There are many elements to go into creating and maintaining a successful, effective group. For example, in order to decide on the appropriate size for a group, a manager must not only know what tasks need to be accomplished but also how interdependent those tasks are. Task interdependence refers to the degree to which the work performed by one member of a group influences the work performed by other members.

In this exercise, you will identify the type of interdependence that exists for a diverse set of groups.

Instructions: For each scenario, select the type of interdependence portrayed.

1. Jessica - Is a member of a sales group. The sales made by each individual representative are totaled to determine the overall monthly success of the sales department.

(Click to select) Pooled Interdependence Sequential Interdependence Reciprocal Interdependence

2. Konrad - Has a new worker who has joined the production crew. That worker is slowing down the entire assembly line. As a result, pay will be lower until the new worker gets up to speed.

(Click to select) Pooled Interdependence Sequential Interdependence Reciprocal Interdependence

3. James - Is a member of a new product development team. Members have to be in constant communication and ready to respond at any time to unexpected changes.

(Click to select) Pooled Interdependence Sequential Interdependence Reciprocal Interdependence

4. Helen - Is a computer graphics illustrator. Her entire CGI team has nothing to do because editing of the live action scenes in the film they are supposed to be working on has been delayed.

(Click to select) Pooled Interdependence Sequential Interdependence Reciprocal Interdependence

5. Terence - Works at a school that receives government funding. The student load for each teacher is added to that of the others to determine the total number of students taught, which in turn determines the amount of funding.

(Click to select) Pooled Interdependence Sequential Interdependence Reciprocal Interdependence

6. Trina - Leads a surgical team which must coordinate its actions seamlessly. Communication is the key to the level of coordination needed between all the team members.

(Click to select) Pooled Interdependence Sequential Interdependence Reciprocal Interdependence