Formal Group

What is group? Distinguish between formal and informal group. Explain the importance of group values and norms. What are the characteristics of an effective group? As a manager – how would you attempt to develop effective group relationships and performance with reference to your organisation or an organisation for are familiar with.

THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF GROUPS

Individuals seldom work in isolation form others. Groups are a characteristic of all social situations and almost everyone in an organisation will be a member of one or more groups. The working of groups and the influence they exert over their membership is an essential feature of human behaviour and of organisational performance. The manager must use groups in order to achieve a high standard of work and improve organisational effectiveness.

There are many possible ways of defining what a group means. The essential feature of a group is that its members regard themselves as belonging to the group. A group consists of a number of people who have:

• A common objective or task

• An awareness of group identity and ‘boundary’

• A minimum set of agreed values and norms which regulates their relatively exclusive mutual interaction.

Another useful definition defines the group in psychological terms as: any number of people who

1) Interact with one another

2) Are psychologically aware of one another

3) Perceive themselves to be a group.

Essential feature of work Organisation

Group are an essential feature of the work pattern of any Organisation. Members of a group must co-operate in order for work to be carried out, and managers themselves will work within these groups. People in groups influence each other in many ways and groups may develop their own hierarchies and leaders. Group pressures can have a major influence over the behaviour of individual members and their work performance. The activities of the group are associated with the process of leadership. The style of...