Friday, May 16, 2014

Unit 4 (P 34) Managing Work Teams: Concept, importance, types and formation of work groups

Groups in the Organization

  • A collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie (a spirit of friendly good-fellowship), and who work together to achieve a common set of goals.
  • A group is a collection of two or more interacting individuals with a stable pattern of relationships who share common goals and who perceive themselves as being a group.
  • Groups have boundaries—we know who is in them and who isn’t.
  • Groups can be really small or really large
  • Groups are really important because they affect the way we view the world, our sense of self, and our understanding of where we fit into the larger social scene.
  • School at Harvard University in the 1930’s and some sociologists named Alvin Gouldner and Peter Blau in the 1950’s showed that personal relationships at work place (or in group) lead to more efficiency than impersonal relationships.

Characteristics of groups:

  • Collection of people or individuals:
  • Interaction among members:
  • Mutual awareness/ shared goal and interest:
  • Group Norms
  • Group roles
  • Common goals
  • Group leader:
Importance of groups in organization:
  • Groups provide satisfaction to members:
  • Groups can solve problem better:
  • Groups can make better decisions:
  • Groups are good for implementing decisions:
  • Groups are more effective in controlling their members:
  • Groups contribute to the development of members personality:


Group Development/ Group Formation:
According to Tuckman's theory, there are five stages of group development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. During these stages group members must address several issues and the way in which these issues are resolved determines whether the group will succeed in accomplishing its tasks.


  1. Forming: This stage is usually characterized by some confusion and uncertainty. The major goals of the group have not been established. The nature of the task or leadership of the group has not been determined (Luthans, 2005). Thus, forming is an orientation period when members get to know one another and share expectations about the group. Members learn the purpose of the group as well as the rules to be followed. The forming stage should not be rushed because trust and openness must be developed. These feelings strengthen in later stages of development. Individuals are often confused during this stage because roles are not clear and there may not be a strong leader.
  2. Storming: In this stage, the group is likely to see the highest level of disagreement and conflict. Members often challenge group goals and struggle for power. Individuals often vie for the leadership position during this stage of development. This can be a positive experience for all groups if members can achieve cohesiveness through resolution. Members often voice concern and criticism in this phase. If members are not able to resolve the conflict, then the group will often disband or continue in existence but will remain ineffective and never advance to the other stages.
  3. Norming: This stage is characterized by the recognition of individual differences and shared expectations. Hopefully, at this stage the group members will begin to develop a feeling of group cohesion and identity. Cooperative effort should begin to yield results. Responsibilities are divided among members and the group decides how it will evaluate progress.
  4. Performing:  Performing, occurs when the group has matured and attains a feeling of cohesiveness. During this stage of development, individuals accept one another and conflict is resolved through group discussion. Members of the group make decisions through a rational process that is focused on relevant goals rather than emotional issues.
  5. Adjourning: Not all groups experience this stage of development because it is characterized by the disbandment of the group. Some groups are relatively permanent (Luthans, 2005). Reasons that groups disband vary, with common reasons being the accomplishment of the task or individuals deciding to go their own ways. Members of the group often experience feelings of closure and sadness as they prepare to leave.

Types of Groups in organization
Formal Groups
Formal group and institution could be defined as, the rules that are readily observable through written documents or rules that are determined & executed through formal position such as authority or ownership. They include explicit incentives, contractual terms, & firm boundaries as defined by equity positions, organizational charts and job descriptions generally reflect the formal structure or prescribed network in a given organization
A formal group is the deliberate and systematic grouping of people in an organization so that organizational goals are better achieved. 

    1.  COMMAND GROUPS.Command groups are specified by the organizational chart and often consist of a supervisor and the subordinates that report to that supervisor. It is permanent in nature where functional relationship exists. The members report to common supervisor. An example of a command group is an academic department chairman and the faculty members in that department.

   2.  TASK GROUPS.Task groups consist of people who work together to achieve a common task. Members are brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals within a specified time period. Task groups are also commonly referred to as task forces. The organization appoints members and assigns the goals and tasks to be accomplished. Examples of assigned tasks are the development of a new product, the improvement of a production process, or the proposal of a motivational contest. Other common task groups are ad hoc committees, project groups, and standing committees. 


Informal Groups
Informal group comprises of a small number of people who frequently participate in activities and share feelings for the purpose of meeting their mutual needs. The institution is a set of rules based on implicit understanding, being in most part socially derived and therefore not accessible through written developments or necessarily sanctioned through formal position. Informal groups are the natural and spontaneous grouping of people whenever they work together over a period of time.

