UNIT 2 GROUP DYNAMICS AND TEAM

BUILDING
structure
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Objectives
2.3 Group Dynamics
2.3.1 concept of a Group

Factors of Group Formation

2.4.1 Psychological Factors
2.4.2 Social Factors
2.4.3 Security Factors
2.4.4 Economic Factors
2.4.5 Cultural Factors
2.4.6 Power Factors
2.4.7 Status and Reorganisation Factors

2.5 Work Group

2.6 Types of Work Groups
2.6.1 Formal and Informal Groups
2.6.2 Small and Large Groups
2.6.3 Primary and Secondary Groups

2.7 Theories of Group Formation

2.7.1 Homan's Theory
2.7.2 Theory of Balance
2.7.3 Exchange Theory

2.8 Group Cohesiveness

2.8.1 Size of the Group
2.8.2 Homogeneous Character of Group Members
2.8.3 Success of the Group
2.8.4 Competition with others Group
2.8.5 Exclusiveness of the Group

2.9 Characteristic of CohesiveGroup

2.10 Development of Group~Team
2.10.1 Forming
2.10.2 St01ming
2.10.3 Noming
2.10.4 Performing
2.10.5 Adjourning

2.11 Team Building

2.12 Process of Team Building
2.13 Types of Team Building
2.13.1 Role Definition
2.13.2 Interpersonal Process
 2.13.3 Goal Setting Group Dynamics and
2.13.4 Problem Solving Team Building

2.14 Factors of EffectiveTeam

2.14.1 S~~pportive
Environnwnt

2.14.2 Appropriate Skills and Role Clarity

2.14.3 Superordinate Goals

2.14.4 Team Rewards

2.15 Problems of Team

2.16 LetUsSumUp
2.17 Unit End Activities
2.18 References
2.19 Answer to Check Your Progress
/

2..1
- INTRODUCTION
Mrs. Anand, joined a reputed school, as a senior home science teacher. The
environment ofthe school was new for her as she came frorn a diflerent state
and culture. But in a few days only, she became the most popular teacher
anlong all the teachers and was wanted by all the groups existing in the staf
room.
Smirha, joined n school ajler completing her R.Ed. She was considered a very
good teacher by her students as she has mastery over her subject. Principal
wa,y very pleasc)d with her but she herself was not happy. Why? She had no
frit nds in the school and no one in the staff room was ready to mingle with her.
She sat alone and took her lunch alone.
These are the cases which we encounter daily in our life, whether as a student,
teacher, Principal or working in any other capacity who are left alone to themselves.
Wh,ydoes this happen?
This unit %illfocus on the causes for such group behaviour. Here, we will discuss
about interpersonal relations and group dynamics. Further, a detailed account of
groups, how and why they are formed are described. How groups are different
from the team and how group dynamics could be used in team building are also
disci~ssed.
-
- OBJECTIVES
2.2
Mer going through this unit you will be able to-
understand the concept of group dynamics
describe the factors that contribute to positive group dynamics
define work groups and their types
describe and differentiate various theories of group formation
explain cohesive groups and their characteristics
describe the development of grouplteam
describe team building, its process, types, factors and problems.
Orga~~isational
Behaviour:
An Overview
2.3 GROUP DYNAMICS
The social process by which people interact face-to-fact in small groups is called
Group Dynamics. It is the study of the forces operating within a group. The word
"dynamics" comes from the Greek word meaning "force", and therefore the tenn
group dynamics refers to the study of forces operating within a group in a social
situation. It refers to changes which take place within groups and is concerned with
the interaction and inter-relationships among group members in a social setting. In
an organisation. an individual does not behave or act alone. They behave as the
member of some group. It is, therefore, become essential to understand the forces,
operating in a group.
Two important historical landmarks of small groups are the researches of Elton
Mayo and his associates in the 1920s and 1930s and the experiments in the 1930s
of Kurt Lewin, the founder of the group dynamics movement. Mayo showed that
workers tend to establish informal groups that affect job satisfactionand effectiveness.
Lewin showed that different kinds of leadership produced different responses in
groups.
Groups have characteristics of their own that are different from those individuals
who make up the group. This is similar to the physical situation in which a ~nolecule
of salt (sodium chloride) is different from the sodium and chlorine elements that form
a "group" to make it.

