HCM 433 MANGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR.pdf

2. Eye Contact and Location of Members
Group whose members are located close together and can interact frequently and easily, are
likely to be more cohesive and effective than those whose members are separated by greater
distance. Eye movements, direction of gaze and mutual eye contact are important nonverbal
interactions that influence group effectiveness. The easier it is to communicate in person the
more likely the group is to be cohesive.
3. Nature Of Task
Homogeneous group (those whose members are alike in age, education, status, and
experience) are better when the task or goal requires mutual cooperation and conflict-free
behaviour and if the task is simple. Heterogeneous groups are more effective where the task is
complex, if speed is not important and if creativity is desirable.
4. Cohesiveness
Group cohesiveness is the degree to which group members are of one mind and thus can act as
one body. Sometimes cohesiveness is thought of as group loyalty, solidarity or pride.
Cohesiveness results from homogeneity of membership, stability of members over time and
high status. In general cohesive groups are more effective.
5. Group Norms:
Group norms are shared value about the kind of behaviour that are acceptable and
unacceptable as work. They develop over time and are re-enforced by group pressures or the
members to conform. Norms can affect performance positively or negatively. The effects of
norms on productivity or performance are affected by cohesiveness. In general, if the group is
very cohesive and performance (or high productivity) is a group norm, performance will be
high. If the group is less cohesive, the norms will be less powerful.
4.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT
What are the functions of a work group?
5.0 CONCLUSION
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