Group Behaviour
Payal Bhansali 0908126 Shruti Swaminathan - 0908139
The Definition:
According to Dr. Paul B. Paulus (1989): A group consists of two or more interacting people who share a common goals, have a stable relationship, are somehow inter dependent, and perceive that they are in fact, part of a group.
Nature of Groups:
Members of a group interact with each other. Members of a group are inter dependent on each other either directly or indirectly. Members of a group share a stable relationship with one another.
Members of a same group share common goals.
Members of a group share a structured interaction. All Members must feel a part of the group.
Nature and Scope:
Groups influence their members through: Roles (assigned functions) Status (relative standing) Norms (rules concerning behaviour)
Cohesiveness ( factors that make members remain)
Properties of Groups:
There are two attributes of a group: A group includes only people who share some norms and values about something. A group also consists of people with inter related social roles.
Why do people join groups?
To satisfy important psychological and sociological needs (the need to give and receive attention, the feeling of being needed, etc.). To achieve common goals. Groups provide us with knowledge and information.
Groups meet the need for social security.
Groups help in establishment of social identity.
Types of Groups:
Apart from the two main categories primary and secondary groups there also twelve different types of groups
Transitory Group
Recurrent Group Formal Group
Command Group
Task Group Functional Group
Informal Group
In Group Out Group
Interest Group
Friendship Group Reference Group
Primary Group:
Primary groups are small groups with intimate, kinship-based relationships.
Secondary Groups:
Secondary groups are larger and more formal. They are mainly institutional and are less cohesive.
Transitory Group:
When several people happen to be in same place at the same time, but who may never be again. Their interaction is minimal.
Recurrent Group:
When the members of a group meet regularly from time to time.
Formal Group:
A formal group has rules and regulations, scheduled meeting time, roles assigned to members, and has membership.
Informal Group:
An informal group lacks the formality of formal group. It has no rules and regulations.
In Group
An in group is simply any group someone belongs to and feels emotional attachment to the members.
Out Group:
Out group is one that someone doesnt belong to and feels the competition and/or hatred towards. These will differ for individuals.
Command Group:
Command groups are specified by the organizational chart and often consist of a supervisor and the subordinates that report to that supervisor.
Task Group:
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.
Functional Group:
A functional group is created by the organization to accomplish specific goals within an unspecified time frame. Functional groups remain in existence after achievement of current goals and objectives.
Interest Group:
Interest groups usually continue over time and may last longer than general informal groups. Members of interest groups may not be part of the same organizational department but they are bound together by some other common interest.
Friendship Group:
Friendship groups are formed by members who enjoy similar social activities, political beliefs, religious values, or other common bonds.
Reference Group:
A reference group is a type of group that people use to evaluate themselves. Reference groups act as a frame of reference to which people always refer to evaluate their achievements, their role performance, aspirations and ambitions.
Group Morale:
It is one of the most important characteristics of a group.
Group Morale refers to the level of group functioning, unity and solidarity of the group.
There can be two types of Morale : High Morale or Low Morale.
Group Morale:
It is one of the most important characteristics of a group.
Group Morale refers to the level of group functioning, unity and solidarity of the group.
There can be two types of Morale : High Morale or Low Morale.
Group Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness the extent that group members are attracted to each other and to the group values and accept group goals It is the pressure on the individual member to remain active in the group and resist leaving it As the cohesiveness of a work group increases, the level of conformity to group norms also increases
Group Cohesiveness Model
Required Interaction Common Values Common Enemy Superordinate Goal Resource Availability Goal Success Conflict Resolution External Interaction SKD AOI EAP SKD EAP APG
Productivity
Cohesiveness
Satisfaction
Group Status
Rigor of Initiation
Learning
Group Cohesiveness: Sources of Attraction to a Group (1 of 2)
1.
The goals of the group and the members are compatible and clearly specified The group has a charismatic leader
The reputation of the group indicates that the group successfully accomplishes its tasks
2. 3.
Group Cohesiveness: Sources of Attraction to a Group (2 of 2)
4.
The group is small enough to permit members to have their opinions heard and evaluated by others The members support one another and help one another overcome obstacles and barriers to personal growth and development
5.
GROUP MORALEMorale is the state of mind
or attitude of an individual or group towards the work and environment i.e. towards the superior, fellow members of the group and goals of the organization as well as the task assigned. A favorable attitude is an indication of high morale, while an unfavorable attitude indicates low morale.
FACTORS AFFECTING GROUP MORALE
Advancement and promotional opportunity: An organization in which capable employees have opportunities of advancement in their career through promotion is highly preferred by ambitious people. The scope of promotion to position of higher responsibility and remuneration is a positive factor that determines the morale of [Link] Conditions and health: The living conditions of employees which contribute to the physical and mental health also affect morale indirectly. People who live under satisfactory conditions naturally have a better attitude in relation to their [Link] Environment: Conditions in the work place have of course a direct impact on morale. Provision for safety, health care, and welfare of employees help a great deal in building up their morale.
Group Competition v/s Co-operation
Human like all animals form co-operative groups to compete for limited resources.
All life is ultimately competitive because the natural tendency of any population is to explode, all though it is kept in check by the limited food supply.
Competition brings out the beast in us, co-operation brings out the best in us.
Group Co-operation
Co-operation has an impact on individuals working together in several key areas.
Not only it does it create more fluid leadership but it allows everyone to participate actively without fear of censure.
Co-operative individuals are better adjusted psychologically and physically healthier than their more competitive counter-parts.
Ways to facilitate cooperation:
Focus on doing well. Allow ample time.
Use similar language.
Share leadership. Learn co-operative problem solving tools. Practice reciprocity. Share resources and information.
Reinforce team efforts.
GROUP v/s INDIVIDUAL DECISION MAKING
Groups Decision Making
None of us alone is as smart as all of us together (Myers, 2002)
more people = more information more people to do more work more people means people can do what they are best at
Groups Decision Making
groups can discuss, process information (check for errors, etc.) groups have standards for deciding (e.g., majority rules) people are more likely to follow through if part of a group that decided is not caused by any one mechanism, but by several processes
Why make decisions in Groups?
The effectiveness of groups as decision makers Examples: investment groups, advisory boards, planners Individual vs. group decision making Majorie E. Shaws (1932) study of groups vs. individuals Individuals solved fewer problems than groups
Vrooms Normative Model of Decision Making: theory of decision making that predicts the effectiveness of decisional procedures across a number of group settings
Individual vs. Group Decision Making
Autocratic I & II leader solves the problem on his/her own with information available at the time or obtains information from group members and then decides
Consultative I & II leader either shares the problem with selected group members or the entire group
Vrooms Normative Model of Decision Making: Group the leader discusses the problem with the members of the group. Together the leader and members devise options for a solution. The leader acts as a chairperson of a committee & does not try to influence the group to adopt a certain a certain solution. Procedure must fit the problem to be solved and the decision to be made
Individual vs. Group Decision Making