Chapter 7 – Effective Groups & Organizations

Understanding Groups

Types of Groups

What are the characteristics that make a group effective?

The purpose of the groups may differ but they have some common traits of effectiveness

Most effective groups have a good social dynamic

Social dynamics: good interpersonal relationships among the group members

Other effective group traits are open communication and respect for each other

There are many groups/organizations at school but they can be put into the following categories:

  • Academic groups
  • Service clubs/organizations
  • Athletic teams/groups
  • Career oriented groups

Other Traits of Effective Groups

  • Supportive Climate: an environment that encourages creativity among group members in a noncompetitive way
  • Other traits of a supportive climate include:
  • Diversity among members
  • Strong commitment & participation by members
  • Clear purpose/message that is understood by all members
  • General agreement among most members
  • The size of the group can have a big impact on how effective they are as well

Academic Groups

  • Examples would be science clubs, NHS, Spanish club, etc
  • Often the students in these groups have the reputation of being smart and getting good grades
  • Leaders with these club/organizations should make sure the groups purpose is clearly stated
  • Leaders in this group also uphold the high standard of the group
  • Responsibilities for members of this group:
  • Share expertise with others by serving as a peer-tutor
  • Provide advice and encouragement for new members
  • Serve as a student representative on school committees

Service Clubs/Organizations

  • These students have the desire to serve and help others
  • They may be called service providers
  • They may be admired by others for their commitment to service
  • Responsibilities for members of this group:
  • Be a good listener with empathy towards others’ feelings, concerns, or situations and offer support
  • Serve as a peer-mediator to resolve student conflict
  • Learn to collaborate with others organizations in the school or community

Athletic Teams/Groups

  • These groups are similar to other school groups they usually just have more public support
  • A person’s character and ability are good things to consider when choosing a team captain
  • Team captain is also chosen based on athletic skill
  • The responsibilities of members of an athletic group are:
  • Promote and enhance the school’s image, values and spirit
  • Participate in academic study groups
  • Be a good role model by displaying good sportsmanship, and good behavior on and off the field

Career Oriented Groups

  • These students are interested in exploring and preparing for careers
  • These groups promote careers in agriculture, business, health and technology
  • Examples of these groups are FFA, DECA, FCCLA
  • By joining one of these groups you can develop your skills and prepare for a career in that area

Understanding Group Culture

Culture: the beliefs, values, language and dress that are characteristic of a certain group of people

If a group is not diverse you may want to find out why

If you value diversity and the group does not then your culture will conflict with the group culture

Ask Questions before joining the Group

  • Ask group members about the group before joining them
  • Also ask people who are not members of the group what their opinion of the group is
  • Ask the following questions before joining the group:
  • Why am I interested in joining this group?
  • How does the group make me feel about myself?
  • What are my expectations of the group?
  • Do I understand the group’s purpose?
  • Does the group’s purpose conflict with my beliefs or values?

**Answer questions on pg.171 (in notebook)

Followership in Support of Leadership

Leaders and Followers Need each other

The saying “ together we can accomplish more” describes the importance of collaboration between leaders and followers

Reasons for becoming a follower

  • Followership: the act of following a leader’s guidance and direction
  • 4 common reasons people follow a leader:
  • They are trustworthy and have integrity
  • They are forward thinkers and have creative ideas for solving problems
  • They are committed to the purpose of the group
  • They are friendly and give a sense of belonging and acceptance

Following for the Wrong Reasons

  • People follow for fear of losing a friend or being left out
  • People follow because it is less risky and they can stay in their comfort zones
  • Leaders have more responsibility and have to take the blame if something goes wrong

Types of Followers

There are many types of followers in a group

Gatekeeper: closely monitors the daily operations and activities of the group

The gatekeeper works closely with the leader

Gatekeepers will become leaders in their group or in other groups

There are 5 other types of followers:

  • Active followers
  • People who think on their own and are willing to take responsibility for their own actions
  • Active followers sometimes fail to consider the thoughts and opinions of others
  • Leaders need to manage active followers without damaging their spirit or support for the group
  • Passive followers
  • People who need consistent direction from the leader and supervision
  • Leaders need to offer words of encouragement to help motivate these followers
  • They need to be reminded they will not be punished for taking risks and making mistakes
  • Situational followers
  • These people make the change from follower to leader because of a situation
  • Example of a situational follower is Scottie Pipen; he was a trainer and manager for his college team until one day he was asked to fill in for an injured teammate. The rest is history
  • Negative followers
  • They are smart and independent thinkers but distance themselves from others
  • They are negative followers because there is a lack of trust in the leader or they have been disappointed in the group
  • They need to be made known that their opinion is important

Followers Becoming Leaders

  • The growth and success of your school is based on the development of leaders
  • A good leader prepares followers to take over leadership positions
  • Leaders can help followers become leaders by:
  • Providing a supportive climate that promotes creativity and growth
  • Listen and give advice when asked
  • Provide challenging leadership opportunities
  • Serve as a mentor to keep them focused on becoming a leader

**Answer questions on pg.176(in notebook)

The Changing Work Ethic

The Meaning and Value of Work Ethic

Work ethic: a person’s character, values, beliefs and behaviors as related to work.

In the 16th century there was a cultural expectation that people would do meaningful work

During the Industrial Revolution work ethic became even more important as the nation moved from agricultural jobs to manufacturing jobs

In the past people had a job that was physically demanding

Now some people don’t even leave their home to go to work because they can do it on their computers

We are now in the Information Age which brings an new understanding of work ethic

What Work Looks Like Now

  • Many people today work because they enjoy it not because they feel an obligation to society
  • As the work environment changes so does the way people work.
  • Businesses are more global and that also effects the work ethic

A Good Day’s Work

Today people seem to be more focused on themselves and how they can be helped

When you accept a task to do put forth your best effort or do you want to know how it will benefit you first?

Compensation: what you will receive in return for completing a task

Work ethic is closely tied to personal integrity, not how much money you will receive

Work that is meaningful and enjoyable results in a better work ethic

If you believe your job has purpose you will be more committed and want to do a good job

Volunteers and unpaid interns are good examples of the connection between work ethic and personal integrity

They work to do a good job and build a stronger society

Your attitude about chores at home and school work will likely transfer how you feel about your work in the future.

A good attitude and doing your best will serve you well in your future employment.

Work Ethic is an Invisible Honor Code

  • You will gain self-resepect for following your personal code
  • It will set you apart from other leaders
  • Qualities or traits that should be part of your honor code/work ethic include:
  • Good attendance: be one time, attend the meetings, school, group meetings as expected. Let someone know if you are going to be gone or late
  • Positive attitude: enjoy what you do and try to assist others in getting the job done
  • Good personal appearance: dress appropriately and stay healthy and fit
  • Open communicator: share thoughts and opinions clearly and openly.
  • Quality performance: always do the best of your abilities

**Answer questions on pg.181 (in notebook)