There are two major types of groups: formal and informal. Formal groups are consciously created by an organization to serve its objectives, and can be divided into command groups, task groups, and functional groups. Informal groups develop naturally among people without organizational direction, and include interest groups, friendship groups, and reference groups. Groups in general are defined as collections of individuals who interact, share characteristics, have a sense of unity, and influence each other's thoughts and behaviors.

1. Types of Groups
Group 2

2. Objectives
● Define the term group
● Characteristics of a group
● List and explain the types of groups

3. DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS
● A group is typically defined as a collection of individuals who interact with
each other, share similar characteristics, have a sense of unity or identity, and
are influenced by each other's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
● General characteristics of a group are
1. Consist of more than one person.
2. They meet to satisfy some common motive.
3. Collective identity

4. GENERAL TYPES
1. Primary- small size, face to face interaction.
2. Secondary- large size, identification with values & beliefs rather
than actual interaction.
3. Membership- actually belong to.
4. Reference- one in which they would like to belong to.

5. TYPES OF GROUPS
There are two major types of groups in which individuals belong to. These include
formal and informal groups.
1. Formal groups: these are groups consciously created to serve an
organizational objective. Examples include the 211 class for Behavioral
Science, the crew of an airline flight. Formal groups can further be divided
into :
a) Command groups: it is a group determined by the connection between
individuals who are part of an organization eg. a university is comprised of
Lecturers and students.

6. FORMAL GROUPS
b) Task group: a task group is created by the the management to accomplish
certain organizational goals. Its is specifically created to solve or perform a
defined task. People who work together to achieve a common task, they are
brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals with a specified time
period.
c) Functional group: created by organization to accomplish specific goals within
an unspecified time frame. Remain in existence after achievement of current
goals and objectives.

7. INFORMAL GROUPS
Informal groups: are groups that develop naturally among people, without any
direction from the organization within they operate. They are formed
spontaneously and are based on personal relationships or specific interests
There are also further divided into:
a) Interest groups: interest groups consist of people who share common
interests. They may be job related interests, or such as sports, national
politics or religion
b) Friendship groups: consist of individuals who come together because they
share one or more common characteristics. They consist of people with
natural affinities to one another

8. INFORMAL GROUPS
c) Reference groups: people use to evaluate themselves with the purpose of
social validation and social comparisons. They have a strong influence on
members behaviour. Such groups are formed on purpose. Example (Stingy Man
Association, M1 Association)

9. END