1. Define groupwork.
Groupwork is “work done by two or more people together.”
2. List five characteristics of groupwork.
The text gives the characteristics listed below. A correct answer can consist of any five:
• A group performs a task (sometimes decision making, sometimes not).
• Group members may be located in different places.
• Group members may work at different times.
• Group members may work for the same organization or for different organizations.
• A group can be permanent or temporary.
• A group can be at one managerial level or can span several levels.
• There can be synergy (leading to process and task gains) or conflict in groupwork.
• There can be gains and/or losses in productivity from groupwork.
• The task may have to be accomplished very quickly.
• It may be impossible or too expensive for all the team members to meet in one place, especially when the group is called for emergency purposes.
• Some of the needed data, information, or knowledge may be located in many sources, some of which may be external to the organization.
• The expertise of non-team members may be needed.
• Groups perform many tasks; however, groups of managers and analysts frequently concentrate on decision making.
• The decisions made by a group are easier to implement if supported by all (or at least most) group members.
Groupwork is “work done by two or more people together.”
2. List five characteristics of groupwork.
The text gives the characteristics listed below. A correct answer can consist of any five:
• A group performs a task (sometimes decision making, sometimes not).
• Group members may be located in different places.
• Group members may work at different times.
• Group members may work for the same organization or for different organizations.
• A group can be permanent or temporary.
• A group can be at one managerial level or can span several levels.
• There can be synergy (leading to process and task gains) or conflict in groupwork.
• There can be gains and/or losses in productivity from groupwork.
• The task may have to be accomplished very quickly.
• It may be impossible or too expensive for all the team members to meet in one place, especially when the group is called for emergency purposes.
• Some of the needed data, information, or knowledge may be located in many sources, some of which may be external to the organization.
• The expertise of non-team members may be needed.
• Groups perform many tasks; however, groups of managers and analysts frequently concentrate on decision making.
• The decisions made by a group are easier to implement if supported by all (or at least most) group members.
