Types of Groups

• Formal Groups • Informal groups

– Command group : – Social groups: people
formal group who enjoy each other’s
determined by company (chat groups)
structure – Interest groups:
– Task group: formal groups that develop
group organized for a informally around a
specific task common interest (news
– Committees: handles groups, listserv
problems outside of members)
regular assignments
 Characteristics of Groups

• Composition
– homogenous groups: qualities in common
– heterogeneous groups: few qualities in common
• Size
– small groups: good communication, satisfaction
– large groups: can specialize; coordination,
communication problems
• Status
 Attraction to Groups
• Social and emotional needs
– social affirmation
– recognition
– security
– prestige
• Instrumental function
– goal achievement
 Cohesiveness
Mutual attractiveness of a group to its members

Causes
1. member similarity 4. isolation
2. group size 5. competition
3. high entrance 6. shared
standards success

Cohesiveness
 Outcomes of Cohesiveness
Group goals support Group goals undermine
the organization the organization

1. Communication
1. Increased detracts from
activity & work
communication 2. Conformity
Cohesiveness
2. Conformity restricts productivity
to norms 3. Goals support
3. Goal achieve group at expense
-ment of organization
4. Satisfaction
Disadvantages to Cohesiveness
• Changing course of action
is difficult due to high
levels of commitment
• Socialization can detract
from work issues and
productivity
• Group goals can replace
organizational goals
Turning the Group Around
• Build a record of
success
• Build the vision
• Build a sense of team
feeling
• Create a competitive
edge
• Take the group on a
retreat