A group consists of two or more individuals who come together to achieve a particular objective.
They are inter-related & inter-dependent.
Groups can be of 2 types: Formal & Informal.
Formal Group can be of different types such as:
Command group
Task group
committee
Informal Group ca also be of different types such as:
Friendship group
Interest group
Reference group
Membership group.
According to Bruce Tuckman group development consists of 5 stages. These are
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning
2. MEANING
A group consists of two or more individuals who come
together to achieve a particular objective.
They are inter-related & inter-dependent.
3. DEFINITION
According to Homans, a number of people who
communicate face to face with one another over a span
of time is regarded as a group.
Stephen – the term Group means 2 or more
individuals , interacting & interdependent, who have
come together to achieve particular objectives is
known as human group.
5. FORMAL GROUP
Formal groups are set to carry out some specific task or
to meet a required goal.
They have specific deadlines.
The membership is formal & relations also.
There is clearly defined rules & regulations.
It may be permanent or temporary.
6. TYPES OF FORMAL GROUPS
Command group
Task group
committee
7. COMMAND GROUP
It consists of a manager & employees who have to
report to the manager.
It is based on organization’s hierarchy & establishes
superior-subordinate relationship.
Here membership is based on position of employees as
defined in organization’s chart.
8. TASK GROUP
It is created by employees who work together to
complete a particular task.
The group is temporary & membership is based on the
task assigned & delegation of authority.
9. COMMITTEE
Committee consists of a group of people officially
delegated to perform activities such as – problem
solving, investigating, reporting, decision making etc.
It consists of advisory authority, secretary & some
other members
10. INFORMAL GROUP
Informal groups are set by members of organization
on the basis of social needs of need for affiliation.
Members have informal relationship.
There is no formal rules & regulations.
It is created as people work near one another every day
& form friendship.
11. TYPES OF INFORMAL GROUPS
Friendship group
Interest group
Reference group
Membership group
12. FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Individuals having common characteristics come
together & make a group which is known as friendship
group.
It is outside of the work activities & it can be based on
similar age, same political view, attended the same
college etc.
13. INTEREST GROUP
People come together & act jointly to achieve a
common goal or a common interest which is known as
interest group.
14. REFERENCE GROUP
Sometimes people use a group as a basis to take
decisions & to form opinions.
For many people the family is the most important
group.
Other reference groups are co-workers, friends &
religious organizations.
15. MEMBERSHIP GROUP
When a person takes membership of a group may be
formal/informal is known as membership group.
Here each member would be expected to contribute to
the group’s well being & would enjoy the benefits
arising from the group members.
16. STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
According to Bruce Tuckman group development
consists of 5 stages. These are
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning
17. FORMING STAGE OF GROUP
DEVELOPMENT
At the primary stage there is anxiety & uncertainty
among members.
They do not feel comfortable with each other because
of certain questions such as – what is the purpose of
group, with whom they have to work, how they will
work together etc.
This stage is complete when members feel as a part of
the group.
18. STORMING STAGE
At this stage conflict arises because members accept
the existence of group, but resist the constraints that
group imposes on members.
Group leader is decided in this stage & tasks are
assigned to each & every member properly.
This stage is completed with clear hierarchy.
19. NORMING STAGE
In this stage close relationships develop & the group
focuses on mutual understanding.
Group members recognize where they fit in & the
group agrees on how it will operate.
This stage ends with co-operation & common interest.
20. PERFORMING STAGE
The structure at this point is fully functional &
accepted.
Group energy has moved from getting to know &
understand each other to perform the task at hand.
Members’ attention is directed to self-motivation &
motivation of others for accomplishment of tasks &
achievement of goals.
21. ADJOURNING STAGE
It is the last stage of group development for temporary
groups.
In this stage, the group prepares for its closing of the
task.
Editor's Notes
By: Dr. Debajani Palai, Faculty: IMIT, Cuttack, Odisha