Individuals Are Not Lost In Groups

Managers can analyse business organisations at the individual, group and organisation levels. Individuals display a wide range of differences in personality, learning abilities and perception among other variables. The differences can be very important as each individual person brings what they have to offer to the group or organisation. One group roles method of group analysis by Belbin uses a Team Role Self Perception Inventory. It is comprised of 8 key team roles with back up roles and functional roles. It is a way of intimating to people what role they may be able to play in a group working situation.

Successful groups that perform and work effectively have a spirit of unity and co-operation. They work together well as a team. Consistently successful groups comprise a range of different people fulfilling a variety of different roles requiring different skills and abilities. The people are not all the same. Team roles are patterns of behaviour. They characterise the way people interact with one another. The level of interaction among group members is influenced by the structuring of channels of communication. The greater the interconnectedness of the network the higher the general level of satisfaction of group members. Things like the language used help people connect and understand each other. Groups also work better when left to form their own communication networks. 'Groupthink' should be avoided.

The way people interact and form group connections can also be studied in terms of sociometry and interaction process analysis. They tend to study social interaction patterns in terms of self-interest and altruism. Sociometry analyses interaction from the viewpoint of the buddy rating of work-related or personal problems. Interaction process analysis looks at task and socio-emotional functions. These perspectives may become very important when looking at how successfully a group operates.

Discipline is a sign of respect for agreements between the organisation or group and its members. An appropriate level of sanctions should be decided in cases of offences against discipline and the norms and values of the group. It can often take the form of ostracism or binging. Groups are reluctant to change norms suddenly. They do change over time. Group working can be good for people. Working and getting to know other people can be therapeutic. It can help restore men and women to wholeness. Over time as people get to know each other better the group strengthens and trust builds up. Trust is a key component of good working relationships. In centres of cultural, political, social and economic importance with their corruption and greed, trust and commitment are important factors for business.