2.3.1 Concept of a Group

A group refers to the associationof two or more persons interactingamong themselves
for the achievement of common goals. According to Edgar H. Schien - "A Group
may be defined as a social phenomenon in which two or more persons decide to
interact with one another, share common ideology and perceive themselves as a
group."
in the words of D.H. Smith,
"A group is the largest set of two or more individuals who are jointly characterized
by a network of relevant communication and shared sense of collective identity and
one or more shared dispositions with associated normative strength."Jennifer and
Gareth have defined a group as "a set of two or more people who interact with each
other to achieve certain goals or to meet certain needs."
A collection of individuals is called a group when:-
* They have a common goal.
The members of the group constantly interact with each other.
The action of one person affects another person or vice versa in a group.
Each member of group identifies with other member of the group.
Behaviour of the Members of a group is interdependent on each other.
Thus, a group is a set of two or more people who continuously interact with each
other to achieve certain goals or meet certain needs. This type of group is referred
as a work group.

2.4 FACTORS OF GROUP FORMATION

Man, as a social animal, has a natural instinct for belonging to a group wherein he
may interact with others, express his feelings, help each other, get love and affection,
and feel homely and secured. He also cherishes to satisfy his socio-psychological
needs for stahls. recognition. appreciationand affiliation, since he finds gratification
 of his varying needs in the small group; he forms or joins a group where he finds Group Dynamics and
some commonness. Formation of small informal groups is a very pervasive Team Building
phenomenon among human beings. They form groups within the organisation and
outside the organisation. Various factors or reasons which influence the formation of
groups in an organisationare:-
o Psychological Factors
o Social factors
o Security factors
o Economic factors

1
o Cultural factors
o Power factor
o Status and Recognition factors
i

Ixt US discuss each in details:

4 1 Psychological factors
Man is a social animal and needs to feel belonged to other members of the society.
ri group provides a forum for regular interactions exchanging views and news,
expressingtheir ideas and feelings and discussing the things of their common interest.
This satisfies their sense of belonging and affiliation. They feel comfortable in the
$SOUP.

2.4.2 Social factors

Individuals make groups on the basis of social class, caste, religion and region to
satisfy their social needs.

2A4.3 Security factors

?'he group provides the members a sense of security in the time of emergency like
>
health problems, sudden need for money. This security gives strength to the individual
and he finds himself in a position to face hazards and problems more vigorously.

2,.4.4 Economic factors

Pa individual work in an organisation and gets paid for it accordingly. But there are
certain expenses which his organisation cannot bear like construction of house,
medical bills. So, heishe gets associated with people who can help himher at the
time of need.

2.4.5 Cultural factors

For work, people move from one place to another. But they are not able to associate
tllemselves to their work place because of difference in culture. Therefore, people
belonging to same culture, sharing same language and celebrating similar festivals
form groups.

2.4.6 Power factor

The group also provides power and leadership by giving informal authority. Group
members stand behind their group leader. The unity of the group members become
a strong force. This force of unity can be utilised by the group leader or its members
to highlight their common interests and problems. 23
I - -
I skills and achievement and get appreciation within the group. Members also get
respect and recognition, if they enjoy good status within the group.
Check Your Progress
Note: (a) Space is given below each question to write your answers.
(b) Compare your answer with those given at the end of the unit.

1. What is a group?

2. What is group dynamics?

...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
3. What are the reasons of group formation?

and interact with each other while performing their task.

Sometimes group and team are used interchangeably, but, these are two different
terms with different meanings. For example, all the teachers teaching science in a
school form a group because of common interest or subject but when some members
from this group are formally chosen and organised by the Principal to conduct a
science fair in the school, thcy may be termed as a team. Therefore, a group can be
called a team when it is formally formed by the organisation.
According to Katzenbach and Smith "Team is a small number of people with
complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, set of performance
goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable".
Thus, major difference between the team and group is that the group can also be

There are many reasons for the formation of groups but they exist in all the
organisations. In one organisation, many types of groups exist. Each group plays a
crucial role in achieving organisadonaleffectiveness.There are many ways in which
we can classify groups.
o Formal and Informal groups Group Dynamicsand
Team Building
D Small and Large groups
D Primary and Secondary groups
Let us discuss each type in greater detail:

