Work Group

Explanations > Groups > Work Group

Description | Discussion | See also

Description

In a standard work group, the primary task (or work task) of a group is typically to do with achieving explicit goals that they have been given or have chosen. In the army it might be winning a war or taking a hill.

Motivation amongst the group to achieve the primary task is relatively similar and achievement of it is openly discussed. They generally work well together towards this end, acting as an effective work group.

Discussion

The work group was described by Wilfred Bion as the 'normal' position against which the The Basic Dependency Group may act, describing some of the curiously destructive or ineffective activities into which groups may fall.

The emotional climate for the primary task is similar to Klein's depressive position.