One of the key issues that managers need to understand is that an effective group is one, which not only achieves its task, but satisfies the needs of its members as too. For individual group member, there are many factors that affect behaviour and performance at work. These are outlined below:
- Motivation
- Physical and working conditions
- Safety
- Monetary rewards
- Recognition
Many of the factors that motivate individuals to perform are social in nature; groups can bring in people and can be essential for the delivery of social needs.
Be mindful of perception ***
Developing a group calls for clear identification of distinct roles for each of its members. Any individual can have several roles, varying between different groups and activities. However, the manager should beware that the role adopted will affect the individual’s attitude towards other people. A role is the expected pattern of behaviours associated with members occupying a particular position within the structure of the organisation. It therefore describes how individuals perceive their own situation.
Get the following terms (associated with role theory) right and you are a winner at building individuals and teams to acheiving organisational success.
Role ambiguity: shows up when individuals are unsure what role they are to play, or others are unclear of that person’s role and so holds back co-operation.
Role conflict: arises when individuals find a clash between differing roles that they have adopted. A company finance officer who uncovers fraud by senior management feel a conflict between the roles of professional confidentiality and honest citizenship.
Role incompatibility: occurs when individuals experience expectations from outside groups about their role that are different from their own role expectations.
Role signs: these are visible indications of the role. Style of dress and uniform are clear examples of role signs. This may be voluntary or mandatory.
Role set: this describes the people who support a lead person in a major role,. Examples of this may include the clerk and junior barristers would form part of a senior barrister’s role set.
