Out-groups are not uncommon, particularly when a group comes together to accomplish a task or resolve a problem. Think about it, eight co-workers are planningto go out for dinner. Sixwant Mexican foodand the remaining 2 want Italian. The latter two opt out and do not go to dinner. Thiscould be a red flag signaling the formation of an out-group. Out-group refers to individuals who feel they are not part of the larger group; they are a subset-somewhat disconnected. Out-groups form for a variety of reasons and their members can feel disconnected, unaccepted, discriminated against, powerless or ineffective. The existence of out-groups is not a good thing for either the members of the out-group or the members of the larger main group. Out-groups are a major concern for leaders as their presence indicates the team is not operating at full capacity. Group cohesiveness and synergy areimpacted. Effective leaders anticipate the potential for out-groups, look for their development and employ specific strategies to re-engage these individuals with the larger group.

Application - For this posting, select a classmate's example and identify & describe 2 strategies from the course materials which could be effective to address the issue of their out group.

Classmate's example : ----- > In my high school Computer Science class, the girls in my class and I seemed to form an out-group, as we felt looked down upon by the boys in my class. During group projects, it seemed as though they wanted to take over and did not trust us to be able to complete the tasks. Northouse writes that out-groups often form as people "sense that they are in opposition to the larger group" (Northouse, pg. 254). As the girls began noticing the behavior of some of the boys, or members of the larger group, it made us feel unwelcomed and as though we were not skilled enough. As a result, we began to form our own group, separated from some of the boys in our class. Northouse notes that out-groups "can have many adverse effects" (Northouse, pg. 255). My teacher and many of my classmates began noticing the effects of the out-group, as assigned group projects became difficult because students were no longer collaboratively working together efficiently, and the environment in the classroom became more tense.