2.6.1 Formal and Informal Work Groups

]Formalgroups are established by the organisation and have a public identity and
goal to achieve while informal groups emerge on the basis of common interests,
lxoximity and friendships. Examples are PTA, Teacher's association, and a group
of teachers working as counselors in the school.
:Formal groups are deliberately planned, structured to serve common or organisational
~nterest.They are formed to accomplish specific functions and formal organisational

by the management of an organisztion which enforces some responsibilities to the

members of the formal group. There are predetermined rules and regulations which
are to be followed by every member of the group. Some formal groups have a
relatively temporary life; they are created to accomplish a short-term task and then
disbanded.
There are different types of formal groups in an organisation
Command Groups
The Committees

Command Groups :-It is the collection of individuals who report to one

manager. In school settings, it could be students in one class and their manager
will be class teacher or group of all the science teachers reporting to the head
of the department etc. Command groups are based on the reporting relationship
in organisations. Command groups help an organisation to accomplish variety
of tasks. They have tremendous impact upon the extent to which an organisation
is able to achieve its goals. The leaders or managers of the command group
play an important role in determining the effectivenessof these groups.
The Committees :-it is the collection of people who are brought together by
the organisation to accomplish a specific goal. Once the goal is achieved, the
organisution disbands the committee. For example, in educational organisation
we have seen admission committees, annual day committees, science fair
committees etc. When committees are dealing with long term goals, they are
not disbanded but the members can be changed from time to time on the basis
of seniority, efficiency etc. These types of committees are known as standing
committees. For example in schools, examination committee could be
considered as standing committees.
The Team :-Teams are groups of two or more people who interact and
influence each other, are mutuallv accountable for achieving;common obiectives.

decision. Team members are held together by their interdependenceand need

for colltibouration to achieve common goals. In the course of working;together.
OrganisationalBehaviour: the members of the team learn the abilities and experiences to accomplish things
An Overview that could not be achieved by individuals worlung separately or by any other
kinds of work groups.
Informal Work Groups
In an organisation, along with formal groups, informal groups do exist. lnformal
groups are not specifically formed by organisationsbut they occur naturally. It is just
like the shadow of the formal orgahisation.It is difficult for the organisationto fulfill
all the necds of the individuals,so different informal groups arise to meet their needs
on the basis of similarity in interest, customs,ideology etc..
n p e s of Informal Groups
FriendshipGroup
Interest Group
Cliques
Friendship Group :- It is a group of individuals in an organisation who enjoy each
other's company and love to socialise with each other on the job or off the job. For
example, a group of teachers go for shopping, watch movies etc. Friendship groups
help its members to meet the needs of social interaction and support.
Interest Group:- Individuals may form interest groups when they have a common
interest or goal to achieve in an organisation. For example, a group of teachers
going for painting class.
Cliques:- These groups consist of colleagues who normally observe certain norms
and standards. They are closely intimate to each other. The object of this type of
group is to provide recognition to each and exchange information of mutuai interest.
Example : Agroup of college principals sharing information on e-governancein
college context with each others.

2.6.2 Small and Large Groups I

Group size is an important determinant of the way group members behave. The size t 1

of a group is normally measured by the nr mber of fill1time members who are involved I
in achieving the group's goals. On the basis of number of merr5ers, a group can be
a small or large group.
Small Groups
In a small group, members are likely to know everybody and interact regularly.
They can share infonnation daily and can recognize individual's contribution to the
group. For example: Teachers in a school.
Large Groups
When the number of members of in a group are very large, they are less likely to
know each other. There is lower level of interaction among members of this group.
For example: Teachers of a city. We can also take an example of IGNOU , that the
school teachers are taking B.Ed program in an academic year all over the India. But
they are all not known to every one.

26
 ream H uilding
Primary Groups
A prirllary group is defined as an entity in which members have intimate face-to-face
I
interaction, interdependence and a sense of identification with the entity. A primary
group is generally small in size. Though all prirmary gmups are small in size. all groups
may not be primary, In a primary group, members have an additional feature of
same values, interests etc. and members are loyal to the grmp. For example, family
IS the best ex2mple of primary group.

Secondary Group
,i secondary group is a large entity and is made of several related primaly groups.
I t tends to be impersonal. A school organisation is an example of a secondary group
as it has various primary groups - groups of teachers, librarians, staff, workers,
:~dministratos,managing committees etc.

