Management Fundamentals 5th Edition by Robert Lussier

Exercise 19

Note: This exercise is designed for class groups that have worked together for some time. (Five or more hours of prior work are recommended.)
Objectives
To gain a better understanding of group structure, process, and development and of meetings and how they affect group performance.
Skills
The primary skills developed through this exercise are:
1. Management skill - interpersonal
2. AACSB competency - analytic
3. Management function - leading
Answer the following questions as they apply to your class group/team.
1. Using Exhibit 12-1, would you classify your members as a group or a team? Why?
Group Structure
2. What type of group/team are you (formal/informal, functional/cross-functional, command/task)?
3. Assess the size of your group/team (too large, too small, ideal).
4. What is the group/team composition?
5. Is there a clear leader? If so, who is/are the leader[s]?
6. Does your group/team have clear objectives?
7. List some ways in which group structure could be improved to increase group performance.
_____________________________________________________________________
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Group Process
8. List each group member, including yourself, and the major role(s) each plays.
1. _____________
2. _____________
3. _____________
4. _____________
5. _____________
6. _____________
9. Identify at least three group norms. Are they positive or negative? How does the group enforce them?
10. How cohesive is your group (very cohesive, moderately cohesive, minimally cohesive)?
11. List each group member, including yourself, in order of status.
1. _____________
2. _____________
3. _____________
4. _____________
5. _____________
6. _____________
12. How are decisions made in your group/team?
13. How is conflict resolved in your group/team?
14. List some ways in which group process could be improved to increase group performance.
Group Development Stage
15. At what stage of development is your group/team? Explain.
16. List some ways in which your group/team can move to a higher level of development to increase group performance.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Meetings
17. List some ways in which your meetings could be improved to increase group performance.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
18. Does your group have any problem members? What can be done to make them more effective?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Apply It
What did I learn from this experience? How will I use this knowledge in the future?
_______________________________________________________
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Your instructor may ask you to continue this Skill Builder in class by discussing your answers to the questions with other members of your class group. You may also be asked to jointly make specific recommendations about ways in which your team can improve its performance.