Practical Group Dynamics, Essay Example

The aspect of group dynamics applied in management refers to the social and psychological processes taking place within any given social unit. Ideal groups go through some conventional steps from their inception instances to their maturity stage. Once groups are operational, certain social elements contributes towards developing and maintaining the various social relationships between members. This is referred to as group cohesion. Some specific elements facilitating cohesion are group leadership and group norms. A formal or an informal leadership position serves the purpose of providing direction to all the activities handled by members of a group. In this regard, leadership position within a group contributes towards cohesion and a sense of directionality. Group norms develop during the norming stage of group development. Group norms are standardized behavioral patterns acceptable by majority of a group’s members. These patterns determine or predict the appropriate course of action applicable in solving any underlying problem. In the context of group dynamics, a group leader is responsible for upholding and advocating for strict observation of these norms in responding to problems. In this context, we are going to respond to the following questions by applying the concepts of leadership in group dynamics.

Problem 1

In the first problem, the underlying issue involves a member with a paternal responsibility in hand. In this context, this group member plays a great role in executing a current project. His absence will result in delay and inefficiency of the group with respect to his assigned tasks. However, this situation calls for consideration of the social life of group members. Based on that, I will allow the member to take up a short paternity leave, and to notify the group willingly in case he is available during the leave to proceed with his tasks.

Problem 2

As a group leader, a retreat will be a great opportunity for my team to participate in appreciation programs. However, the group will not be able to participate in the retreat because of an ongoing project. Company’s objectives are given more priorities than social programs within the human resource department. In addition, my group is short of time and needs every available day to complete the project. In this case, I will request my boss to consider postponing the group’s retreat week in order to complete the project within the stipulated time.

Problem 3

Communication and development of cohesion are some important elements which fosters productivity in my group. In the case of a disruptive engineer, I will recommend some mentorship or counseling programs meant to instill professional negotiation skills to the engineer. This will discourage development of the black sheep effect towards the member, hence maintaining his high productivity level.

Problem 4

Based on the consideration of the overall organization’s objectives, I will allow her to incorporate three of my resourceful members of my group in addressing the issue of changed scope in her project. This will present an opportunity for the remaining members of my group to shine in their respective responsibilities since the top members are absent. In the long run, I will end up developing a more skilled team where each member has the opportunity and the ability to handle challenging tasks.

Problem 5

My group will suffer inevitable setback from the loss of a loved member. In this case, loss of a loved member will affect most social and professional bonds within the group. I acknowledge that another new member in my team will not act as a perfect replacement. As a group leader, I will encourage all members to embrace the new replacement and focus on the employee’s technical contribution as a positive quality. This will avoid a situation where the employee will be sidelined because of his or her introverted personality.

Problem 6

Among the group members, I have solved numerous problems at their personal level. In this context, I will advise the subordinate to consider setting out priorities between professional and family duties. As a matter of fact, it would be appropriate for the member to switch off his or her phone during working hours to avoid disruption from family members. This will ensure he finishes his assigned task in time to avoid delay in the entire project.

Problem 7

My group members will not be happy to learn that one of our best clients has cancelled the group’s project. In this case, I will develop a consoling message to my group members meant to revamp their morale concerning group responsibilities. In addition, I will work towards availing another substitute task so that the members do not stay idle. This will boost their attitude and reduce the time spent in focusing on the cancelled project.

Problem 8

In this case, an employee who was eligible for the same position as me must possess resourceful skills. His skills and expertise will transform the technical efforts of handling projects in the team. However, a competitive spirit may ensue between my authoritative position and this new member. In this case, I will give him an opportunity to lead one of the teams within the group. This will serve to minimize the negative feelings of competition.

Problem 9

In the case where my goals fall short of pre-determined benchmarks, I will seek detailed clarification from individual team members. I will summon responsible group members and brainstorm the problem in order to ascertain the actual degree of deviation of a project from expected results. Upon determining the underlying problem, I will formulate mechanisms for executing additional efforts and adjustments to correct the deviation.

Problem 10

Within my group, I will highlight the importance of corporation and team work. Negative social aspects like gossip will disintegrate my group and compromise productivity. Therefore, I will advice the divisive employee to consider integration for purposes of corporation within the group. In case the member persists with his or her social distraction during work, I will forward the issue to the human resource department responsible for employees’ conduct.

Problem 11

In case of a conflict, I will exercise my authority as a group leader and summon the fighting members for deliberation. I will employ my conflict resolution skills in trying to create a compromise between these two members. In this case, I will advise them to place technical duties ahead of personal differences. This will ensure improved productivity of these members, hence increasing chances of completing the group’s project on time.

Problem 12

In case another PM grabs part of my project, I will seek assistance from my senior regarding the most appropriate course of action to take. I will seek management’s attention to recognize the part of the project that will complete. This will avoid a situation whereby the other project manager will be given credit for my efforts. In addition, if the same PM tries capturing part of my team, I will intervene by asking for clarification concerning work boundaries and labor division within my department. This will solve any case relating to implicitly spelled work responsibilities assigned to my group.

Problem 13

Within the team, everyone wishes for promotion just like me. When management informs another member of my group about a promotion opportunity, I will follow any required proceedings in fighting for that position. As a group leader, I will ensure I complete any bending project in time. In addition, I will relate with the eligible group member in order to acquaint myself with any reliable information. This will increase my chances of being considered for the open position.