Intergroup Behavior and Performance

Groups require optimum information flow, integrated goals, and coordination with rules and procedures. This resource looks at the interaction between different groups. It asks, "What happens when one group in an organization must interact with another?" This is a critical question for organizations because all businesses are made up of different groups that have to interact with each other. This extends to small businesses because they must interact with external groups such as suppliers and contractors. As you read, take notes on the three types of group interdependence: pooled, sequential, or reciprocal. Think about what the author says about what interdependent groups need to function and apply those same criteria to what a single group needs to function.

Introduction

  • What are barriers to intergroup cooperation, and how do you take action to minimize such impediments and understand how to get the most out of the collective actions of groups in organizations in order to enhance industrial competitiveness?
We are now ready to move on to an examination of intergroup behavior. That is, what happens when one group in an organization must interact with another? Clearly, in any corporation, a high degree of intergroup interaction is vital to organizational success. Even in small companies, the production group must interact with the sales group, and both must accommodate the finance and accounting groups. Without smooth intergroup relations, organizational effectiveness and industrial competitiveness are virtually impossible.

Source: OpenStax, https://opentextbc.ca/organizationalbehavioropenstax/chapter/intergroup-behavior-and-performance/
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