FOUNDATIONS OF GROUP BEHAVIOUR

GROUP FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT

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Contents

Introduction
Classification of Groups Group Formation

Group Properties
Conclusion
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Group : An Intro

Two or more individuals interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives.

They co-operate with each other to achieve their

objectives.

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Classification of Groups
Formal Group : A designated work group defined by an

organizations structure. These groups have defined task

and group will be structured.

Informal groups : A group that is neither formally

structured now organizationally determined; but formed

as response to the need for social contact.
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Formal Groups
Command Groups : A group composed of the individuals who report directly to a given manager.

Task groups : A group working to achieve a job or task. These groups are determined by organizations.

Informal Groups
Interest groups : Groups working together to attain a specific objective with which each is concerned.

Friendship group : People who come together due to some

common characteristics and interests.

Why do People join Groups

Security

Status
Self-esteem : Groups can provide feeling of self worth. Affiliation : Groups can fulfill social needs. Power Goal Achievement
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Group Formation stages

Group Formation Stages

1. Forming : This is the initial stage when there is lot of uncertainty 2. Storming : This stage involves intra group conflict regarding control and hierarchy 3. Norming Stage : After storming stage , members will develop close relationships and cohesiveness.

4. Performing Stage : This is the fourth stage when the group is finally fully functional 5. Adjourning Stage : The final stage in the case of temporary groups characterized by concern with wrapping up activities rather than performance

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Critics Five stage model

Groups formation is complex in nature. Its effectiveness is not based on five stages of formation. High levels of conflict may be conducive to high performance Groups wont proceed from one stage to another. It ignores organizational context.
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An alternative model for temporary groups

Punctuated-Equilibrium Model A set of phases that temporary groups with deadlines go through that involves transitions between inertia and activity.

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Different stages
1) First meetings sets the direction 2) Inertia 3) Half way point transition : when they used half of the allotted time 4) Major change is initiated 5) Second phase of inertia 6) Accelerated activity.
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Group properties
1) Roles : A set of expected behavior patterns attributed to some one

occupying a given position in a social unit.

a) Role identity : Certain attitudes and behavior consistent with a role.

b) Role perception : An individuals view how someone is supposed

to act in a situation. c) Role expectations : How others believe a person should act in a given situation. There is a psychological contract which determines it.

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5) Role conflict : A situation in which individual is confronted by divergent role expectations

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Group Norms

2) Norms

Acceptable standards of behavior within a group that are shared by group members. Group norms includes a) Performance norm b) Appearance norms c) Social arrangement norms d) Resource allocation norms
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The Hawthorne studies

A series of studies undertaken by Elton Mayo at Western Electric Companys Hawthorne Works in Chicago between 1924 and 1932

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Hawthorne studies
Research Conclusions

Worker behavior and sentiments were closely related.

Group influences were significant in affecting individual behavior.

Group standards were highly effective in establishing individual

worker output. Money was less a factor in determining worker output than were group standards, sentiments, and security.

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Conformity
Conformity : The adjustment of ones behavior to align with the norms of the group. People confirm to reference groups These are imp groups to which individuals belong or hope to belong and with whose norms they are likely to confirm. Solomon Asch study focused on Conformity . 75 % people tend to show conformity to group norms
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Examples of Cards used by Asch

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Deviant Work place behavior

Voluntary behavior that violates significant

organizational norms and, in doing so, threatens the well-being of the organization.

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Status
3) Status

A socially defined position or rank given to groups or group

members by others. What determine Status ? According to status characteristics theory , status is determined by : a) Power a person wields over other . b) Person ability to contribute to groups goals. c) An individuals personal characteristics
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Status and Norms : High status people are able to resist conformity pressures Status and Group interaction : Status differences actually inhibit diversity of ideas and creativity in groups.

Status in equity : It creates disequilibrium.

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Size
4) Size : Group size affects the groups behavior. Ex: Smaller and larger groups. Social Loafing : The Tendency for individuals to expend less

effort when working collectively than when individually.

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Cohesiveness
5) Group Cohesiveness : The degree to which group members are bonded \ attracted together and are motivated to stay in the group. Group cohesiveness can be encouraged by

1) Make the group smaller 2) Encourage agreement with group goals

3) Increase interaction time among members 4) Increase status and perceived difficulty being part of the group 5) stimulate competition 6) Reward the group 7) Physically isolate the group
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Relationship between group cohesiveness, performance norms and productivity

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Group Decision making Strengths

More complete information and Knowledge Increased diversity of views Higher quality of decisions (more accuracy) Increased acceptance of solutions

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Group Decision making

Weaknesses More time consuming (slower) Increased pressure to conform Domination by one or a few members Ambiguous responsibility

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Group Think and Group shift

Group think : Phenomenon in which the norm for consensus overrides the realistic appraisal of alternative course of action. Group shift : A change in decision risk between the groups decision

and the individual decision that member within the group would make;
can be either toward conservatism or greater risk

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Symptoms Of The Groupthink Phenomenon

Group members rationalize any resistance to the assumptions they have made. Members apply direct pressures on those who express doubts about shared views or who question the alternative favored by the majority. Members who have doubts or differing points of view keep silent about misgivings. There appears to be an illusion of unanimity.

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Group Decision making Techniques

Interacting groups : Typical groups, in which the members interact with each other face-to-face. Brainstorming An idea-generation process that specifically encourages any and all alternatives, while withholding any criticism of those alternatives. Nominal Group Technique A group decision-making method in which individual members meet

face-to-face to pool their judgments in a systematic but independent

fashion.
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Electronic meeting A meeting in which members interact on computers.

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Evaluating Group effectiveness

TYPE OF GROUP

Effectiveness Criteria Social pressure Money costs Speed

Interacting

Brainstorming

Nominal

Electroni

Number and quality of ideas Low

High Low Moderate

Moderate
Low Low Moderate

High
Moderate Low Moderate

High
Low High Moderate

Task orientation
Potential for interpersonal conflict Commitment to solution

Low

High

High

High

High High

Low Not applicable

Moderate Moderate

Low Moderate

Development of
High group cohesiveness High Moderate Low

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CONCLUSION

Groups can impart confidence , status and sense of security .

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