Teamwork/Group, Dynamics, Cohesion,Diversity

No. Topics Page No

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Group Dynamics 1

M. Sahin

2.1. Advantages 1

2.1.1. Setting up Goals 1

2.1.2. Brain storming 1

2.1.3. Communication 2

2.2. Disadvantages 3

2.3. Advantages Vs Disadvantage (End Results) 5

3. Group Cohesiveness 7

J. Mahmoudi

What is Group Cohesion? 7

3.1. Nature of Group Cohesiveness

3.2. Groups Goals 8

3.3. Measuring group cohesion 9

3.4. Developing cohesiveness 11

3.5. Consequences of cohesion 12

4. Managing Multicultural Groups 14

Y. Iqbal

4.1. Multicultural Diversity and Multicultural Workforce 14

4.2. Importance of Managing Diversity 15

4.3. Managing Culturally Diverse Work Groups within an Organization 16

4.4. Disadvantages of Culturally Diverse Work Groups 16

4.5. Advantages of Culturally Diverse Work Groups 18

5. Questionnaire Analysis 20

Graphical Representation

6. Conclusion 22

7. Bibliography

8. References

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Abstract

As organizations are becoming more diverse, the need of effective and goal oriented work force is rising. The keys to an organization’s success is that their leaders and managers understand the meaning of group dynamics, group cohesiveness, and managing multicultural groups and how the theories apply to ensure the success of the organization and its groups. Evaluating group structure, building trust through strong leadership, and effectively communicating will enhance the organizations productivity and success. We all know cultural diversity has become widespread within many organizations today. The work groups in these organizations are increasingly being staffed by culturally diverse employees. The cultural differences exhibited in the groups can enhance or weaken the function of the work group, especially in a predominantly homogenous environment. The biggest obstacle with group dynamics, cohesiveness and cultural diversity in the work groups is the manager’s lack of knowledge of how to lead in such environment. This paper will focus on the advantages and disadvantages associated with culturally diverse work groups, team cohesiveness and team dynamics and how managers can counteract those disadvantages to make their work force more effective within the organization. This paper will discuss the traps managers should avoid when leading a diverse team. This paper will also discuss the advantages the organization can attain once the managers have been educated on leading in such

environment.

1. Introduction

One of the keys to an organization’s success is that their leaders and managers understand the meaning of group dynamics, and how the theories apply to ensure the success of the organization and its groups. Evaluating group structure, building trust through strong leadership, and effectively communicating will enhance the organizations productivity and success. Similarly in group dynamics for effective communication we need cohesion in groups and if we see, cohesiveness of group has a very important influence on the performance of the groups. Cohesive group are incorporated and member benefit from interacting with each other. Cohesiveness refers to the point to which group members share group goals and work together to meet these goals. Furthermore the world with increasing globalization requires more interaction among people from different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds than ever before. Now people no longer live and work in a limited place, they are now part of a worldwide economy with competition coming from nearly every continent. For this reason, profit and non-profit organizations need diversity to become more creative and open to change. Maximizing and capitalizing on workplace diversity has become an important issue for management today.

2. Group Dynamics

Group dynamics is the social, intellectual, or moral forces that become apparent when observing the interaction of individuals brought together to form a team. Understanding group dynamics prepares one to better manage in future group situations. A study of group dynamics and the components of both successful and failing teams will provide insight of what to strive for and what to avoid in order to create a positive, productive team environment.

The advantage of group dynamics is that members get to taste other job roles and experience their skills. It gives them experience about other departments, which they never experience.

The disadvantages of group dynamics is that if employees swap their job roles and are not motivated in doing the work they can let them down. They may also not like the roles and finding it difficult.

2.1. Advantages

The way a group of people interact with each other, known as group dynamics, often decides the success or failure of a team effort. Many deciding factors affect group dynamics: personalities and attitudes, the ability to communicate, level of commitment to the group effort, as well as conflict and ability for conflict resolution. A clear understanding of group dynamics and the components of a successful or failing team may enable team members to use this knowledge to their advantage and therefore create a positive and productive team environment.

There are four basic components that make