Check Your l'rogress

Note: (a) Space is given below each question to write your allswers.

4. Distingui3h between fonrial and informal groups.

...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
5. How is a primary group different from a secondarl group ?

Homan's in 1950, explained the basis of group formatlca in tkrnls of activities,

interactionand sentiments of people. Homan's theory explains the formation of groups
or1 the basis of people's interaction with each other. People in an organisation are
not only physically together but they become emotionally attached too. They solve
their mutual problems, attain goals, reduce tension and share happiness with each
other. All these activities emerge because of sentiments or feelings of the people
w 10 work together. Because of emotional attachment, their interaction increases
which in turnleads to more sentiments.This cycle of interaction and sentiments tend
to form powerfill groups.

In 1961, Newc<~mb stated balance theory of group formation. This theory explains
gr~jupformation on the basis of attraction of people towards each other as they
have similar altitudes and values towards common objects or goals. Once a
relationship is formed, members of a group strive to maintain a balance between the
 b

The first stage of team development is a period of testing and orientation in which
members learn about each other and evaluate the benefits and costs of membership.
People tend to be polite during this stage and will defer to the existing authority of a
formal or informal leader who must provide an initial set of rules and structures for
interaction. The forming stage is completed once individuals within the group feel

During the storming stage of team development, individual members become more
proactive by talung on specific roles and taskresponsibilities. This stage is marked
. by interpersonal conflict as members compete for leadership and other roles in the
team. At this stage, group members try to resist for being controlled by the group
very often, the members disagree about who should lead the group. They also differ
on how much power should the leader of their group have. This stage is completed
when group members no longer resist the group's control and there is mutual
understandingand agreement about who will lead the group. Normally this stage is
comvleted when grouv members consider that it is better to work together for the

During the norming stage, the team develops its frst real sense of cohesion as roles
are established and a consensus forms around group objectives. Members have
developed relatively similar mental models, so they have common expectations and
assumptions about how the team goals should be accomplished. Thir common
knowledge structure allows them to interact more efficiently, so they can move into

I At this stage, team becomes more task-oriented as it shifts its focus fromestablishing 1

This model of team development is a useful framework to understand how teams

develop. But not all the tearnslgroups go through each of the stages and groups do
not itecessarily go through the stages sequentially.
Check Your Progress
Note: (a) Space is given below each question to write your answers.
(b) Compare your answer with those given at th'e end of the unit
6. Mention the theories of group formation.
 ...................................................................................................................
7. Name the factors that influence cohesiveness of a group.

Team building is any formal activity intended to improve the development and
functioning of a work team. It is intended to shape the team for smooth functioning.
Steven and Mary Ann Von have defined team building as any formal intervention
directed towards improving the development and functioning of a work team. Thus,
the process of team building aims at enhancing the effectiveness of a team. Team
building encourages team members to examine how they work together, identify
their weaknesses and develop more effective ways of cooperating. The goal is to
make the team more effective.

2.12 PROCESS OF TEAM BUILDING

For team building, participative process is used, with team members providing data
or f1:edback and then using that data or feedback for self examination. Data are
collxted from individual group members and then fed back to the team for analysis.
While the group works on development of action plans, members are also encouraged
to direct equal attention towards the group's interaction process. By monitoring,
examiningand adjusting its own actions, the group learns to evaluate and improve its
own effectiveness. The result of this continuing process can be a high performance
team with levels of morale and cooperation.

I Identification of a problem
1
v
Collection of relevant data

v
Data feedback and confrofitation

v
Problem solving experience

9
On-the-job application & follow up
 cooperate. Beyond these requirement, members can work together as a team only Group Dynamics and
Team Building
after all the members of the group know the roles of all the others with whom they
will be interacting.When this understanding exist$team members respond voluntarily
to demands of the job and take appropriate actions to accomplish team goals.

2.14.3 Superordinate Goals

A major responsibility of any management is to keep the team members oriented
toward their overall task. But, sometimesan organisation's policies, record-keeping
requirements, and reward systems may fragment individual efforts and discourage
te;imwork. At that time superordinate goals are created, which is a higher goal that
integrates the efforts of two or more persons.

