Page 323 - F1 - AB Integrated Workbook STUDENT 2018-19

Individual, group and team behaviour

2.2 Group behaviour

When dealing with other individuals within a group, people can adopt different types
of behaviour.

 Assertive

 Aggressive

 Passive behaviour

2.3 Benefits of groups

There are a number of benefits from team working.

 Increased productivity – working as part of a group can result in a
better overall result than could be achieved if each person worked
independently.

 Synergy – Synergy describes the phenomenon in which the combined
activity of separate entities has a greater effect than the sum of the
activities of each entity working alone – often described as a way of
making 2 + 2 = 5.

 Improved focus and responsibility – each member can be given the
responsibility for specific tasks, avoiding overloading one person with
too much responsibility which may result in a loss of focus.

 Improved problem solving – having a group made up of members
with different abilities will mean a higher likelihood of having the
appropriate knowledge and skills to solve problems.

 Greater creativity – the idea that two (or more) heads are better than
one. Group discussions can generate and evaluate ideas better than
individuals working alone.

 Increased satisfaction – working as part of a group can bring social
benefits and a sense of belonging to its members. In addition the
group will offer support to its members and provide a facility for
individual training and development needs.

 Increased motivation – members will work hard for the other
members of the group. They will feel a collective responsibility and will
not want to let the other members down.

 Improved information flows – there will be more effective
communication through participation in group discussions.

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