Unit 10 Group Behavior

Book Code MB 0022(OB)

Group Behavior

Contents
Introduction Classification of groups

Models of group development

External conditions imposed on the group Group member resources Group structure

Norms
Conformity Techniques of decision making in groups Understanding work teams

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Introduction
Group is defined as a collection of two or

more people who work with one another to achieve common goals. Members of a group are dependent on one another to achieve common goals. Group members achieve more as a group as compared to each member achieving individually.

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Learning Objectives
After this unit, you will be able to understand Classification of groups Models of group development Understanding work teams

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Classification of Groups
Groups can be of two types Formal Informal

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Formal Groups
Formal groups achieve a specific purpose of the

organization. These groups perform a specific task and uses the resources to create a product like report, decision, service or commodity (Likert, 1961). A leader exists in such group and directs the group members. Formal groups may be permanent or temporary. Permanent workgroups are created to perform a particular function regularly. Temporary workgroups are created to solve a particular problem or perform a defined task. They are separated once the task is completed.

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Informal Groups
An informal group is not formally constructed

or organized. For e.g. a group of employees having snacks together. Informal groups are of the following types:
Command

groups: A command group is determined by the organization hierarchy. Task groups: These are groups that work together to complete a task. All command groups are task groups but all task groups are not command groups. Interest groups: This group consists of people who are associated together to achieve a specific objective with which each is concerned.

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Models of Group Development

The Five-Stage Model This model consists of five stages of group

formation
Forming Storming

Norming
Performing Adjourning

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1. Forming
In this stage of group formation,

members enter the group. The main concern is to help members to enter the group. The individual who enters the group is concerned with issues like what the group can offer them, what they need to contribute to the group, what behavior does the group expects from them and what recognition will they get for working as a group member.

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2. Storming
The storming stage of group formation is an unstable phase

where individuals try to form groups to achieve a desired status within the group. The group members identify their role in the group. The group members begin to understand and appreciate each others styles. They try to achieve group goals and also try to satisfy individual needs.

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3. Norming
At

this stage, the group becomes a coordinated unit. The group members develop a close relationship with each other and the group shows unity. They try to maintain a positive balance at this stage.

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4. Performing
At this stage, the group becomes capable of dealing with complex tasks. The group is able to handle internal disagreements in a unique innovative way. The group structure is stable and the group members are well motivated and satisfied. The group members shift from knowing and understanding each other to performing. For permanent workgroups, performing is the last stage in their development.

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5. Adjourning
A group is separated when

its work is completed. This stage is important for temporary groups that are common in todays workplaces. Members of this group must be able to assemble quickly, do their jobs and then break off. They may reassemble later, if required.

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Punctuated Equilibrium Model

Temporary groups with deadline do not follow the five stage

model. They follow the punctuated-equilibrium model. Phase 1 The first meeting sets the group direction. This stage is the first inertia phase. Transition A changeover takes place when the group has used half of its time. The group becomes aware that they have limited time and they need to move on fast. Phase 1 ends here and there are many changes, old patterns are replaced and new viewpoint is adopted. Phase 2 It is a new equilibrium and a period of inactivity. The group executes plans created during the transition period.

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External Conditions Imposed on the Group

Groups are part of larger systems or organization and hence do

not work in isolation. Groups are influenced by many external factors like Organizational strategy Authority structures Rules and regulations Access to resources Physical work conditions Organizational culture and performance systems Reward structures

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Group Member Resources

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities The knowledge, skills and abilities of group members play an important role in groups success and its ability to achieve targets. Interpersonal skills play an important role for high workgroup performance. Interpersonal skills consist of
Conflict management skills Joint problem solving abilities Effective communication skills

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Personality Characteristics
The conclusions of a research related to relationship between personality traits and group attitudes and behavior are Attributes that are considered positive in our culture have a positive effect on group productivity, morale and cohesiveness. These include sociability, initiative, openness, and flexibility. Negative attributes like authoritarianism, dominance, and unconventionality have a negative effect on dependent variables.

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Group Structure
Workgroups should have a proper structure to function well. The following elements must be present in a workgroup:
1.Formal leadership: Every work group should have a formal

leader. The leader plays an important role in groups success.

2.Role perception: Every member of the group must know how

to act in a given situation. This helps in playing the role more effectively. New members of the group watch their senior members and learn how to play their role more effectively.

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3.