2.14.4 Team Rewards

A.nother element to stimulate team work is team rewards, which could be in any
form, may be financial or recognition, prizes.
-
2L.15 PROBLEMS OF TEAM
o Teams are not needed sometimes. Certainly teams bring together ideas and
information that one person rarely possesses alone. Yet, there are certain
I
situations in which decision by one person is more appropriate.
I

I
Teams take time to develop and maintain, which requires time and energy
resources to dvelop and maintain team than the task.
Organisations don't provide suitable environmentfor the teams to flourish.
Social Loafing: This is the tendency for individualsto perform at a lower level
, when working in groups than when alone.
Check Your Progress
Note: (a) Space is given below each question to write your answers.
. (b) Compare your answer with those given at the end of the unit
'
8. Mention the stages of team building

9. Enumerate different types of team building.

2.16 LET US SUM UP

. A human being is a social creature and hisher life is greatly influenced by the group
in which he7she is living,We can not think of ourselves living without a group. If any
OrganisatiunalUehaviour: individual separates from the group, hetshe has no existence in the society. Right
An Overview from histher birth an individual becomes member of any group. In due course,
human being exhibit some characteristic behaviouml patterns in groups. People involve
themselves in a group because they wanted to get benefit fro111the group, and doing
practical exercises which help hindher to better understand othcr's behaviour in a
group and know the group dynamics in the society.

2.17 UNIT END ACTIVITIES

1. You are working in a school organisition. Write down the different groups in
which you are a member and classify groups.

2.18 REFERENCES
Hersey, Paul. & Blachard, H. Kenneth : Management of Organisationa/
Behaviozlr : Utilizing Human Resornrces. 61hEdition. Prentice Hall of India.
1996.
Balvelas, A., and G. Strauss."Group Dynamics and Itztergrozlp Relations", in
K. Renne and R Chin , Eds. The Planning of Change. New York: Holt, Rinehart
&WinSton, 1 962
Walton, M. The Dernilzg Management Method. New York : Praeger.
Bion, W. R. ; Exprrienre irz Grotlp:And other Paper. Tavistock. Reprinted
1989 Routledge
Dyer, Willam The Different Drum: Community -making and Peace. New York :
Simon and Schuster ISBN 0684848589
Forsyth, D.R. Group Dynamics, 4thEdition, Belmont, CA : Thomson wadsworth.
ISBN 0534-36822-0,2006.
Freud. Sigmund, Group Psychology arzd tlze Analysis of tlze Ego, New York :
Livenight Publishing, 1992.
t

2.19 ANSWER TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

I. A group refers to the association of two or more persons interacting among
,
'
themselvesfor the achievement of corm~~on goals. According to Edgar H. Schien
- "A Group may be defined as a social phenomenon in which two or more
persons decide to interact with one anothts, share common ideology and
perceive themselves as a group."
2. Group dynamics is the study of groups, and also a general term for group
process. A group is of two or more individuals who are connected to each
other by social relationship because they interact and influence each other.
3. Reasons or factors are:
PsychologicalFactors
Social factors
Security factors
Economic factors
 0 Culturalfactors
0 Power factors
0 Status and Recognition factors
4. Fonnal groups are established by the organisation and have a public identity
and goal to achieve while informal groups emerge on the basis of common
interests, proximity and friendships. There are different types of formal groups
in an organisation: (a) Command Group, (b) The Committees, and (c) The
Team.
And Jnformal groups are - Friendship, Interest and Cliques groups.
5. A primay group is defined a!an entity in whch members have close face-to-
face interactions, interdependence and a sense olidentification with the entity.
In primary group, members have an additional feature of same values, interests,
etc. and members are loyal to the group. On the other way secondary group is
a large entity and is made of several related primary groups. It tends to be
impersonal. A school orgnisation is an example of a secondary group as it has
various primary groups - groups of teachers, librarians, etc.
6. Theoiies of' group formation are
a) Hor~~an's
Theory
b) Theory of Bal ance
c) Exchange Theory
7. (a) It's members should be active participants in the grou@activities.
(b) Members of a group share a common goal.
(c) Members have high group loyalty.
Identificationof a problem
Collection of relevant data
Data feedback and confrontation
Problem solving experience
On-the -job application & follow up
Role Defulition
Inter-personal Process
Goal Setting
Problem Solving