Internal support mechanisms in groups and teams

Few studies have investigated the attributes of group interaction that are used to support individuals and help them contribute to the group product. This exploratory study, aims to help address this problem and looks at groups in various contexts, including construction, to establish what group members do to encourage and support their colleagues. Most studies that have examined support mechanism have done so in educational setting. Therefore, in grounding this work reference is made to educational research. The focus of the research is group interaction and attempts made to encourage others to participate in the group discussion. The observations focus on data collected from professionals attending management and design team meetings. Also, interaction behaviours and tendencies that produce positive social responses are discussed and explored. In the construction meeting, few attempts were made to actively encourage those reluctant to participate to engage in the group discussion. The findings show that those who did successfully draw members into active conversation used a combination of techniques to encourage participation.