Dynamics of Group Formation and Types of Groups

Neethu Dilver
MBA TT Roll no 18

GROUP

Two or more people who interact with each other to accomplish certain goals or meet certain needs.

Group Dynamics
The term popularized by Kurt Lewin Group Dynamics is closest to Lewins use of the term suggesting internal nature of the groups as to how they formed, what their structure and processes are, how they function and affect individual members, other groups and organizations.

Group Dynamics
3 views regarding the nature of group dynamics

Normative view, second view and final view (closest to Lewins concept)

 Normative View : the way group is organized and conducted Member participation, overall cooperation

Second View : includes a set of techniques like role plays, brainstorming, team building, self-management etc.
Final View : how they form, their structure and processes, how they function and affect individual member, other groups and the organization

CONCEPT OF GROUP DYNAMICS

Concept was put forward by Kurt Lewin to study group decision, group productivity, group interaction, group cohesiveness and group communication.

Group Dynamics
The group dynamics is that division of social psychology that investigates the formation and change in the structure and functions of the psychological grouping of people into self-directing wholes.

GROUP FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT

 Organizational motives to join groups: Organizations form functional and task groups because such groups help the organization in structuring and grouping the organizational activities logically and efficiently. Personal motives to join groups: Individuals also choose to join informal or interest groups for unimportant reasons. Since joining these groups is voluntary, various personal motives affect membership. Some of these are shown in the figure 11.1: Interpersonal attraction: Individuals conic together to form informal or interest group, as they arc also attracted to each other. The factors that contribute to interpersonal attraction are sex, similar attitudes, personality and economic standing. The closeness of group members may also be an important factor.

Interest in-group activities: Individuals may also be motivated to

join an informal or interest group because the activities of the group appeal to them. Playing tennis, discussing current events or contemporary literature, all these are group activities that individuals enjoy. Support for group goals: The individuals may also be motivated goals by the other group members to join. For example, a club, which is dedicated to environmental conservation, may motivate individuals to join. Individuals join groups, such as these in order to donate their money and time to attain the goals they believe in and to meet other individuals with similar values.

Need for affiliation: Another reason for individuals to join

groups is to satisfy their need for attachment. Retired/old aged individuals join groups to enjoy the companionship of other individuals in similar situation. Instrumental benefits: Group membership sometimes also helpful in providing other benefits to an individual. For example, a manager might join a Rotary/ Lions club if he feels that being a member of this club will lead to important and useful business contacts.

Dynamics of Group Formation

Theory of propinquity People associate to one another due to spatial or geographical proximity Major drawback exclude the complexities of group formation Theory based on activities, interactions and sentiments

Balance Theory of Group Formation

Individual X
Together

Z (Common attitudes & values)

Influence each other

influenced

Religion
Politics Lifestyle Marriage Work Authority

Individual Y

Exchange Theory of Group Formation

based on reward-cost outcomes of interactions

minimum positive level must exist for group formation i.e., rewards > cost incurred
Major roles - propinquity, interaction & common attitudes

STAGES OF GROUP FORMATION

STAGE -I FORMING: CONFUSION- not certain about
purpose, task and leadership.

 STAGE II STORMING: conflict and confrontation(disagreements).

STAGE III NORMING: settling down, coop, collaboration

STAGE IV PERFORMING: group fully functional, devoted to task at hand.

STAGE V ADJOURNING: end of group/ new modified group happy

sad
depressed

Performing

Norming

Task

Storming

Adjourning Forming

Types of Groups
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".

Functional or formal groups 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.

Informal group 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.

Informal groups are of following types:

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.