Roles: The roles of each of the members of the workgroup should be well defined. Some roles are compatible but some may create a conflict. Role expectations: It is behaving in a socially acceptable and pleasing manner for achieving group and organizational goals. Role conflict: Role conflict may occur if a member of a group has to play multiple roles but is unable to balance all the roles effectively. This reduces goal effectiveness and hampers the process of achieving group and organizational goals.

4.

5.

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Norms
Norms are acceptable standards of behavior that are shared by the groups members. Norms guide group members about what they should do and what they should not do in certain situations.

Some common group norms are Performance norms: It consists of the following (Robbins, 2003): Specific indications on how hard they should work, how to complete the job, level of output, appropriate level of delay or slowness. These norms affect an individual employees performance to a great extent.

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 Appearance norms: These norms specify appropriate dress,

loyalty to the workgroup or organization, when to look busy and when mistakes are acceptable.
Social arrangement norms: These norms regulate the

social interactions within the group.

Allocation of resources norms: These norms can originate

in the group or in the organization.

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Conformity
Groups can put pressure on individual members to change their

attitudes and behaviors to conform to the groups standard. The groups that have more influence on its members are known as reference groups.. In a reference group the person is aware of the others, likes to be a member of the group and feels that the group members are important to him/her.

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Status
Status is a social position or rank given to groups or group

members by others. Social status is based on inequality, some are more powerful , enjoy greater benefits and have good resources. It is also related to the ability to take risk. People who take risks accumulate greater wealth and have superior status in the society.

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Status and Norms

Research shows the following with regard to relationship between status and norms (Robbins): Members of a group having high status have more freedom to move away from norms than other group members. People with high status are better able to resist conformity pressures. This is the reason why many star athletes, famous actors, top salespeople and outstanding academicians are unconscious to appearance or social norms.
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Status Equity
When inequity is felt, it leads to disequilibrium that

results in corrective behavior. Employees expect that what they have and receive should match their status. For e.g. pay,office space, etc. Individuals can face a situation of conflict when they move between groups which have members from different backgrounds.

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Status and Culture

Cultural

differences affect status. For e.g. the French are highly status conscious. Countries have different criteria for creating status: Status for Latin Americans and Asians is derived from family position and formal roles held in organizations. In the United States and Australia, status is derived on accomplishments .

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Techniques of Decision Making in Groups

According to Schein (1988), groups may make decisions using

any of the following six methods. Decision in lack of response: In this type of decision making, ideas are forwarded without making any discussion. When the group finally accepts an idea, all other ideas have been rejected by lack of response rather than proper evaluation. Decision by authority rule: In this type of decision making, the leader makes a decision for the group. He may or may not discuss with the group. Decision by minority rule: In this type of decision making, two or three people dominate the group and a decision is taken on which they agree.

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 Decision by majority rule: In this type of decision making,

the views of majority of group members are considered and a decision is taken on which most of the members agree. Decision by consensus: In this type of decision making, most of the group members accept one alternative, and the others agree to support it. Decision by unanimity: In this type of decision making, all group members agree on a decision. This is a perfect group decision method but practically it is very difficult to implement.

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Group Productivity: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Decision Making

Advantages of group decision making include (Maier, 1967): Information: More knowledge and expertise is used to solve the problem. Alternatives: Many alternatives are considered for decision making. Understanding and acceptance: The final decision is better understood and accepted by all group members. Commitment: Group members are more committed to make the final decision work.

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The disadvantages of group decision making are

Social

pressure to conform: Individuals are forced to follow the wishes of the group. Minority domination: The groups decision may be dominated by one individual or a small group. Time demands: Decision making in groups take longer time due to involvement of a large number of people.

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Understanding Work Teams

A team is a small group of people with complementary skills, who work actively together to achieve a common purpose for which they hold themselves collectively accountable.

---- (Katzenbach & Smith, 1993) Team building is a collaborative way to gather and analyze data to improve teamwork ---- (Schermerhorn et al 2002)

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Advantages of Team
Team has following advantages (Robbins, 2003):
Teams perform better than individuals. Teams use employee talents better. Teams are more flexible and respond

better to changes in the environment. Teams encourage employee involvement. Teams increase motivation and makes an organization more democratic.

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Types of Teams
The different types of teams are
Problem solving teams: These are small groups from the

same department who meet regularly to discuss ways to improve quality and efficiency. Self-managed teams: These are small groups who take responsibilities of their own targets. Cross-functional teams: These are groups formed by employees from different wok areas but from same hierarchical level to attain a task. Virtual team: Team members who are not physically present at the same place at the same time, use computer technology to connect to each other.

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