Whenever people interact and work together over a certain period of time, it’s very natural for them and it comes very spontaneously for them, that they form informal groups.

    1.  Interest Groups:
Interest groups are associations or organizations of individuals who share a common interest and assert their collective strength in the political process to protect — and in some cases, expand — that interest. These groups may form for many reasons: to celebrate a common heritage, pursue a political or social agenda, shape a policy debate, or strengthen a profession or avocation. 

The term interest group refers to virtually any voluntary association that seeks to publicly promote and create advantages for its cause. It applies to a vast array of diverse organizations. This includes corporations, charitable organizations, civil rights groups, neighborhood associations, professional and trade associations

    2.  Friendship groups:
Friendships are becoming more significant in today’s world as other social bonds such as family and marriage may not last us a lifetime. Friendships have intrinsic value.
Figuring out friendship is part of growing up. It can be great to have a BFF or a group of pals to hang out with. Being part of a group can help make your day easier to deal with — and you can learn some great life skills like being a good listener, sharing experiences, and respecting people. Groups can form around things people have in common. The people in these groups feel they have a place where they are welcome and supported, and where they can be themselves, quirks(a peculiarity of action, behavior, or personality;) and all.

18 comments:

  1. work group is defined as two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who work together to achieve common goal...

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  2. A group is a number of persons ranged or considered together as being related in some way. it is also defines as a group is a collection of two or more interacting individuals with a stable pattern of relationships who share common goals and who perceive themselves as being a group.

    types of group

    Formal Group

    A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

    Informal Group

    Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group becuase they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.

    Characteristics of Effective Teams

    1. There is a clear unity of purpose.
    There was free discussion of the objectives until members could commit themselves to them; the objectives are meaningful to each group member.

    2. The group is self-conscious about its own operations.
    The group has taken time to explicitly discuss group process -- how the group will function to achieve its objectives. The group has a clear, explicit, and mutually agreed-upon approach: mechanics, norms, expectations, rules, etc. Frequently, it will stop to examined how well it is doing or what may be interfering with its operation. Whatever the problem may be, it gets open discussion and a solution found.

    3. The group has set clear and demanding performance goals
    for itself and has translated these performance goals into well-defined concrete milestones against which it measures itself. The group defines and achieves a continuous series of "small wins" along the way to larger goals.

    4. The atmosphere tends to be informal, comfortable, relaxed.
    There are no obvious tensions, a working atmosphere in which people are involved and interested.

    5. There is a lot of discussion in which virtually everyone participates,
    but it remains pertinent to the purpose of the group. If discussion gets off track, someone will bring it back in short order. The members listen to each other. Every idea is given a hearing. People are not afraid of being foolish by putting forth a creative thought even if it seems extreme.

    6. People are free in expressing their feelings as well as their ideas.

    7. There is disagreement and this is viewed as good.
    Disagreements are not suppressed or overridden by premature group action. The reasons are carefully examined, and the group seeks to resolve them rather than dominate the dissenter. Dissenters are not trying to dominate the group; they have a genuine difference of opinion. If there are basic disagreements that cannot be resolved, the group figures out a way to live with them without letting them block its efforts.

    8. Most decisions are made at a point where there is general agreement.
    However, those who disagree with the general agreement of the group do not keep their opposition private and let an apparent consensus mask their disagreement. The group does not accept a simple majority as a proper basis for action.

    9. Each individual carries his or her own weight,
    meeting or exceeding the expectations of other group members. Each individual is respectful of the mechanics of the group: arriving on time, coming to meetings prepared, completing agreed upon tasks on time, etc. When action is taken, clears assignments are made (who-what-when) and willingly accepted and completed by each group member.

    10. Criticism is frequent, frank and relatively comfortable.
    The criticism has a constructive flavor -- oriented toward removing an obstacle that faces the group.

    11. The leadership of the group shifts from time to time.
    The issue is not who controls, but how to get the job done.

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  3. Group in the organization:
    A group in an organozation is a collection of people with common interest, goals and who have regular contact and mutual understanding.

    Characteristics of group:
    It should be collection of people.
    The should have frequent contact.
    The should have common goals.
    They should have mutual interest and understanding.
    There should be group leader.

    Types of group:
    1) Formal Groups:
    A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

    2)Informal Group:
    Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group becuase they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.

