2. What do you mean by group behaviour? State the elements of group behaviour.

Group dynamics is the study of groups, and also a general term for group processes. Relevant to the fields of
psychology, sociology, and communication studies, a group is two or more individuals who are connected to
each other by social relationships.[1] Because they interact and influence each other, groups develop a number of
dynamic processes that separate them from a random collection of individuals. These processes include norms,
roles, relations, development, need to belong, social influence, and effects on behavior.

In organizational development (OD), or group dynamics, the phrase "group process" refers to the understanding
of the behavior of people in groups, such as task groups, that are trying to solve a problem or make a decision.
An individual with expertise in 'group process, such as a trained facilitator, can assist a group in accomplishing
its objective by diagnosing how well the group is functioning as a problem-solving or decision-making entity
and intervening to alter the group's operating behavior.

Because people gather in groups for reasons other than task accomplishment, group process occurs in other
types of groups such as personal growth groups (e.g. encounter groups, study groups, prayer groups). In such
cases, an individual with expertise in group process can be helpful in the role of facilitator.

Well researched but rarely mentioned by professional group workers, is the social status of people within the
group (i.e., senior or junior). The group leader (or facilitator) will usually have a strong influence on the group
due to his or her role of shaping the group's outcomes. This influence will also be affected by the leader's sex,
race, relative age, income, appearance, and personality, as well as organizational

Key Features of the Group

1. Two or More Persons. To form a group, there should be at least two persons

because a single individual cannot interact. However, there cannot be any specific limit on the maximum
number of persons in a group but the size of the group will be determined by rules and regulations of the
organization in this context, or meaningful interaction among the members in the case of informal groups.

2. Collective Identity. Members of the group must be aware about their

membership of the group. Each member of the group must believe that he is
a member of, is a participant in, some specific group.
3. Interaction. Members of the group interact among themselves. Interaction

means that each member shares his ideas with others through communication and this communication can take
place face to face, in writing, over the telephone, across a computer network, or in any other manner which
allows communication among group members.

4. Shared Goal Interest. Members of the group should subscribe to the

attainment of some common objectives. However, it is not necessary that each member subscribes to or agrees
with all the objectives of the group. If a group has a variety of objectives or interests, each member of the group
must share at least one of the group's concerns. The shared goal interest binds the group members together.

Group Classification
•Formal Group-A designated work group defined by the organization's structure. In formal groups, the behaviors
that one should engage in are stipulated by and direct toward organizational goals. Eg.- The six members
making up an airline flight crew is an example of a formal group. In contrast

•Informal group

A group that is neither formally structured nor organizationally determined;

appears in response to the need for social contact. Three employees from different departments who regularly
eat lunch together are an example of an informal group.

Group Decision Making

•Specific Objectives
•Identification of Problems
•Search for Alternatives
•Evaluation of Alternatives
•Choice of Alternative
•Action
•Feedback