Group Dynamics- Meaning, definition, types , Reasons for forming Groups Theories of Group formation, stages in Group development

1. UNIT 3
GROUP INTERACTION AND
ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
Dr. Reetuja Deshpande

3. MEANING
• A group is defined as two or more individuals, interacting
and interdependent who have come together to achieve
particular objective.
• A group has certain common objectives and goals and
members are bound together with certain values and
culture.

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUP

5. IMPORTANCE OF GROUP
• The group can influence the thinking of its members. The
members are always influenced by the interactions of
other members in the group.
• A group with a good leader performs better as compared
to a group with weak leader.
• The group can also bring team sprit among the members
• Group dynamism can give job satisfaction to the members
• Even the attitude, perception and ideas of members
depend on group dynamism. For example, the negative
thinkers can be converted to positive thinkers with the
help of the facilator.

6. Group Dynamics

7. Group dynamics consists of two words – (i) group and (ii) dynamics. A group is
a unit of two or more individuals who share a set of beliefs and values.
On the other hand, the word dynamics means force.
Group dynamics refers to forces operating with in the groups
The group dynamics is the study of group processes, their objective analysis and
measurement and the effect of group membership on individual members. When
a group of people is formed with a common goal, a kind of social force is
created. Our behaviour is not static. Thus, group dynamics means the change of
behaviour through interaction in the group.

8. Types of Groups
• Primary and Secondary Group
• Primary Group
• Intimate, face to face association and cooperation
• Small and based on intimate relationship
• Example: Family, friends, neighbourhood
• Secondary Group
• More formal, general and remote
• Continuous Interaction, Intimacy, cooperation may not be
found in this group
• For example: Vender to client relationship, doctor and
patient, a mechanic and customer relationship

9. Membership and Reference Group
• Membership
• Individual really belongs
• Example: Societies, club, teams, cliques and political
parties
• Reference groups
• Individual identifies or want to become member of that
group

10. Command Group and Task Group
Command Group
• Composed of superiors and subordinates
• Who carry out orders on the basis of authority within the
group
• Determined by organisation chart
• Example: Production manager and his subordinates,
college Principal and Teachers
Task Group
Group of individuals who come together to accomplish a
task or a job assigned to them

11. Formal and Informal group
• Formal Group
• Created and maintained by top management to achieve
organisational objectives
• Have authority and responsibility relationship
• Behaviour of members is controlled by organisational
norms.
• BOD, management committee, work units, project team
etc.
• Informal Group
• Natural grouping of people at workplace
• Membership in informal group is voluntary
• Behaviour is controlled by group norms

12. Reasons for Group Formation

13. THEORIES OF GROUP FORMATION

14. 1. Propinquity Theory:
• Propinquity =Nearness
• This interesting word simply means that individuals affiliate with
one another because of spatial or geographical proximity.
• In an organisation employees who work in the same area of
the plant or office or managers with offices close to one another
would more probably form into groups than would those who
are not physically located together.
• The drawback of this theory is that it is not analytical and does
not begin to explain some of the complexities of group
formation
• There could be so many other reasons for forming groups

15. Homan's Theory
This theory is given by George C Homans
According to him,
The more activities persons share,
The more numerous will be there interactions
The stronger sentiments will be
The key element is interaction because of which they develop
common sentiments for one another.
These sentiments gradually get expressed through the
formation of informal groups.
If any disturbance is caused to any of the three activities,
interactions and sentiments, it is likely to disturb all the others.

16. Balance Theory
• This is the most comprehensive group formation theory.
• This theory is proposed by Theodore Newcomb.
• The theory states that “Person is attracted to one another on the
basis of similar attitudes towards commonly relevant objects and
goals”
• Once the relationship is formed, it strives to maintain a symmetrical
balance between the attraction and the common attitudes.
• If an imbalance occur attempts are made to restore the balance.
• If the balance cannot be restored, the relationship dissolves
• There must be balance in the relationship between the group
members for the group to be formed and for its survival.

17. Exchange Theory
• This theory is given by Thaibaunt and Kelly.
• This theory is based on reward-cost outcomes of
interactions.
• To be attracted towards a group, a person thinks in terms
of what he will get in exchange of interaction with group
members.
• A minimum positive level (rewards greater than costs) for
attraction or affiliation to take place.
• Rewards from interactions satisfy needs while costs incur
anxiety, frustrations, embarrassment or fatigue.
• Propinquity, interaction and common attitudes all have
roles in the exchange theory.

18. Stages of Group Development

19. Thank you….