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Group Performance Factors

The performance of any group is affected by several factors. In a high-performing group, a group synergy often develops in which the group’s performance is more than the sum of the individual contributions of its members. The composition of a group plays an important role in determining group productivity. Group composition is most often described in terms of the homogeneity or heterogeneity of the members. A substantial amount of research has explored the relationship between a group’s composition and its productivity. The group’s heterogeneity in terms of age and tenure with the group has been shown to be related to turnover. Groups with members of different ages and experiences with the group tend to experience frequent changes in membership. A homogeneous group is likely to be more productive when the group task is simple, cooperation is necessary, the group tasks are sequential, or quick action is required. A heterogeneous group is more likely to be productive when the task is complex, requires a collective effort (that is, each member does a different task, and the sum of these efforts constitutes the group output), demands creativity, and when speed is less important than thorough deliberations. Social loafing is the tendency of some members of groups not to put forth as much effort in a group situation as they would working alone. Social loafing often results from the assumption by some members that if they do not work hard, other members will pick up the slack. How much of a problem this becomes depends on the nature of the task, the characteristics of the people involved, and the ability of the group leadership to be aware of the potential problem and do something about it. The best combination is for the group to be cohesive and for the group’s goals to be congruent with the organization’s goals.