06.Group behavior in an organization

 By Mithini Punsara

Introduction

It studies how group behavior affects organizational success. When an individual acts as a group, there is more coherence and rigidity in their behavior than when an individual acts alone. And working in groups tends to do more than working individually. Therefore, the study of group behavior is important.

 

Definition of groups

There is no generally accepted definition of group in the world and various philosophers have defined group from different perspectives as follows.

 

"A team is a group of two or more people working together to achieve a common goal" -  Ricky W. Griffin

 

“A team is a group of two or more people working together to achieve a common goal”. – Stephen P Robbins

 

“A group is a group of people who maintain a definite relationship to achieve a common goal with team spirit”. – D L FOSATH

 

Considering the above definitions, the common characteristics that should exist in a group can be identified as follows.

•  Having a common purpose
• Presence of two or more people
• Working with team spirit
• A permanent relationship exists between members         

 

Considering the above definition and common characteristics, a group can be defined as follows.

 

"A group is a group of two or more people working together to achieve a common, specific goal.”

 

Types of Groups

In classifying groups, there are two main parts namely formal groups and informal groups

Formal groups are groups that are established in a formal system of rules to achieve a common goal, while a group of people who organize themselves informally to achieve a common goal is classified as an informal group.

Although groups are classified into two main parts, formal and informal, based on the function, structure and relationship of the group, groups can be divided into 3 main parts, namely primary, secondary and member groups.

 

Although groups are classified into two main parts, formal and informal, based on the function, structure and relationship of the group, the groups can be divided into 3 main parts as primary, secondary and member groups.

 

Primary groups

Groups with very few members are those in which there is a very close relationship between the members. Here the members meet daily and discuss the necessary matters.

Examples: family members, audit teams, quality circles

 

Secondary groups

Primary groups are groups that have more member mobility but less contact between members. When a need arises in these groups, the members come together to fulfil the need.

Example: Product Development Team

 

Social groups

Individuals can join these groups by obtaining their own membership. Since then, he has been considered a member of the team. People are included in these groups especially to demonstrate their social status and dignity.

Example: Lion Club

 

Reasons why people move in groups

Safety: People can develop their strengths by working as a team. A problem can be faced more confidently as a group than as an individual.

 

To demonstrate status/social status: People join various groups to demonstrate their social status. Here, the respective members also get benefits through the recognition, publicity and respect of the respective group.

 

Fulfilment of social needs: Man being a social animal prefers to live with a group constantly. Here people gather in groups to get the mercy, kindness and love they need.

 

Gaining power: People are taken in groups to develop their power. There is more space than the space to raise a voice in the society as an individual by coming together as a group.

 

Achievement of Goals:  The primary objective of group participation is to achieve goals that cannot be achieved by an individual by coming together as a group. Steps in the team development process

 

Steps in the team development process

There are 5 key factors that go through the development of a successful team. The time spent on these stages varies from team to team and is determined by the performance objectives and needs of the team members.

• Forming
• Storming
• Norming
• Performing
• Adjourning

How teamwork affects the efficiency of the organization and employees

How to affect the efficiency of the organization	How to affect the efficiency of employees
Accomplishing tasks that employees cannot do individually	Getting a good understanding of the organization and the environment
Inability to use the support of a group of members full of different skills, knowledge and intelligence in achieving the organization's goals.	Opening up within the team a way for members to develop new skills
Being able to control the behavior and performance of the company's employees as a group.	Being able to gain respect by working as a team that cannot be achieved as an individual.
Gaining the basic foundation for change management by teams.	To meet the social needs of employees by working in groups.
Consolidate the existence of the organization by communicating the aims and objectives of the organization to the members.

Factors affecting team success

• Size of the group
• Leadership of the team
• Motivational techniques
• Group Dharma
• Roles of individual members
• Environment
• Nature of work
• Group cohesiveness

Group consciousness

 (isixsigma.com)

        Factors Involved in Team Development 

Group cohesion is the main factor behind the success of a team. Group cohesion refers to the extent to which team members bond with each other and the team as a whole. Through the team spirit, the organization has got the ability to face any challenge and achieve any goal successfully. The composition of a group is determined by the following factors.

 

Factors that determine group consciousness

• The time a group spends together
• Number of members
• Gender
• Past successes

Advantages of Group cohesiveness

A Group cohesiveness provides the following benefits to team members:

1. Being able to use the collective power of the group
2. Increase in employee engagement
3. Increased employee safety
4. Increased confidence in employees
5. Gaining profits

Disadvantages of Group cohesiveness

1. Difficulty managing the group
2. Having high self-confidence

 

Finally, two or more people working together to achieve a common goal is called a group and depending on the nature of the groups, it can be classified into formal and informal groups as well as primary, secondary and member groups. The team development process consists of 5 stages and each team provides unique benefits to the organization and its members. However, the success of the team depends on the interrelation between the employees of the team.

References

Group Behaviour: Meaning, reasons, effectiveness and other details (2015) Your Article Library. Available at: https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/hrm/organisation/group-behaviour-meaning-reasons-effectiveness-and-other-details/60276 (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

The 5 stages of Team Development (2022) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RwkZxGPQb8&t=184s (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

Molnau, D. (2023) High-performance teams: Understanding Team Cohesiveness, isixsigma.com. Available at: https://www.isixsigma.com/teams/high-performance-teams-understanding-team-cohesiveness/ (Accessed: 15 November 2023).