Organizational Behavior Principles - Essay Example

Organizational Behavior Principles What kind of work group is the project staff team - task force, command group, or friendship group? There are three identified types of workgroups—task force, command group, and friendship group. The definitions of George and Jones put significant distinctions in each workgroup. Task force is regarded to as “a collection of people who come together to accomplish a specific goal (George, Jones pg 312).” Since the task force is already created to accomplish a certain goal, it usually disbands after its objectives are met.

Command group is a workgroup which is comprised of “subordinates who report to the same supervisor (George, Jones pg 312).” Command groups are based on a supervisor-subordinate relationship where the lower employees directly report to their immediate boss. Friendship group is more social in nature. George and Jones define this workgroup as “a collection of organizational members who enjoy each others company and socialize with each other (often both on and off the job).” Basically, the project team staff which was formed can be best characterized as a task force.

Consistent with the definition of George and Jones, the project team was established for a certain goal and that is to “realize process gains.” There is also a definite time frame for the achievement of the workgroup’s objective, after which it will disband. The workgroup is expected to realize its mission “within three months.” What characteristics of the team are likely to contribute to the goal of process gains within the next three months? A research conducted by the Filine Institute concluded that the most essential factors in determining the performance of a workgroup which hopes to achieve a certain goal is good communication and cohesion (Sourcemedia 2005).

As a task force, the project staff team can take advantage of these research results as it is an organization which strongly depends on the cooperation of each individual member in the achievement of its common goal. Good communication is really a key in achieving process gains. Communication within the project staff team enables the dispensation of relevant information which will aid the whole organization in transferring ideas, evaluating possibilities, and promotes harmonious relationship between group members.

Good communication also eliminates probable errors which can be brought about by miscommunications. Cohesion or interdependence is another key in boosting the performance of project staff team. The realization within the group that they are a part of a cohesive whole whose goals can only be achieved by strong coordination will motivate each member to do best for the group. Cohesion also cultivates each member’s sense of belongingness. What are some sources of potential process losses? Process losses are usually brought about by a lot of factors inherent to the organization as well as issues in the external environment.

Possible factors which can hinder the achievement of a group’s goal are miscommunication, conflict between group members, and lack of motivation among individuals. Miscommunication often leads to erroneous processes. Miscommunication can also lead to the second factor which is conflict within organizations. Conflict often produce process losses as it disrupts the coordination among members and give way for more serious problems. Lack of motivation among members can be a serious problem and even a threat to the existence of the organization.

In order to bring out the best in its employees, they must be fully motivated to excel in their endeavors.ReferencesGeorge, J. M. & Jones, G. R. (2004) Understanding and Managing Organizational Behavior. United Kingdom: PearsonSource Media (2005). The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. Retrieved 01 March 2006 from http://www.sourcemedia.com