Assignment 1 Semester 2 2026
Unique number: 288232
Due date: 28 August 2026
QUESTION 1: WORKGROUP DYNAMICS AND DIVERSITY
1.1 Workgroup dynamics
Workgroup dynamics refers to the conscious and unconscious processes that
develop when employees interact within a group and with other groups in the
organisation. These processes influence how members think, feel, communicate and
respond to anxiety while working together towards a shared task (IOP2607, 2026,
Learning Unit 1, p. 2).
1.2 Examples of workgroup dynamics
One clear example is that only a few employees speak during meetings while many
remain quiet even when they disagree, but they later complain about management in
smaller groups. This behaviour shows workgroup dynamics because the visible
, QUESTION 1: WORKGROUP DYNAMICS AND DIVERSITY
1.1 Workgroup dynamics
Workgroup dynamics refers to the conscious and unconscious processes that
develop when employees interact within a group and with other groups in the
organisation. These processes influence how members think, feel, communicate and
respond to anxiety while working together towards a shared task (IOP2607, 2026,
Learning Unit 1, p. 2).
1.2 Examples of workgroup dynamics
One clear example is that only a few employees speak during meetings while many
remain quiet even when they disagree, but they later complain about management in
smaller groups. This behaviour shows workgroup dynamics because the visible
silence and later complaints reflect how group members respond to one another,
authority and hidden tension within the work setting (IOP2607, 2026, Learning Unit
1, p. 3).
A second example is the disagreement between the two experienced employees,
which caused other employees to choose sides and divided the production team into
two opposing groups. This represents workgroup dynamics because relationships
between individuals and subgroups changed, communication weakened and the
group became more focused on internal conflict than on completing its shared task
(IOP2607, 2026, Learning Unit 1, p. 8).
1.3 Negative effects on work performance and relationships
The first negative effect is lower productivity because employees are spending more
energy on disagreements and group tension instead of concentrating on producing
quality crops and meeting work demands. Workgroup dynamics can affect task
performance when group relationships and different interpersonal styles interfere
with the way employees use their abilities and work together productively (IOP2607,
2026, Learning Unit 1, p. 8).
The second negative effect is the breakdown of working relationships because
communication between the two groups has become poor and employees no longer