Measurements of group effectiveness

Since the effectiveness of an organization depends mostly on the interaction among individuals, groups, and processes, a brief overview of group dynamics provides insight into the connection between organizational identity and effectiveness. Hackman (1987) proposes that an effective group process has three dimensions: input, process, and output. Input includes elements such as goals, tasks, technology, participants, size, and resources. The process is the way the group members work together. Output is what the group produces. However, an effective group is more than just a production model, as this simple model implies. Engleberg (2001) proposes that an ideal group succeeds because it has balanced task functions with social functions. A group's task dimension focuses on the job while the social dimension is concerned with the people. An effective group can balance the task needs of the organization with the social needs of the members. Hackman (1987) offers three dimensions for group effectiveness, as follows:

• Accomplishes Goals. The group accomplishes the goals they set out to accomplish.
• Satisfied Members. The members are relatively satisfied with the experience of being in the group.
• Future cooperation. The members are willing and able to work together in the future.

In short, while simplistic, the measurements for effectiveness considered for this paper are goal accomplishment, member satisfaction, and organizational viability.