TOPIC 3
GROUP BEHAVIOUR
3.1 Definition of a Group
According to Marvin Shaw, “a group comprises, of two or more persons who interact with one another in such a manner that each person influences and is influenced by each other person’.
Group Behaviour
“Group behavior” refers to the ways people behave in large- or small-group situations.
3.2 Functions of groups in organizations
i. Distribution and control of work
This is bringing together and controlling teams of peoples with certain talents and abilities.
ii. Delegation of work
Organization authority needs to be delegated to leaders of work groups.
iii. Spread of information Groups disseminate information better than individuals.
iv. Uniting the organization in pursuit of its goals Organization can use work groups as a means of gaining the support of workers for organizations goals.
v. Analyzing and solving problems In order to solve problems and make policy, the organization can use high level work groups made up of people with a wide range of talents.
vi. Conflict and resolution The organization cannot resolve conflicts of its employees at an individual level, because in large organizations there may be too many conflicts hence its better done in groups.
3.3 Types of Groups
In an organization, there are three types of groups, which are as follows:
Functional or formal groups
Functional groups are the groups formed by the organization to accomplish different organizational purposes. According to A L Stencombe, “a formal group is said to be any social arrangement in which the activities of some persons are planned by others to achieve a common purpose”. These groups are permanent in nature. They have to follow rules, regulations and policy of the organization. A formal organizational group includes departments such as the personnel department, the advertising department, the quality control department and the public relations department.
Task group
Tasks groups are the groups formed by an organization to accomplish a narrow range of purposes within a specified time. These groups are temporary in nature. They also develop a solution to a problem or complete its purpose. Informal committees, task forces and work teams are included in task groups. The organization after specifying a group membership, assigns a narrow set of purposes such as developing a new product, evaluating a proposed grievance procedure, etc.
Informal group
Informal groups are the groups formed for the purposes other than the organizational goals. Informal groups form when individuals are drawn together by friendship, by mutual interests or both. These groups are spontaneous. According to Keith David, “the network of persons and social relations which is not established or required form an informal organization”. These are the groups formed by the employees themselves at the workplace while working together. The organization does not take any active interest in their formation. Informal groups are of following types:
- Interest group: Interest groups are the groups formed to attain a common purpose. Employees coming together for payment of bonus, increase in salary, medical benefit and other facilities are the examples of interest groups
- Membership group: Membership groups are the groups of individuals’ belonging to the same profession and knowing each other. For example, teachers of the same faculty in a university.
- Friendship group: Friendship groups are the groups of individuals belonging to same age group, having similar views, tastes and opinions. These groups can also be formed outside the plant or office and can be in the form of clubs and associations.
- Reference group: Reference groups are the group where individuals shape their ideas, beliefs, values etc. They want support from the group.
3.4 Stages of Group Formation
New groups are constantly being formed in all walks of life .These may be formal units, committees working parties, project teams e.t.c. To deal with the new development or innovations or arising from a reorganization of existing work patterns. They may also be informal group based around new friendships and interest.
Stage 1 Forming
The first stage of group development is concerned with finding out the nature of situation with which the group is faced and what forms of behavior and interaction are appropriate. Members will test out attitude and behavior to establish their acceptability as ground rules for accomplishing the task and getting along with other members. Competing powerful personalities can lend to problems in early development explorations of what is acceptable within the group.
Stage 2 Storming
Leading on from the forming stage in which certain ground rules are explored , it is likely that there will be a stage of conflict and disagreement as methods of operations and patterns of behavior start to be firmed up .This where different opinions and styles emerge with competing sub-groups, challenges for leadership , rebellions against control and resistance to the demands of meeting task requirements. A degree of compromise is necessary here in order to allow consensus to emerge.
Stage 3 Norming
As resistance is overcome and conflicts patched up, groups move into the norming stage whereby they establish norms of attitudes and behavior which the mutually accepted for the task performance and interaction .Individual members begin the process of internalizing those norms and identifying with group ,building group cohesion.
Members roles start to be clarified and accepted at this stage .The role of leader should be clearly established. the establishment of consensus brings recognition of the value and different potential contributions of individuals and this results to cooperation and mutual support from group work.
Stage 4 Performing
This is the final stage in development and it represents the position where the group energy is now available for effective work, completing task and maintaining the group. The established norms now support the goals of the group and roles becomes functional ,thus allowing constructive work in relation to tasks .
3.5 Factors that determine the behavior of groups and how successful they are
- Size
The sizes of the group will affect how the group works together and tasks completed.
- Leadership /management style
It can affect the performance of the group -It involves the organization and directions’ of the group to achieve its goals .
iii. Cohesiveness
If the group is not cohesive it will tend to be ineffective.
- Motivation of group members
The commitment of members to the goals and tasks of the group are a key determinant of successful performance.
- Norms of groups
This includes belief systems, attitudes and values of the group, that influence behavior.
- Group /team roles
Effective groups need members to carry out a variety of roles in order that goals and tasks of group many be achieved .
vii .The environment
The work environment will have a direct bearing on the group and its performance.
viii. The group task
This includes the task that groups are asked to complete , how important they are and how urgent and how the results help the company achieve its objectives.
