Cliques

Definition

Cliques refer to small, exclusive groups within a larger social setting, such as a team or organization. These tight-knit groups form based on shared interests, backgrounds, or social connections, often excluding others who do not fit the group's criteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cliques can form at any stage of team development, but are more likely to emerge during the Storming and Norming stages as members establish their roles and social dynamics.
2. The formation of cliques can hinder team performance by creating communication barriers, limiting information sharing, and fostering an 'us vs. them' mentality.
3. Cliques can lead to the marginalization of certain team members, reducing their participation, commitment, and overall contribution to the team's success.
4. Leaders can mitigate the negative impact of cliques by promoting inclusive team-building activities, encouraging open communication, and addressing any underlying conflicts or power dynamics within the group.
5. Effective team management strategies, such as rotating team members or assigning cross-functional tasks, can help break down clique boundaries and foster a more collaborative team environment.

Review Questions

• Explain how the formation of cliques can impact team development during the Storming and Norming stages.
  • During the Storming and Norming stages of team development, cliques are more likely to emerge as members establish their roles, social connections, and group dynamics. The formation of these exclusive groups can hinder team performance by creating communication barriers, limiting information sharing, and fostering an 'us vs. them' mentality. This can lead to the marginalization of certain team members, reducing their participation, commitment, and overall contribution to the team's success. Effective team management strategies, such as promoting inclusive team-building activities and addressing underlying conflicts, are crucial for mitigating the negative impact of cliques and fostering a more collaborative team environment.
• Analyze the potential consequences of cliques on team dynamics and performance.
  • The formation of cliques within a team can have significant consequences on team dynamics and performance. Cliques can create communication barriers, limit information sharing, and foster an 'us vs. them' mentality, leading to the marginalization of certain team members. This can reduce the overall participation, commitment, and contribution of those excluded from the clique, hindering the team's ability to work effectively towards its goals. Additionally, the social dynamics and power dynamics within the team can become skewed, with clique members enjoying greater access to resources and decision-making processes. This can undermine team cohesion, trust, and the overall sense of shared purpose, ultimately compromising the team's performance and effectiveness.
• Evaluate the role of team leaders in addressing the challenges posed by cliques and promoting a more inclusive team environment.
  • Team leaders play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by cliques and promoting a more inclusive team environment. Leaders can proactively mitigate the negative impact of cliques by fostering open communication, encouraging team-building activities that bring members together, and addressing any underlying conflicts or power dynamics within the group. By actively promoting inclusive practices and addressing the root causes of clique formation, leaders can help break down the barriers that divide the team and foster a more collaborative, cohesive, and high-performing work environment. This may involve strategies such as rotating team members, assigning cross-functional tasks, and providing opportunities for team members to interact and build relationships outside of their established cliques. Ultimately, the leader's ability to recognize and effectively manage the challenges posed by cliques can significantly influence the team's overall success and development.

Related terms

In-Group: The members of a clique who are considered part of the exclusive group, enjoying the benefits and social status associated with belonging.

Out-Group: Individuals who are not part of the clique and are often perceived as outsiders, lacking the same level of social standing and access to resources.

Group Cohesion: The degree to which members of a clique feel united, connected, and committed to the group, fostering a strong sense of belonging and loyalty.