Team Dynamics and Group Performance: Key Factors

**T8 Group: Defining Characteristics**

Identity, interdependence, interaction (structure), and common objectives.

**Other Characteristics**

• Climate
• Cohesion
• Communication
• Standards
• Values

**Structure**

Set in roles, status (derived from specific features and diffuse), and communication networks (set of rules that establish whether and how the exchange of information occurs).

**Working Groups and Group Performance**

**Factors Influencing Group Performance**

**Type of Task (Steiner)**

**Criteria**

• Divisible or unitary
• Optimizing or maximizing individual and group contributions

**Types**

• Additive: Sum of individual contributions
• Compensatory: Average of individual contributions
• Disjunctive: Product of each individual's contribution
• Joint Discretionary: The group decides the preferred course of action

**Process Losses**

• Loss of Coordination: Lack of harmonization
• Loss of Motivation:
  • Social loafing
  • Free-rider effect (benefiting from the group without contributing)

**Process Gains**

• Social Compensation Effect: Working harder to compensate for others' lack of effort

**Training and Development of Groups**

**Models: González, Silva, and Cornejo**

1. Preparation: Define the work to be done and assess the advantages and disadvantages.
2. Implementation Conditions: Design the task and provide resources to carry out the activity.
3. Training Team: Establish roles.
4. Provide Assistance: Offer support to the group as it evolves.

**Worchel Model**

Describes six phases in terms of the characteristics of the group process:

1. Period of Discontent: Members do not identify with the group.
2. Precipitating Event: Leaving the group and forming new groups.
3. Group Identification
4. Group Productivity
5. Individuation
6. Decline

**Techniques for Group Management**

Group dynamics involve a series of moments:

• Pre-group: Planning
• Initiation Group
• Production Group
• Evaluation Group

**Coordinator of the Group: Functions**

• Create a positive climate
• Motivate members
• Develop objectives
• Allocate responsibilities
• Coordinate activities
• Facilitate conflict resolution

**Technical Education Group**

**Related to Integration**

• Self-presentation
• Breaking the ice
• Improving intergroup relations

**Related to Task**

• Organization
• Decision-making
• Work content