How to Figure Out What is Going On in a Groupi
(Some Key Elements of Group Dynamics and Team-Building)

We are used to focusing on the content of group activities—what the group is talking about and doing. In order to understand the group process, we must also pay attention to how the group is doing its work and how its members are interacting—communicating, making decisions, and so on. The following dimensions of group behavior provide information about the nature, structure and processes of work groups and teams.

A. WHAT MAKES A WORK GROUP EFFECTIVE The effectiveness of a work group can be measured by the degree to which it: 1. Accomplishes its task appropriately. 2. Enhances ability of its members to work together in the future (social system.) 3. Members experience personal growth and well-being. In order to achieve these objectives, the group must engage in appropriate processes that reflectii: 1. Sufficient effort to accomplish the task at an acceptable level of performance. 2. Adequate knowledge and skill brought to bear on the task. 3. Task performance strategies appropriate to the work and the setting Therefore, members of the group must not only pay attention to the content of group activities--that is, what the group is talking about and doing--but also to the group process—that is, how the group is going about its work and how its members are interacting. B. TASK AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF THE GROUP PROCESSiii Behavior in a group can be considered in terms of its apparent, as well as tacit, purposes or functions. The task and social dimensions of the group process are virtually inseparable.
 Task dimension: The work that the group is to perform—the job that group members have to do and

how they go about doing it—measured by how effective and productive the group is.
 Social dimension: The relationships of group members with one another—how they