Q.7. Write note on Group behavior. (2004-05)
Or. State and explain the various factors that have a bearing on the group behaviour. (2007-08)
Ans. Group Behaviour: -
A group consists of two or more persons whop interact with each other, consciously for the achievement of certain objectives. The members of the group are inter dependent and are aware that they are part of a group. A group is a set of two or more individuals who are jointly characterized by a network of relevant communications. In order to be called a group, an aggregation of persons must satisfy following conditions.
(i) People must interact with one another.
(ii) People must be psychologically aware of one another.
(iii) People should perceive themselves to be a group.
Groups are useful for the organization as they provide norms of behaviour for its members. Groups provide personal relationship at the work place as members talk to one another about job or personal problems. They provide understanding, companionship, supportive relations and friendship.
Group may be formal groups and informal groups. Formal groups are a part of the organization structure. They are created deliberately log the management to perform the assigned duties,
Example: -
Work group, task forces etc. informal group arise spontaneously in the organization because of social interaction between the people. They are created by individuals rather by management.
Q.8. Compare formal and informal groups. Discuss any two important factors which identify the difference in the behaviour of individuals?
Ans. Two types of group co-exist in every organisation. These are –
(i) Formal Groups and
(ii) Informal Groups.
(i) Formal Groups: -
Such groups are a part of the organisation structure. They are created deliberately by the management to perform the assigned duties. The examples are work group. Task force committee and quality team. These groups are characterized by clear-cut authority responsibility relationship. The pattern of communication is also well defined. Rules are laid down to regulate the behaviour of group member. The formal groups are integral parts of the official organisation.
(ii) Informal Groups: -
Informal groups are arise spontaneously in the organisation because of social interaction between the people. They are created by individuals rather than by management. They are natural groupings of people at work in response to the need for social interaction. They are based on common interest, language, taste, caste, religion, background, etc. thus, informal groups are alliances that are not officially planned. These groups are natural entities in the work environment. In every organisation, a large number of informal groups are formed ands they are collectively referred to as the informal organisation. The informal organisation represents unofficial groups which have focus on person rather than position. Every group develops norm to regulate the behaviour of its members.
Command Task Groups: -
Formal groups may be sub-classified into command and tasks groups. The command group is composed of subordinates who report directly to a command boss. Thus, a supervisor and the operative employees reporting to him from a command group.
Interest and Friendship Groups: -
Informal alliances may take the shape of interest and friendship groups. An interest group consists of people having a specific objective and not aligned to common command or takes groups. For instance, employees who group together to pressurize the management for subsidized transport constitute an interest group. But a friendship group includes close friends or relatives. These relations even extend outside the organisation. The group members know each other very well and have good relations.
Q. 9. Explain group dynamics. Describe the characteristics of group behaviour?
Ans. The social process by which people interact face to face in small groups is called group dynamics in concerned with the interaction of individuals in a face to face relationship dynamics. Infocuses on teamwork where in small group develops its goals clearly and furnishes suggestions to its members for the accomplihment of goals. Every group chooses its leader who may effectively co-ordinate.
The group effects towards the accomplishment of its objectives.
Characteristics of group behaviour are as follows-
(i) An informal organisation is a natural outcome at the work place. It is not designed and planned.
(ii) Informal organisation is created on the basis of some similarity among its members. The bases of similarity. May be, sex,place of origin, cost, religion, personality characteristics, likings / dislikings etc.
(iii) Membership in an informal organisation is voluntary’s person may become member of several informal organisations at the same time.
(iv) Group norms, beliefs, and values govern the behaviors of members of the informal organization.
(v) Formal organization sare based on division of labour.
(vi) Organizational structures of formal group are designed by top management.
(vii) A formal organization concentrates more on performance of jobs and not on the individuals performing the job.
(viii) Authority and responsibility are specified for each job position and people are placed in hierachhy informal groups.
(ix) Co-ordination among members and their control are well specified through processes procedures, rules etc.