Groups

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 GroupA 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

Affiliation

Reduce the insecurity of “standing alone”; feel stronger, fewer self-doubts, and more resistant to threats Inclusion in a group viewed by outsiders as important; provides recognition and status Provides feelings of self-worth to group members, in addition to conveying status to outsiders Fulfills social needs. Enjoys regular interaction; can be primary source for fulfilling need for affiliation

Power

What cannot be achieved individually often becomes possible; power in numbers

Goal achievement

Some tasks require more than one person; need to pool talents, knowledge, or power to complete the job. In such instances, management may rely on the use of a formal group

Security Status Self-esteem

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. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Make the group smaller. Encourage agreement with group goals. Increase time members spend together. Increase group status and admission difficultly. Stimulate competition with other groups. Give rewards to the group, not individuals. Physically isolate the group.

Relationship of Cohesiveness to Productivity Cohesiveness

Alignment of group and organizational goals

High

High

Low

Strong increase in productivity

Decrease in productivity

Low

Moderate increase in productivity

No significant effect on productivity

GROUP COHESIVENESS & PRODUCTIVITY 

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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 

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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, subcommittees 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