Characteristics Formal
Structure Structures of a formal group
are defined where the
hierarchy and flow of
information from one member
of the group to the other
member is communicated.
Common goals An official group has particular
structures and roles where
responsibilities of members of
the group are defined.
Voluntary or involuntary One cannot leave the group
membership without the authority of the
management.
Marks of identity Usually a logo and the group
name.
Common needs, interest and Activities carried by a formal
values group have specific guidelines,
which members of the group
are supposed to adhere to and
follow to ensure good
coordination.
Specific ways of interacting The practice of members of a
determined by rules and formal group is governed by
regulations specific rules and regulations,
which are usually formulated
at the inception of the group.
All members of the group are
supposed to adhere to the
rules and guidelines that
define the group.
Established patterns of in a formal group, the flow of
behaviour communication is restricted
due to the unity of command.
Co-operation to achieve group In a formal group, the group is
goals created to achieve a specific
task or goal that is controlled
by the management of the
organization.
Sanctions against undesirable There are consequences,
actions usually getting terminated or
suspended.
(1)
Informal
Most of the time an informal
group does not have
structures, but when it does
exist it is mostly not defined.
The main idea behind the
establishment of the informal
group is the satisfaction of
both personal and
psychological needs.
The members of this group
willingly belong to this group.
This influence may be based
on some social category or on
interpersonal interaction
among group members
The informal structure gets
created automatically and the
main purpose of such
structure is getting
psychological satisfaction.
Informal groups are not
subjected to any rules and
regulations in the company.
The behaviour of an informal
group is governed by the
expression of members,
norms, beliefs, and the values
that members hold dear.
Formation of the group is done
by the management. It
possesses a systematic
structure, in hierarchical form.
(2)

Feature Size Degree of interaction Relationship

Primary A primary group is Those who belong to Members share tight-
characteristically small this principal group knit and lasting
often express concern relationships such
for each other, have those experienced in
regular activities marriage, close
together, and other friendships, and
similar interactions families.
which contribute to
the members’
individuality and
psychological
wellbeing.
Secondary A secondary group is The interactions are Impersonal and
characteristically often short-term as objective-driven
larger they are less personal relationships.
and eventually drift
away after the goals
have been met.