Learning Objectives

1.

Explain how networks affect group interaction. A group's ability to complete a task depends on how its members interact. The five most common kinds of communication networks in groups are the chain (or line), star (or wheel), circle, Y, and all-channel networks. The all-channel network is usually the most effective and satisfying since each group member communicates directly with all the others and no one occupies a peripheral position.

2.

Define group role and distinguish between task, maintenance, and self-serving roles. Every group member performs specific group roles. We contribute to the group's objective when we assume a task-oriented role (behaving in a way that promotes the accomplishment of the task) or a maintenance-oriented role (helping maintain the relationships among group members). However, we can undercut the group's effectiveness by playing a self-serving role-seeking to satisfy only our own needs or goals.

3.

Define leadership and distinguish among various leadership styles: type X, type Y, autocratic, laissez-faire, democratic. To achieve their objectives, groups need effective leadership. Leadership is simply the ability to influence others, and there are many leadership styles. A type X leader believes group members need to be closely controlled and coerced to work. A type Y leader believes members are self directed and seek responsibility as well as opportunities for personal achievement. The autocratic leader dominates and directs all the other members of the group, whereas the laissez-faire leader lets them do their own thing. In most situations, the democratic leader, who encourages all the members to be involved constructively in decision making and problem solving, is preferred.

4.

Describe how trait theory, situation theory, and functional theory contribute to our understanding of leadership. There are three principal explanations of how people become leaders. Trait theory holds that some men and women are simply born to lead; situational theory holds that the situation itself-the nature of the problem and the characteristics of the group-determines who assumes leadership; functional theory holds that a number of group members can and should share the various leadership functions that need to be performed if the group is to achieve its goals. Some research suggests that women tend to share power and information, while men tend to keep power and information for themselves.

5.

Explain how cooperation versus competition, and a defensive versus a supportive climate manifest themselves in group interactions and affect group climate. In addition to effective leadership, a group needs cooperation rather than pure competition among its members and a supportive rather than a defensive group climate to be able to work toward achieving its objectives. In effect, whether it operates in real space or cyberspace, a group creates its own culture in which to function.

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.