Cliques

Definition

Cliques refer to small, exclusive groups within a larger team or organization that form close-knit social bonds and often operate independently from the rest of the group. These subgroups can have a significant impact on team dynamics and performance over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cliques can form naturally as team members with similar interests, backgrounds, or personalities gravitate towards one another.
2. Cliques can lead to the exclusion of certain team members, creating an 'us vs. them' mentality and hindering overall team cohesion.
3. The presence of cliques can stifle open communication, creativity, and the sharing of diverse perspectives within the team.
4. Cliques may engage in in-group favoritism, undermining the team's ability to make objective and impartial decisions.
5. Strong leadership and team-building exercises can help mitigate the formation of cliques and promote a more inclusive team environment.

Review Questions

• Explain how the formation of cliques can impact team development over time.
  • The formation of cliques within a team can have significant negative impacts on team development over time. Cliques can lead to the exclusion of certain team members, creating an 'us vs. them' mentality and hindering overall team cohesion. This can stifle open communication, creativity, and the sharing of diverse perspectives, as clique members may engage in in-group favoritism and resist outside input. Over time, the presence of cliques can undermine the team's ability to make objective and impartial decisions, ultimately hindering the team's overall performance and effectiveness.
• Analyze the relationship between cliques and group cohesion within a team.
  • Cliques and group cohesion are closely related, as the formation of small, exclusive subgroups can directly impact the overall cohesion of the team. While cliques may promote strong social bonds and a sense of belonging among their members, they can also lead to the exclusion of other team members, creating a fragmented and less cohesive team environment. This lack of overall group cohesion can make it more difficult for the team to work collaboratively, share information, and achieve common goals. Conversely, strong team-building efforts and inclusive leadership can help to mitigate the formation of cliques and foster a greater sense of unity and cohesion among all team members.
• Evaluate the potential long-term consequences of unresolved clique dynamics within a team.
  • Unresolved clique dynamics within a team can have significant long-term consequences that can hinder the team's overall development and performance. If left unchecked, the presence of cliques can lead to the perpetuation of in-group bias, exclusion, and poor communication, ultimately undermining the team's ability to make effective and impartial decisions. This can result in decreased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities, as diverse perspectives are suppressed in favor of the clique's preferred approaches. Furthermore, the lack of overall team cohesion can make it more difficult for the team to adapt to changing circumstances or overcome challenges, as the team may be divided and unable to work together towards common goals. Effective leadership, team-building exercises, and a focus on promoting inclusivity and open communication are crucial for addressing and resolving clique dynamics to ensure the long-term success and development of the team.

Related terms

In-group Bias: The tendency of individuals to favor and show preference towards members of their own social group over those outside the group.

Group Cohesion:

The degree to which members of a group are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group.

Groupthink:

A psychological phenomenon where people in a group unconsciously conform to the group's beliefs and decisions, often resulting in poor decision-making.