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  4. Group in organization:
    A group is a collection of two or more interacting individuals with a stable pattern of relationships who share common goals and who perceive themselves as being a group.

    Characteristics of groups:
    -Members have a common purpose but work independently, sometimes competitive with one another
    -Individuals may have limited knowledge about one another
    -Meetings serve as a forum to receive reports and coordinate activity
    -Meetings follow an agenda with set time constraints
    -Attendance is not essential—the group can function with absent members and substitutes
    -The composition of the group may vary
    -Individuals rather that the group are recognized for effectiveness

    Importance of group in an organization:
    -Working in a group allows members to share responsibilities, rather than the brunt of the work falling in the hands of one person.
    -Group work helps spark creativity in the minds of the group members giving them a wider range of ideas as they work to come up with solutions for organizational problems.
    -Group work gives members an opportunity to explore diverse opinions, which can provide different points of view, as they work to solve problems.
    -Group work teaches members the essence of compromising and not insisting upon their own ways.
    -Groups are composed of individuals who may share some of the same knowledge and skills, however, often times, members come from different educational backgrounds and have different work and volunteer experiences, which uncovers strengths that one group member may have, while others are lacking.
    -Working in a group can help individuals build long-lasting relationships based on trust and loyalty.

    For a group development or group formation there are five stages of group development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.

    Types of group in an an organization
    Formal Group:
    A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

    Informal Group:
    Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group because they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.


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  5. Types of group they are:
    1formal group
    informal group

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  6. Group in organization:
    A group is a collection of two or more interacting individuals with a stable pattern of relationships who share common goals and who perceive themselves as being a group.

    Types of group:
    1) Formal Groups:
    A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

    2)Informal Group:
    Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group becuase they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.


    Characteristics of groups:
    -Members have a common purpose but work independently, sometimes competitive with one another
    -Individuals may have limited knowledge about one another
    -Meetings serve as a forum to receive reports and coordinate activity
    -Meetings follow an agenda with set time constraints
    -Attendance is not essential—the group can function with absent members and substitutes
    -The composition of the group may vary
    -Individuals rather that the group are recognized for effectiveness

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  7. Groups:
    A group is a collection of interacting employees who share certain norms and are striving toward member need satisfaction through the attainment of group goals.


    Characteristics of Group:
    -collection of individuals
    -interaction among members
    -mutual awareness
    -belongingness
    -group unity and solidarity
    -common goals
    -group norms
    -groups are dynamic
    -influence on personality


    Importance of groups:
    -groups provide satisfaction to members by fulfilling their social and affiliation needs.
    -groups are good problem solvers.
    -groups make better decisions than individuals.
    -groups are good for implementing decisions.
    -groups more effectively control their members.
    -groups contribute to the development of members' personality.


    Group formation:
    Tuckman and Jensen have suggested that task groups, like all others, go through feve basic stages of formation and development.they are:-
    -forming
    -storming
    -norming
    -performing
    -adjouring


    Types of groups:
    formal groups: there are two types of formal groups-
    -the command groups
    -the task groups

    informal groups: there are two types of informal groups-
    -the interest gorups
    -the friendship groups

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  8. Groups are a characteristic of all social situations and almost everyone in an organisation will be a member of one or more groups. The working of groups and the influence they exert over their membership is an essential feature of human behaviour and of organisational performance. The manager must use groups in order to achieve a high standard of work and improve organisational effectiveness.
    Formal groups

    Formal groups are created to achieve specific organisational objectives and are concerned with the co-ordination of work activities. People are brought together on the basis of defined roles within the structure of the organisation. The nature of the tasks to be undertaken is a predominant feature of the formal groups. Goals are identified by management, and certain rules, relationships and norms of behaviour established. Formal groups tend to be relatively permanent although there may be changes in actual membership. However, temporary formal groups may also be created by management for example, the use of project teams in a matrix organisation.

    Informal Groups

    Within the formal structure of the organisation there will always be an informal structure. The formal structure of the organisation and system of role relationship, rule and procedures, will be augmented by interpretation and development at the informal level. Informal groups are based more on personal relationships and agreement of groups members than on defined role relationships. They serve to satisfy psychological and social needs not related necessarily to the tasks to be undertaken. Groups may devise ways of attempting to satisfy members affiliations and other social motivations which are lacing in the work situation, especially in industrial organisations.

