Groups

GROUP: A collection of individuals.

--------Kelly and Thibaut.

GROUP DYNAMICS: The term group

dynamics was coined to describe the way groups
and individuals act and react to changing
circumstances.
----------Kurt Lewin

Definition of group: A group can be

defined as consisting of two or more individuals
who influence one another through social
interaction.
Classification of Groups
1.Formal Group-
A designated work group defined by the
organization's structure.
They are of two types-
(a) Command Group-A group composed of the
individuals who report directly to a given
manager.
(b) Task Group-Those working together to
complete a job task.
 Classification of Groups
2. Informal Group - A group that is neither
formally structured nor organizationally
determined; appears in response to the need
for social contact.
They are of two types-
(a) Interest Group -Those working together
to attain a specific objective with which
each concerened.
(b) Friendship Group-Those brought together
because they share one or more common
characteristics.
REASONS FOR FORMATION OF GROUPS

Reason Benefits
Reduce the insecurity of “standing alone”; feel
Security stronger, fewer self-doubts, and more resistant to
threats
Inclusion in a group viewed by outsiders as
Status important; provides recognition and status
Provides feelings of self-worth to group members, in
Self-esteem addition to conveying status to outsiders
Fulfills social needs. Enjoys regular interaction; can
Affiliation be primary source for fulfilling need for affiliation
What cannot be achieved individually often
Power becomes possible; power in numbers
Some tasks require more than one person; need to
Goal pool talents, knowledge, or power to complete the
achievement job. In such instances, management may rely on
the use of a formal group
 Groups Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness
Degree to which group members are
attracted to each other and are motivated to
stay in the group.
Increasing group cohesiveness:
2. Make the group smaller.
3. Encourage agreement with group goals.
4. Increase time members spend together.
5. Increase group status and admission difficultly.
6. Stimulate competition with other groups.
7. Give rewards to the group, not individuals.
8. Physically isolate the group.
Relationship of Cohesiveness to
Productivity
Cohesiveness
High Low
Alignment of group and
organizational goals

Strong increase Moderate increase

High in in
productivity productivity

Decrease No significant
Low
in effect on
productivity productivity
GROUP COHESIVENESS &
PRODUCTIVITY
 Cohesiveness reduces tension & provides a
supportive environment for the successful
attainment of group goals.
 High cohesiveness tends to have a positive impact
on satisfaction and reduces absenteeism, tardiness
& turnover among group members.
 Groups provide security & interdependency for the
members from outside pressures. This mutual
dependency & facing threat from a common danger
make groups work together.
 Success of the group brings team spirit &
enthusiasm among its members.
 Norms

Norms are acceptable standards of behaviour

within a group that are shared by the group’s
members.
 Norms pertaining to performance related process
 Appearance norms
 Norms pertaining to informal social arrangements
 Norms that regulate the allocation of resources
Committee Organisation
A committee may be defined as a group of
persons in an organization for making or
recommending certain decisions. A
committee is the most important form of
formal group.

The purpose and objectives of a committee

may be clear and concise, but as with any
group of people trying to achieve a common
goal, many other factors will determine
whether or not the committee will in fact
succeed in accomplishing its task.
Characteristics of Committee
 A committee is a group of persons; there should be at
least two persons limitation on the maximum number of
persons.
 A committee is charged with dealing with specific
problems and it cannot go in for actions in all spheres of
activities. Members of the committee have authority to go
into details of the problem. This authority usually is
expressed in terms of one vote for each member.
 A committee may have the authority either to make a
final decision or it may merely deliberate on problems
without authority to decide.
 A committee may be constituted at any level of
organization. Moreover, the members of a committee
may be drawn from various levels.
Advantages of Committees
There are several basic reasons for setting up committees
that are common to all regardless of the tasks they are to
complete.
3. Responsibilities are shared
4. More members become involved
5. Specialized skills of members can be used to best
advantage
6. Inexperienced members gain confidence while serving on
the committee
7. Matters may be examined in more detail
8. The organization is able to complete its business more
efficiently by delegating some work to committees
Disadvantages
3. Confusion over the respective roles of the board, sub-
committees and staff
4. Board may be unwilling to challenge the decision of
'expert' sub-committees
5. Decision-making process can become lengthy
6. Overload of meetings
7. Indefinite lifespan