Different aspects of group behaviour have been the subject of much research and are of particular interest as humans are naturally social animals with the need to belong to a group. 'Important elements of our self concept come from being part of a group,' says Dr Douglas Howat, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Coventry University.
Meredith Belbin started by looking at patterns in group dynamics, he developed a system of key roles that characterise a successful management team, putting people in the right role improves productivity and decreases stress.
In the 1960s, the psychologist Robert Zajonc put forward the theory of 'social facilitation', which argues that people actually do better on simple well-rehearsed tasks when they're with others than when they're alone. However, when it comes to complex tasks, this performance falls off.
Belbin's inspiration comes from a rather unusual source. 'I am very keen on the idea of the cellular network, which is the way social insects like honey bees and termites co-operate,' he says. He believes that the old 'top-down' hierarchy is collapsing and that the future lies with the cellular network.
Questions
1. Interaction with other members of a group is the most effective way of helping individuals
2. Commercial organisations need to consider changing their structures.
3. Being part of a group affects the way we see ourselves.
4. Achievement when performing in groups depends on the activity.