Analyzing Work Groups

Group Norms

“Group norms are the shared expectations and guidelines for how group members should behave.

They serve an important function; they are prescriptions that summarize past learning about how the

group can best function. They also provide an efficient way to regulate team members’ behavior and

make it more predictable.” [Linda A Hill and Michel J. Anteby HBS 9-407-032]

While I was working at British Airways, I had to form a team consisting of 4 members and I had to distribute power and influence according to their expertise and communication skills. This is crucial in achieving team goals and by maintaining the hierarchy; it helps team to work in an organized and collective way.

Roles

Some on has to take the wheel. For instance, In the NPD group Waters has emerged as an informal leader. Vidreaux has also elected to take on the leadership functions of monitoring the group’s process and resolving conflicts. Carney, because of his disdain for an important norm, has become a social deviant. [Illustrated from HBS 9-407-032]

During my services at British Airways, I was assigned as a Team Leader. As a Team Leader, I had to form a sub-group, assign tasks among group members and establish group norms.

Rituals, Myths, and Shared Language

“Groups also evolve rituals, myths, and shared language over time that serves to reinforce

members’ social ties and shared perspectives. Thus, NPD team members have already embraced one

ritual: the lunchtime brainstorming sessions. As a new group from outside Merit, the team has no

myths about past heroic