Briefly explain the importance of group mechanisms that feature in the integrative model of organizational behavior. Give an example of each mechanism.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers and examples will vary but should demonstrate understanding of the group mechanisms that play a role in the integrative model. A sample answer follows.

Employees typically work in one or more work teams led by some formal (or sometimes informal) leader. Like the individual characteristics, these group mechanisms shape satisfaction, stress, motivation, trust, and learning. Team characteristics and diversity describe how teams are formed, staffed, and composed and how team members come to rely on one another as they do their work. For instance, the grouping of people with diverse skills into a team so they will complement each other shows this mechanism. Team processes and communication is how teams behave, including their coordination, conflict, and cohesion. For example, a team that knows the strengths and weaknesses of its members can focus on accentuating the strengths and lessening the weaknesses to improve performance. Leader power and negotiation is all about how individuals attain authority over others. For example, people are often made the leaders of groups because of their ability to motivate others. Leader styles and behaviors capture the specific actions that leaders take to influence others at work. For instance, a leader could advocate an accepting attitude of ideas during brainstorming sessions to promote group creativity.