Effective groups

Effective groups

McGregor lists various characteristics of effective groups. Those shown in red were absent from the group and those in green are ‘ineffective group characteristics’

Semester 1 group characteristics

Semester 2 group characteristics

Informal relaxed atmosphere
Much discussion of issues
Objectives clearly understood
Commitment of members to each other
Commitment of members to project
Conflict is brought out into the open
Decisions are reached by consensus
Ideas are expressed freely and openly
Leadership is shared as appropriate
Discussion dominated by one or two people
Leadership dictates work.
Group avoids discussion about its behaviour.

Informal relaxed atmosphere
Much discussion of issues
Objectives clearly understood
Commitment of members to each other
Commitment of members to project
Conflict is brought out into the open
Decisions are reached by consensus
Ideas are expressed freely and openly
Leadership is shared as appropriate
Discussion dominated by one or two people

As the above table shows, over the six month period there was a significant transformation in the group structure towards becoming a more effective team. However, initial conflicts were still present, although these were minimal and discussion was still dominated by one or two people, although I do not agree with McGregor that this is a ‘ineffective group characteristic’, if all members equally contribute to the conversation, it is much more time-consuming and less productive, as more time is spent discussing instead of forming plans for action.