GROUP DYNAMICS

Introduction to Group Dynamics

What is a Group?

Definition of a group:

– Two or more individuals who are connected to one another by social relationships.

Features of Group

1. Interaction between members

2. Awareness

3. Group Perception

4. Shared Goal Interest

Types of groups

• Billions of groups in the world, but they can be classified into basic categories, or clusters

Congregations, work groups, unions, professional associations

Larger, less intimate, more goal-focused groups typical of more complex societies

Secondary groups

Families, close friends, tight-knit peer groups, gangs, elite military squads

Small, long-term groups characterized by face-to-face interaction and high levels of cohesiveness, solidarity, and member identification

Primary groups

ExamplesCharacteristicsType of Group

Formal Vs Informal Groups

Types of Formal Groups:

1.Command Groups

2.Task Groups

Types of Informal Groups:

1.Friendship Groups

2.Interest Groups

Formal Vs Informal

S.No.

FORMAL INFORMAL

1 Deliberately designed & structured

Emerge spontaneously and Naturally

2 Purpose – achievement of goals Satisfaction of social & personal needs

3 Formal Leadership People accepted Leadership

4 Formal relationships based on rationality, legality & contract

Informal groups based on personal, social and emotional elements.

5 Larger in Size Smaller in size

6 Communication - Chain of command

Informal communication

7 More stable Loosely structured

Reasons for Formation of Informal Groups

1. Companionship

2. Sense of Identification

3. Source of Information

4. Job Satisfaction

5. Protection of Members

6. Outlet for Frustration

7. Perpetuation of Cultural Values

8. Generation of New Ideas

Problems Created by Informal Groups

1. Negative attitude of Informal Leaders

2. Conformity

3. Resistance to Change

4. Rumor

5. Role Conflict

Stages of Group Development

Forming

Storming

Norming

Adjourning

Task

Performing

Theories of Group Formation

1. Propinquity Theory – spatial or geographical nearness

2. Homans Theory – Activities, Interaction and sentiments

3. Balance Theory – Newcomb

4. Exchange Theory – reward cost relationship

Group Dynamics

• Keith Davis – “the social process by which people interact face to face in small groups.”

• Group dynamics is concerned with the formation of groups, their structure & processes, and the way they affect individual members, other groups and organization.

Team Vs Group

S.No Groups Teams

1 Performance is summation of each member’s individual contribution

Synergy

2 Must have strong and focused leader

Shared Leadership Roles

3 Members are individually accountable

Both individual and mutual accountability

• Thank you