Chapter-4 (Group & Work team)
Definition of group
The word group is very familiar to us especially in every organization. Group
is very important to do the particular task easily. Generally group is the combination
of two or more people.
In other words when two or more people work together to do a particular job
or to achieve a particular goal or objective then it is called group.
According to Robbins & Judge “Group means two or more individuals,
interacting and interdependent, who work together to achieve a particular objective
According to Business Dictionary “Group means collection of individuals who have
regular contact and frequent interaction”.
At last we can say that when more than two person’s work together to perform
a definite task or to reach an objective or a goal it is called group.
Types of groups
We know that group means two or more people who work together to achieve
particular objectives. There are different types of groups and each of the group has
distinct characteristics.
Group can be either formal (official) or informal (unofficial). Again it can be
subdivided as command group, task group, interest group and friendship group.
Command group and task group is considered under formal or official group and
interest group and friendship group is under informal or unofficial group.
Now a brief description of each type of groups is given below:
1. Formal group: When two or more people work together in an structural or
organizational way to perform assigned tasks or to achieve particular objectives
then it is called formal or official group. The six members making up an airline
flight crew is an example of formal group. Different types of formal group as
follows……
Task group: When people work together to complete a particular task is called
task group. Such a group consists of 8 members to investigate the actual cause of
campus crime is the example of task group.
Command group: A group composed of the individuals who report directly to
a given manager is called Command group. Such as a departmental manager
and his 10 subordinates form a command group.
2. Informal group: The group that is structured neither formally nor
organizationally rather it appears in response to the need for social contract is
called informal or official group. Three employees from different departments
who regularly eat lunch or have coffee together is an example of informal
group. Examples of informal groups as follows…..
Interest group: When people work together to attain a specific objective with
which each is concerned is called interest group. As for example, Employees
raise their voice to increase the salary and wages is considered as an interest
group.
Friendship group: If the group is formed outside the work situation on the basis
of one or more common characteristics or homogeneity of individuals then it is
called friendship group.
The stages of group development
Group generally passes through a standardized sequence in their evolution.
This sequence is called five-stage model of group development. Although all groups
do not follow this sequence research provide a useful framework for understanding
group development. These stages are briefly described below:
1. Forming stage: Forming is the first stage of group development,
characterized by a great deal of uncertainty about the purpose, structure and
leadership of the group. This stage determines what types of behaviors are
acceptable. And this stage is completed when members think themselves as a part of
the group.
2. Storming stage: It is the second stage of group development, characterized
by intra-group conflict. In this stage members accept the existence of group but there
is a conflict over who will lead and control the group. It provides a clear hierarchy
of leadership within group.
3. Norming stage: This stage of group development is characterized by close
relationship and cohesiveness. There is a strong sense of group identity and
friendship among group members. It provides a group structure and a common set
of expectations.
4. Performing stage: In the performing stage the group becomes fully
functional and acceptable to all group members. Here group members know and
understand each other. In case of permanent work groups, performing is the last
stage of group development.
5. Adjourning stage: It is the last stage of group development for temporary
group. This stage emphasizes on wrapping up activities rather than task
performance. In this stage group prepares for its disbandment.
Reasons for group formation/joining group
There is no single reason for why people join groups. Generally, people join in
numbers of groups because different groups provide different benefits to its members.
The most popular reasons people have for joining groups are given below:
1. Security.
2. Status.
3. Self-esteem.
4. Affiliation.
5. Power
6. Goal achievement.
Now they are briefly discussed below:
1. Security: By joining a group, an individual can reduce the insecurity of
standing alone. Besides people also feel stronger if they are part of a group.
2. Status: When an individual is included in a group he achieves more
recognition and status from others. So people become interested to join in a group
due to gain status.
3. Self-esteem: In addition to conveying status group also increases the feeling
of worth to the group members. It is also an important reason why people join in
group.
4. Affiliation: Many people join in group because they enjoy regular interactions
with group members that fulfill their need for affiliation. Therefore, groups can
fulfill social needs.
5. Power: Power is the ability to influence others or change situation. It is said
that there is a power in numbers. What cannot be achieved individually that can be
achieved easily through group action. So they want to be included in group.
6. Goal achievement: For accomplishing some tasks it requires more than one
person, their talents, knowledge or power. In this case management relies on formal
group.
Finally, we can say that above are the most important reasons for which
individuals want to join in a group. Actually the group is needed for better
performance.
Work team-
A work team is a group of employees who collaborate to achieve a common goal or
task within an organization. These teams often bring together diverse skills and
perspectives to enhance productivity and innovation.
A work team is a group of employees who collaborate to achieve a shared goal or
objective within an organization. They often have diverse skills and work
interdependently, leveraging their combined strengths to complete tasks efficiently.
Key Characteristics:
Interdependence: Team members rely on each other to accomplish the
team's objectives.
Shared Goal: All members are working towards a common purpose.
Diverse Skills: A mix of skills can lead to more effective problem-solving
and innovation.
Collaboration: Teamwork involves the combined efforts of individuals to
achieve a shared outcome.
Group work vs Team work
Key elements for building effective teams:
Define clear goals and purpose:
A shared understanding of the team's objectives and how individual contributions
contribute to the overall success is crucial.
Define roles and responsibilities:
Clearly outlining what each team member is responsible for, including their skills
and expertise, helps to avoid confusion and duplication of effort.
Foster strong communication:
Open, honest, and frequent communication channels are essential for sharing
information, addressing concerns, and building trust.
Cultivate trust and collaboration:
Trust within the team allows members to feel comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks,
and working together effectively.
Encourage active participation:
Create a space where all team members feel valued and have the opportunity to
contribute their ideas and expertise.
Establish a strong leadership:
Effective leadership sets the tone for the team, provides guidance, and motivates
members to achieve their goals.
Address conflict constructively:
Develop strategies for managing conflicts effectively and constructively, promoting
a healthy and productive team environment.
Celebrate successes and recognize contributions:
Acknowledge individual and team achievements to foster a positive and motivating
culture.