Interpersonal and Group Behavior 3

Concept of Groups

When two or more people gather together, they form a group. They converse. They are reliant on one another. Their interests are comparable. They accomplish shared goals.

It's crucial to comprehend group dynamics if you want to comprehend organizational behavior. The interactions and forces that occur among group members in a social setting are the subject of group dynamics.

Definition

According to Stephen P. Robbins, "A group is defined as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives."

According to Arnold and Feldman, "A work group is a collection of two or more people who interact with each other, share similar interests, and come together to accomplish some work activity."

Official Group, The structure of the organization determines it. It was created with official sanction. It is depending on position. It has duties to be completed through work assignments. It is comparatively long-lasting. Members adhere to established policies and practices. Unofficial Group (Clique), It is a group that is neither formally organized nor predetermined in terms of organization. It develops organically within the workplace without management's approval. Members share interests and require social interaction. Membership is optional. A single person may belong to many unofficial groups. Persons are its main priority.

Group Structure

Every group is organized. The group's structure has an impact on how its members behave. It influences group dynamics. Variables related to group organization are independent variables.

• Roles
• Norms
• Status
• Group Cohesiveness

Status

A socially determined rank bestowed on individuals or groups by others is known as status. It plays a significant role in comprehending behavior. It captures the important behavioral repercussions of status symbols and status equity.

• Titles, a company car, a personal secretary, a designated parking space, a membership in an exclusive club, etc. are examples of status symbols.
• Equity of status is crucial for group behavior. Members of the group should view the hierarchy of status as fair. Disequilibrium is caused by status inequality.

In general, groups can agree on ranking criteria within the group.

Example statuses include:

• Having the proper education from the appropriate university
• Residing in a desirable neighborhood
• Participation in clubs
• Executives' rights
• Having the ideal vehicle
• Choosing the appropriate company to work with

Group Cohesiveness

The degree of group cohesion varies. The level of attraction and motivation among a group's members to stick together is referred to as cohesion.

Sources of a Cohesive Group

They include:

• Interaction: Group cohesion is fostered by frequent encounters between members.
• Threat: External dangers encourage group cohesion by uniting the members.
• Entry: The more difficult it is to join a group, the more cohesive it is.
• Collaboration: A collaborative environment in a group strengthens cohesiveness.
• Common Objectives: Common objectives strengthen group cohesion.
• Attitudes and values: Cohesiveness is improved by shared attitudes and values among group members. They provide beliefs social validation.
• Group size: A small group fosters cohesion. Large gatherings limit communication opportunities, foster conflict and unhappiness, and reduce opportunities for connection.
• For a group to be productive, there must be group cohesion. Cohesion and productivity, however, are related to the performance standards set by the organization. Higher productivity is the result of high performance standards set by a cohesive group.
• Additionally, cohesiveness fosters better communication, conformity, and morale among group members.
  • Comparable members make homogeneous groupings more cohesive.
  • Success for the group: it encourages cohesion. The group's goals are agreed upon, and everyone succeeds in achieving them.
  • Smaller groups have a tendency to be more cohesive.
  • More interaction: Group cohesion improves as members spend more time together.
  • Status of the group: Boost status to make joining the group challenging.
  • Competition with rival groups from outside sources helps to maintain group cohesion.
  • Reward the group as a whole rather than the individual participants.
  • Promote common ideals and attitudes among group members.

Implication for Group Behaviour

Group cohesion has an impact on the productivity of the group. But it might encourage groupthink.