GROUP & GROUP DYNAMICS

NATURE OF GROUPS
Definition of a Group
A group consists of two or more persons who
interact with each other consciously for the
achievement of some common objectives. The
members of the group are mutually inter-dependent
and are aware that they are part of the group.
- Martin E.Shaw
A group is any number of people who interact with
one another, are psychologically aware of one
another, and perceive themselves to be a group.
-Edgar Schein

Characteristics of groups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Interaction
Activities
Norms
Leadership
Cohesion
Conformity
Awareness
Group Perception
Common Objectives & Goals

Importance of Work Group for

Organisation
1.
2.
3.
4.

Helps to develop interpersonal attraction

Improves social interaction
Helps in need satisfaction
Helps in self- improvement, diversity of knowledge,
abilities and skills
5. Fosters socialization
6. Helps in establishing and measuring reality
7. Facilitates achieving worthwhile goals& objectives
8. Helps in getting jobs done
9. Provides communication channels as instruments
in effective attainment of goals
10. Facilitates group decision making
11. Works as a Motivator

Defining and Classifying Groups

Groups
Two or more individuals interacting and
interdependent, who have come together to
achieve particular objectives
Formal Group
A designated work group defined by the
organizations structure.
Informal Group
A group that is neither formally structured now
organizationally determined; appears in
response to the need for social contact

Defining and Classifying Groups

(contd)
Command Group
A group composed of the individuals
who report directly to a given manager.

Task Group
Those working together to complete a
job or task

Types of Groups (Contd.)

Interest Group
Those working together to attain a
specific objective with which each is
concerned.

Friendship Group
Those brought together because they
share one or more common
characteristics.

Theories of Group Formation

( Informal Groups )
1.
2.
3.
4.

Propinquity Theory
Homans Interaction Theory
Balance Theory
Exchange Theory

Propinquity Theory
Propinquity means nearness
Individuals affiliate with one another
because of spatial or geographical
proximity.

Homans Interaction Theory

Theory based on activities, interactions
and sentiments which are related to one
another
The more activities persons share ,the
more numerous will be their interaction
and stronger will be their shared
activities and sentiments

Balance Theory
Propounded by Newcomb, it states that
similarity of attitudes towards relevant goals
as the basis of group formation
People are attracted to one another on the
basis of similar attitudes towards commonly
relevant objects and goals
They try to maintain a symmetrical balance
between the attraction and common
attitudes

Exchange Theory
Based upon reward-cost outcomes and
interactions
A minimum positive level (rewards greater
than costs) of an outcome must exist in
order for attraction to join a group
Rewards from interactions gratify needs while
costs incur anxiety, frustrations,
embarrassment and fatigue

Why People join Groups

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Status
Self Esteem
Affiliation
Security
Power
Goal Achievement

GROUP DYNAMICS-STUDIES
What is Group Dynamics?
Dynamics comes from Greek word meaning force.
Group dynamics refers to the interaction of forces between group
members in a social situation.
Different views of Group Dynamics1.Group Dynamics describes how a group should be
organised and operated which includes democratic leadership,
participation and cooperation.
2.Group Dynamics is a set of techniques to make groups more
effective like role playing,brainstorming,leadrless group, group
therapy, sensitivity training, etc.
3.Group Dynamics is viewed from the internal nature of
groups ,their formation, structure and processes and the way
they affect individual members, other groups and the
organisation
This view is more prevalent.

Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics has been defined as the
social process by which people interact face
to face in social situation
Group Performance Factors:
Composition,Size,Norms,Cohesiveness

Group Composition
The degree of similarity or difference
among group members on factors
important to the groups work.

Composition of the group has been found to

be optimal when there is a mix of member
types. groups with only one type, such as
shapers( those who define group tasks)
have been found to be less successful than
those with shapers, coordinators, completefinishers, and team players.
A recent study on group composition found
that members who had higher cognitive
ability, achievement, and openness had
superior performance

Task Variables and Group Composition

Group Performance Factors:

Size
Size
The number of members of the group; size
affects the number of resources available
to perform the task.
Social loafing is the tendency of some
members of groups to put forth less effort
in a group than they would if working
alone.

Social Loafing
Performance

Group Size

Other Conclusions
Odd number groups do better than even
Groups of 7 or 9 perform overall better
than smaller or larger groups

Group Performance Factors:

Norms
Norms
A norm is a standard against which the
appropriateness of a behavior is judged.
Group norms usually are established during the
second stage of group development.

Norms serve four purposes:

Norms help the group survive.
Norms simplify and make more predictable the
behavior expected of group members.
Norms help the group avoid embarrassing
situations.
Norms express the central values of the group and
identify the group to others

The Hawthorne Studies

A series of studies undertaken by Elton Mayo at
Western Electric Companys Hawthorne Works
in Chicago between 1924 and 1932.
Research Conclusions:
Worker behavior and sentiments were closely related.
Group influences (norms) were significant in affecting
individual behavior.
Group standards (norms) were highly effective in
establishing individual worker output.
Money was less a factor in determining worker output
than were group standards, sentiments, and security.

Group Performance Factors:

Cohesiveness
Group Cohesiveness
The extent to which a group is
committed to remaining together.
The forces that create cohesiveness
are:
Attraction to the group.
Resistance to leaving the group.
The motivation to remain a member of
the group.

Factors that Affect Group Cohesiveness and the

Consequences of Group Cohesiveness

Relationship Between Group

Cohesiveness, Performance
Norms, and Productivity