BCom Notes Part II Management Group

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Group

Define Group, why they are formed? Group Defined

From times immemorial, man has lived in a social system (a large group), and the family (a small group) is an integral part of it. On this earth, there are groups, large or small, which influence our social system, social relations and communication.

Group exists in every organization and they effect the behavior of their members and also other groups. They have also impact on the whole organization. If one wants to study and organization, one will have to understand the groups existing in that organization and their functioning. There are so many small groups existing in that organization. Such groups are formed by the organization by dividing its ultimate task into small tasks, which are assigned to various subunits known as departments, sections units etc. Besides there are many other groups, which are created automatically (may be called informal groups) because of the operation of socio-psychological factors at the work place.

The social process by which people interact fact to face in small groups in called group dynamics. Interaction in small groups is not always governed by rules, regulations and conventions though well established.

The word dynamics is originally a Greek word implying force. Thus, group dynamics means the study of forces operating within a group in social interaction. It concerns the interactions and forces between group’s members in a social situation. When the concept of group dynamics of members of formal and informal groups in the organization.

The term group dynamics has been interpreted in many ways. One view is that it deals with how the groups are formed and function. The other view is that groups dynamics is a state of techniques such as role playing, brain storming, leaderless groups, group dynamics, thus should be viewed in terms of the internal nature of groups, their information, structure and processes and the way they affect individual members, other groups and the organization. This view is more prevalent.

Behavior in Groups

Social variables influence the manner perception and judgement particularly in a group setting. Focus should be on the individual. But the group itself should be studied as a whole because the product of groups, interaction cannot be indicative of the performance of the individual outside the group. Both the composition and the behavioral history of a group are determinants of its stimuli for the individual members. The groups also determines the nature and patterns of reinforcement, the members receive in the course of their interaction with another. The group influences the behavior of individuals in many ways such as in the form of conformity to group forms, group cohesiveness, group participation, group competition and group problem solving. These characteristics are found in both formal and informal groups.

Conformity to Group Norms

There are certain forms of the groups, which the group members are to follow: they are expected to behave in the same manner. This normative behavior of the members helps the managers of the organization to understand how and why an individual will behave in accordance with the group norms. Group norms perform two main functions.

First, norms help the group to achieve its goals: they bring uniformity of action towards the goals. Second, norms help the group maintain itself a group; these ensure that divisive forces in the group may be put under pressure against their behavior.

People conform to group forms also for their own benefit. But the degree of conformity differs from member to member. Researches on this aspect of group’s dynamics present the following conclusion.

1. The degree of conformity to group forms depends upon the status of the group and its members. Within a group, it has been observed that the higher the rank of a person, the more nearly his activities conform to group norms.

2. Seniority also influences the degree of the conformity. A new person may be expected to adhere more closely to norms than a senior person.

3. Pressure of conformity increases with the increase in the number of persons agreeing to the norms.

4. On applying rigid standards to evaluate the forms, non-conformity as likely to increase.

Group Cohesiveness

Group cohesiveness is a situation in which all members of the group together for a common goal, or where everyone is ready to take responsibility for group chores. The greater the group cohesiveness, the greater will be its influence on the behavior of members. Group cohesion brings low absenteeism and high personal adjustments. Many factors bring cohesion in the group such as degree of dependency on the group, size of the group, homogeneity and stable membership, composition and outside pressure.

Participation

The effectiveness of the group is determined by the degree of participation of its members in its functioning. The more the participation, the more effective is it’s functioning. Better participation results in high morale and better labor-management relationships, in addition to increased productivity.