Group behavior in organizations. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Discussion 1: Responses Hi Johanson, Thank you for such an informative post, I must admit that I enjoyed reading your post. I agree especially with your idea on the forming stage it is of concern that the manager creates an open and friendly environment because most of the group members are after seeking for acceptance.

It is also true that even if the group is more relaxed at the norming stage, the manager still needs to be watchful for any spontaneous activities that may arise. Hello Smith, Thank you for such an informative post on this week’s discussion topic. I must agree that, as an effective leader, I would definitely follow the same sequence of actions as you have indicated in your post. Further, I would especially be very active at the second stage as this is where the group is likely to break if proper management is not emphasized.

I would ensure that, through effective coaching, I develop each idea in this stage and be able to push it to the next stage. Discussion 2: Influence of informal groups Informal groups that I belong to in my workplace I have worked in accounts department at Apple for several years now, and most of my colleagues are still the same over the years. This works to our advantage since we easily connect with each other and freely bond as we discus work related issues. At Apple, we have several informal groups mostly recognized as Diversity Associations.

I belong to a number of them, which include Apple Christian Association, Apple Hispanic Association, Apple Indian Association, Apple Asian Association, and Apple Women’s Associations. Besides, being a member to the various diversity associations, I sometime also volunteer as an offsite committee member for an informal group organized by members of my department. The group’s main agenda involves organizing team-building events for all employees within the department. The other informal group I actively participate in at my workplace is my department’s sports team.

Every year we have what we call corporate games. Each department can have up to two teams made up of 12 employees. Each team has to have equal male to female ratios. The company only allows up to 52 teams for the entire event. The games played vary each year. How norms of the informal groups to which I belong to influence my behavior and that of other group members These groups collectively influence my behavior and that of my group members at the work place. According to Losh, (2011) “When your role expands, so does your value to the company.

As you learn new skills, gain more knowledge, and exert more effort for your employer you may be placed on a list of whom the company will keep if it ever has to downsize.” Similar to this, my main objective for joining these associations is to try to become more culturally well rounded. This is an important trait in the workplace especially when my job entails interaction with culturally diverse individuals or groups. My participation as an offsite committee member and team player for my department in sporting activities helps me and my group members work together and develop a close relationship of belonging.

Similar to what the course text “…group tends to create some kind of division of labor and interlocking, interdependent role positions so that it can achieve its goals” (Losh, 2011). I believe that these informal groupings play a major role in molding us into an effective group in the formal setting. References Losh, S. (2011). Group behavior in organizations. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Discussion 2: Responses Hello Ramos, Thank you for such an informative post on this week’s discussion topic.

Thanks to your post now, I know of an example of an informal group that exists in the navy. I must also congratulate you on your high rank to be able to belong to such a high group. It is also amazing that you are actively involved in molding new leaders to keep up the continuity of the group I believe that is a true example of an effective leader. “It may seem only fair that individuals with exemplary qualities are chosen or appointed to the role of group leader” (Losh, 2011). Hi Beith, Your post on this week’s discussion topic is quite informative and interesting.

After reading the post, it made me realize how valuable informal groups can be to a company. Your informal groups played a major role in your organization, and it is encouraging to learn that some of the procedures those groups developed are still being enforced. I also agree that when forming an informal group it is up to the members to ensure that their roles are positively affected towards making them better team players.