A Seminar on Group Dynamics

7/30/2019 A Seminar on Group Dynamics

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By

Syed Raziuddin Quadri


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A group is defined as two or moreindividuals, interacting and interdependent, whohave come together to achieve particularobjectives.

Although there are many ways of classifyinggroups but basically Groups can either be formalor informal.

By formal groupswe mean those defined by the

organization structure, with designated workassignments establishing tasks.


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In contrast Informal groups are alliancesthat are neither formallystructured nor

organizationally determined. These groups arenatural formation in the work environmentthat appears in response to the need for socialcontact

It can be further classified into Command,task, interest or friendship groups..

Command group is a group composed of theindividuals who report directly to a givenmanager.


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Task group is a group formed to complete ajob task.

Interest groupis a group working together toattain a specific objective with which each isconcerned.

Friendship group is a group which shares

more than one common characteristic.

Why do people join group?

By joining a group, individual can reduce theinsecurity of standing alone.


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Inclusion in a group that is viewed asimportant by others provides recognition andstatus for its members.

Groups can provide with feeling of self worth.

What cannot be achieved individually oftenbecomes possible through group action.

There are times when it needs more than oneperson to accomplish a particular task.


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Stages of Group Formation:

Forming

This is the initial stage when the group comestogether and members begin to develop theirrelationship with one another and learn what isexpected of them. This is also the time when thetasks of the group and the members will be

decided.

Storming During this stage of group development,

interpersonal conflicts arise and differences ofopinion about the group and its goals will surface.If thegroup is unable to clearly state its purposesand goals or if it cannot agree on shared goals, thegroup may collapse at this point.


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Norming Once the group resolves its conflicts, it can now

establish patterns of how to get its work done.

Members of the group come to understand howthe group as a whole operates.

Performing During this final stage of development, issues

related to roles, expectations, and norms are nolonger of major importance. The group is nowfocused on its task, working intentionally andeffectively to accomplish its goals. The group willfind that it can celebrate its accomplishments and

that members will be learning new skills andsharing roles. After a group enters the performingstage, it is unrealistic to expect it to remain therepermanently.


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When new members join or some peopleleave, there will be a new process of forming,storming, and norming engaged as everyonelearns about one another. External events maylead to conflicts within the group. To remainhealthy, groups will go through all of these

processes in a continuous loop.

Group Functions

Once a group is formed it starts functioningtowards attainment of goal or set objective.There are certain factors that influence thegroup functioning:


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Internal Factors:

Status: is socially defined position or rank

given to groups or group members by others-permeates every society. High status membersof groups often are given more freedom todeviate from norms than are other group

members.

Roles:By this term, we mean a set of expectedbehaviour patterns attributed to someoneoccupying a given position in a social unit.


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Norms: are acceptable standards of behaviourwithin a group that are shared by group

members. Norms acts a means of influencingthe behaviour of group members with aminimum of external controls.

Conformity: is adjusting ones behaviour toalign with the norms of the group.Grouppressure leads to conformity which in turn

affects individual s judgement and attitude.


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Size: It affects groups behaviour. There areinstances of smaller group being fast at

completing tasks than large ones. But if a largegroup is involved in tasks like problem solvingit will fare well better than small group.

Cohesiveness: Cohesiveness is the degree towhich members are attracted to each other andare motivated to stay in group. For example

some work groups are cohesive becausemembers have spent a great deal of timetogether or groups small size facilitate highinteraction.


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External Factors that influences groupfunctioning are Authority, structure (of groupor organization), Organizational resources,organizational policies, etc.


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Thank You

A Seminar on Group Dynamics

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