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  9. Characteristics of groups:
    Building a strong team that can achieve its objectives can be accomplished by incorporating certain characteristics that encourage success. After a leader is selected, team members are informed of the objectives and when goals are expected to be attained. The leader can have team members participate in team-building activities to establish trust and camaraderie among teammates.
    Setting Clear Objectives
    When building a team, objectives must be set in a clear manner. Goals should be specific, measurable, relevant and achievable within a particular time frame. When establishing goals, input from others in the organization can be included in the final copy. Objectives are presented to all team members so everyone is on the same page.
    Commitment of Team Members
    One characteristic of successful group team building is to make sure the members work for consensus on decisions. Ideally, each individual shares opinions, perceptions and feelings with other team members. If problems arise, the team member takes ownership of the situation and finds solutions instead of passing the blame to others. Team members of successful groups solicit feedback on their behavior so they can improve in the future. They are also thoroughly committed to the objectives.
    Interaction Among Teammates
    Another characteristic of successful group team building is to encourage team members to take ideas and suggestions from other members into consideration. Individuals trust and support their fellow teammates and involve them in decision-making. Individuals are also tolerant of differences among other team members and try out new ideas they suggest.
    Lines of Communication
    Team building requires a mechanism for communication between the team leader and team members and among members. Consistent communication in the form of newsletters, status reports, emails and meetings ensures that team members are up to speed on what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done.
    Definitive Decision-Making Process
    A successful group follows a procedure to make decisions and solve problems. This avoids the pitfall of extended and unproductive discussions that can result in frustration and inaction. A definitive procedure removes the burden of decision making from one team member with strong opinions. The clearly stated procedure ensures that all members of the group have a hand in decisions. This procedure may be to direct team members to reach consensus or decide by majority vote.

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  10. Group is defined as a cluster of two or more than two individuals who interact with each other on a relatively enduring basis, identify themselves as a belonging to a distinct unit and who share certain common activities, interest, values and goals.

    Characteristics of groups:
    1. Purpose: Groups always have a reason for being. The almost endless variety of reasons people form small groups can be divided into groups.

    2. Group Roles: Group behavior differs from interpersonal behavior primarily in its degree of formality. Participants in interpersonal situations have greater freedom in satisfying personal needs than group participants do. Groups can, however, help their members satisfy personal needs.

    3. Group Influence:All group settings include certain assumptions about the behavior of participants. These assumptions, typically called group norms, may be either explicit (verbalized rules and regulations) or implicit (unspoken but agreed upon). In a group situation, participants typically feel conflicting needs to conform to and to resist the group’s norms. Because participants seek prestige, acceptance, and status within the group, the situation also produces competition and conflict.

    4.Group Dynamics: Groups have two definite patterns of movement, one approximating a life cycle and the other involving the decision-making process. Despite variations from group to group, successful groups demonstrate similar progression through phases of interaction and through the process of making decisions.

    5. Decision-making Patterns: One of the most important steps for any task-oriented group is decision making, which occurs during the resolution state of the group’s life cycle.

    6. Group Communication and Leadership: Group characteristics and group dynamics influence the communication process indirectly, depending on the reasons for the group’s existence and the personalities of its members.

    7. Communication Structures: Group communication structures may be centralized or decentralized; each structure or network is particularly well-suited to solving certain kinds of problems. In centralized systems, the individual members have only limited access to the ideas and opinions of others. Communication flow is controlled by a leader.

    8. Communication Climate: The communication climate in a group is established in essentially the same way as it is in interpersonal communication.

    9. Group Leadership: Leadership consists of facilitating group interaction, member participation, and completion of the task.

    10. Improving Small Group Communication: The leader’s task is to ensure effective communication in the group. Group decisions have certain advantages, but they also have disadvantages. When a group decision is required, the leader must establish an environment favorable for group interaction and participation, clarify the group’s purpose, and provide the necessary planning and organization.

    Types of groups:
    1.Formal group
    A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

    2. Informal Group:
    Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group becuase they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.

    Group Formation:
    • Forming: Members get to know each other and seek to form group.
    • Storming: Members come to resist control by group leaders.
    • Norming: Members work together by developing close relationships.
    • Performing: Group member start to perform their given tasks.
    • Adjourning: Group dismiss after achieving their goals or if any members leaves.

