Kevin A. Gilbert Aspen University Professor Nydia Palomino September ,23, 2023

[Virtual Presenter] Kevin A. Gilbert Aspen University Professor Nydia Palomino September ,23, 2023.

[Audio] Groups as a Multi-Level System: The idea of groups as a multi-level system refers to the concept that groups, whether they are social, organizational, or any other type, can be understood and analyzed at multiple levels of ion or granularity. This perspective acknowledges that groups are not homogeneous entities but are composed of individuals who interact and function within the group context. To better understand this concept, we can break it down into three levels: Individual Level Group Level Societal/Environmental Level.

[Audio] Individual Level: At this level, the focus is on the characteristics, behaviors, and motivations of individual group members. Each person within the group brings their unique skills, personality traits, and perspectives, which can influence the group's overall dynamics and performance. Group Level: This level examines the group as a whole entity, considering its shared goals, norms, communication patterns, and the emergent properties that arise from interactions among members. Group-level analysis explores how group processes (e.g., leadership, cohesion, decision-making) affect outcomes. Societal/Environmental Level: Groups exist within a broader societal and environmental context. Factors such as culture, external influences, and the availability of resources can impact a group's functioning and performance. This level of analysis takes into account how the group interacts with and is influenced by its larger context..

[Audio] Understanding groups as a multi-level system involves recognizing that phenomena, such as group performance, cannot be fully explained by focusing solely on one level. Instead, a comprehensive understanding requires considering interactions and feedback loops between these levels..

[Audio] Theoretical Framework of Performance: A theoretical framework of performance provides a structured way to understand and analyze the factors that influence how well a group or individual performs a task or achieves a goal. One common framework for understanding performance is the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model: Inputs: Processes: Outputs:.

[Audio] Inputs: These are the resources, factors, or conditions that are available to a group or individual before they begin a task. Inputs can include knowledge, skills, tools, motivation, time, and environmental conditions. Processes: Processes represent the actions, strategies, and behaviors that individuals or groups engage in while performing a task. This includes planning, decision-making, coordination, communication, and problem-solving. Outputs: Outputs are the results or outcomes of the performance. These can be tangible, such as a completed project, a product, or a score on a test, or intangible, such as improved skills, knowledge, or team cohesion..

[Audio] Within this framework, performance can be influenced by various factors, including the quality and quantity of inputs, the effectiveness of processes, and external factors (e.g., luck or unexpected events). Additionally, feedback loops between inputs, processes, and outputs can further shape and improve performance over time..

[Audio] Personal Examples of Co-Action and Audience Effects Related to Group Performance: Co-Action Effect: Imagine you are part of a sports team, such as a basketball team. During practice, you notice that your performance, particularly your shooting accuracy, tends to improve when you practice alongside your teammates. This is an example of a co-action effect. When you see your teammates making successful shots or putting in extra effort, it motivates you to do the same, leading to an overall increase in the team's performance. The shared presence and actions of your teammates create a sense of competition and camaraderie, driving everyone to perform better collectively..

[Audio] Co-Action Effect: In a college study group, several students came together to prepare for a challenging exam. As they collectively tackled practice problems and discussed complex concepts, they found that their understanding of the material deepened. The act of co-action, where they were actively engaged in learning together, enhanced their individual learning outcomes. They were more motivated to stay focused and persisted longer in their study sessions because of the group's collective effort..

[Audio] Audience Effect: Consider a scenario where you are giving a presentation in front of a large audience as part of a group project for a class. You notice that you're speaking, and presentation skills significantly improve when you are in front of an audience compared to when you are practicing alone. This is an example of an audience effect. The presence of an audience, even if it's just your classmates and the instructor, can increase your arousal level and motivation to perform well. You are more likely to focus and engage in the task, leading to improved group performance during the presentation. The audience's attention and feedback play a crucial role in enhancing your group's performance in this context..

[Audio] Audience Effect: In a professional setting, during a team presentation to a high-level executive committee, team members experienced the audience effect. As they delivered their presentation, they were aware of the influential audience and felt a heightened sense of responsibility. This awareness led to increased effort and attention to detail in their performance. The presence of the executive committee as the audience influenced the group's performance positively, leading to a more polished and effective presentation..