Habitual routines in task-performing groups

Gersick, C. J.; Hackman, J. R.

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NASA NTRS · 20040090110

Habitual routines in task-performing groups

Gersick, C. J.·Hackman, J. R.

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Abstract

Groups, like individuals, often develop habitual routines for dealing with frequently encountered stimuli. Although such routines are consequential for group life and work, little is known about them. This paper reconnoiters the territory of habitual behavior in groups that perform work within organizations. We offer a definition of group habits, identify their functions and dysfunctions, suggest how they develop and are maintained, and identify the circumstances when they are likely to be altered or abandoned. Throughout, we give special attention to the social nature of habitual routines in groups, to the interaction between habitual behavior and group life cycle phenomena, and to the role of the organizational context in prompting, shaping, and terminating habitual routines.

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NASA Program Space Human Factors Review, Tutorial NASA Discipline Space Human Factors Review NASA Discipline Number 06-10 Non-NASA Center Habits Work/psychology Group Processes Task Performance and Analysis Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Psychology, Industrial Decision Making Social Behavior Human Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S

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Gersick, C. J., Hackman, J. R.. 1990-01-01. Habitual routines in task-performing groups. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20040090110

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