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  11. Importance of groups in an organization:
    1. Group work helps spark creativity in the minds of the group members giving them a wider range of ideas as they work to come up with solutions for organizational problems.
    2. Group work gives members an opportunity to explore diverse opinions, which can provide different points of view, as they work to solve problems.
    3. Group work teaches members the essence of compromising and not insisting upon their own ways.
    4. Working in a group allows members to share responsibilities, rather than the brunt of the work falling in the hands of one person.
    5. Groups are composed of individuals who may share some of the same knowledge and skills, however, often times, members come from different educational backgrounds and have different work and volunteer experiences, which uncovers strengths that one group member may have, while others are lacking.
    6. Working in a group can help individuals build long-lasting relationships based on trust and loyalty.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Teams are formed when individuals with a common taste, preference, liking, and attitude come and work together for a common goal. Teams play a very important role in organizations as well as our personal lives.

    “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success-Henry Ford”

    The above proverb by Henry Ford can very well highlight the importance of working together in teams.

    Every employee is dependent on his fellow employees to work together and contribute efficiently to the organization. No employee can work alone; he has to take the help of his colleagues to accomplish the tasks efficiently. It has been observed that the outcome comes out to be far better when employees work in a team rather than individually as every individual can contribute in his best possible way. In organizations, individuals having a similar interest and specializations come together on a common platform and form a team.

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  13. Group is a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals.

    Importance of groups in an organization:
    Groups provide satisfaction to members:
    Groups can solve problem better:
    Groups can make better decisions:
    Groups are good for implementing decisions:
    Groups are more effective in controlling their members:
    Groups contribute to the development of members personality:

    ReplyDelete
  14. Managing Team Work
    4
    Types of teams
    Teams can be used for a variety of purposes. Let’s
    look at some of
    the types of teams:

    Working
    Teams:
    Teams that make or do things. These teams do the frontline
    work of every organization. They manufacture goods, conduct research, design
    systems, sell merchandise,
    and keep the records. They perform the tasks that
    are basic to the operation of the organi
    zation. Members are assigned to the
    teams on a permanent basis.

    Special Purpose Or Project Teams:
    teams that are formed to deal with specific
    situations such as improv
    ing quality or cutting cost
    s. They may be created to
    plan a new company activity, such as
    introducing a new product or service.
    They may be appointed to investigate
    and report on changes in systems or
    complying with a new gover
    nment regulation. These teams are sometimes
    called task forces or project groups. Members may all come from the same
    department or may by chosen from several departments in the organization.
    They may be detached from their usual work
    for the duration of
    the project, or
    they may continue their regular work
    and function as a special purpose team on
    a time limit to complete the assignment.

    Multifunction Teams:
    Teams that are drawn from several different disciplines.
    They may function on a perm
    anent or temporary basis.

    Self-directed Teams:
    Teams that do not have a
    permanent team leader. All
    members share leadership.

    Management Teams:
    teams that make management decisions. In some
    companies, a management team has repl
    aced the job of the president, some-
    times called “the office of the president”.
    In others, the chief executive officer
    (CEO) uses a management team to act as a “cabinet” that discusses and
    reaches consensus on major decisions.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Group in the organization:
    A group in an organozation is a collection of people with common interest, goals and who have regular contact and mutual understanding.

    Characteristics of group:
    It should be collection of people.
    The should have frequent contact.
    The should have common goals.
    They should have mutual interest and understanding.
    There should be group leader.

    Types of group:
    1) Formal Groups:
    A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

    2)Informal Group:
    Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group becuase they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Work Group provides the framework to develop and consolidate the open standards necessary to enable lifecycle management to evolve beyond the traditional limits of product lifecycle management (PLM).

    Members of The Open Group QLM Work Group gain professional advantage from the group’s resources, market insights and expertise in a global community of peers. They lead the development of standards and certification programs, which ultimately results in the delivery of interoperability projects faster and at lower cost. Vendors can collaborate on emerging open standards in a neutral forum, and demonstrate their compliance with those standards. Customers can influence the development of suppliers' products to ensure that they address real requirements and are interoperable.

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  17. Teamwork as a concept has grown over the last 20 years. However, teamwork success is not automatic. Teams have to be established for the right reasons. Team member selection is very important, as is ensuring that the team purpose is clear and agreed upon.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Generally speaking, this jacketed glass reactor is equipped with many features and advantages compared with other types of glass reactors. Here: www.toption-china.com/products/glass-reactor-with-jacket-10l. For example, it may adopt AC frequency control of motor speed, so the rev is steady. Meanwhile, it can’t produce any spark. And it is safe and wide moment.

    ReplyDelete