Scribd
Upload
32 views4 pages

Group Behaviour at Workplace

Group behavior in the workplace is essential as it influences productivity and organizational dynamics. Groups can be classified into formal and informal types, with formal groups including self-directed teams, quality circles, and committees, while informal groups arise from social interactions. The stages of group formation, identified by Bruce Tuckman, include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning, each contributing to effective group behavior and overall organizational success.

Uploaded by

x4bswxjcbg
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
32 views4 pages

Group Behaviour at Workplace

Group behavior in the workplace is essential as it influences productivity and organizational dynamics. Groups can be classified into formal and informal types, with formal groups including self-directed teams, quality circles, and committees, while informal groups arise from social interactions. The stages of group formation, identified by Bruce Tuckman, include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning, each contributing to effective group behavior and overall organizational success.

Uploaded by

x4bswxjcbg
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Group Behaviour at Workplace

Concept
Humans are social animals and hence, form groups wherever they are. Individuals form
groups. They live in groups. They move in groups. They work in groups. Groups are
important. They influence work and work behaviour. They are inseparable from organisation.
They are useful for the organisation. They form foundation of human resources. The study of
group behaviour is important. Individual and group behaviour differs from each other. Group
behaviour affects productivity.

What is Group Behaviour?


Therefore, group behavior in organizations tends to follow the organizational norms and rules
wherein the employees are expected to be disciplined, follow orders, and work to the
requirements of the organization rather than their own whims and fancies.

Types of Groups

Formal Groups: Groups that are formed consciously by the management, with an aim of
serving an organizational objective. These are further classified as:

Self-directed teams: The group of employees which are so authorised to make decisions, on
their own, as it is independent and self-governing in nature.

Quality Circles: A number of employees classed together belonging to the same field, who
meet every week for an hour, to talk about their problems, identify the causes and find out
solutions, to take necessary steps in this regard.

Committees: An association of people created by the management for different matters to


identify and discuss the issues of the company and arrive at a conclusion. It can be:

 Standing Committee
 Advisory Committee
 Audit Committee
 Grievance Committee
 Adhoc Committee

Task force: It is a temporary committee, wherein people belonging to different fields are
grouped together for the performance of the task.

Informal Groups: The social and psychological variables operating at the workplace, results
in the formation of informal groups. The creation of these groups is spontaneous due to the
common interest, social needs, physical proximity and mutual attraction.

Apart from the two broad classifications of the group, they are also divided into the primary
groups, secondary groups, membership groups, reference groups and interest groups.

Structure or Characteristics of Groups

Size: To form a group, it must be having at least two members. Practically, the number of
group members ranges from 15 to 20. The more the members in the group, the more complex
it is to manage.

1. Goals: Every group has certain goals, that are the reasons for its existence.
2. Norms: A group has certain rules, for interacting with the group members.
3. Structure: It has a structure, based on the roles and positions held by the members.
4. Roles: Every member of a group has certain roles and responsibilities, which are
assigned, by the group leader.
5. Interaction: The interaction between the group members can occur in several ways,
i.e. face to face, telephonic, in writing or in any other manner.
6. Collective Identity: A group is an aggregation of individuals, which are separately
called as members, and collectively called as a group.
The Stages of Group Formation
In 1965, Bruce Tuckman, an American psychological researcher, identified five stages of
group formation. Initially, there were four stages but Tuckman later added a fifth stage. He
suggested that the five stages contribute to different types of group behavior necessary to
deliver results successfully.
Forming
At this stage, individuals get to know each other but there’s no real openness though
there isn’t any conflict either. A team leader may need to mediate communication.
Storming
Group members share their perspectives, opinions and ideas in this stage. Conflicts
may arise and it’s important to manage intragroup conflict before things get difficult.
Norming
At this stage, everyone has a mutual understanding and abides by the group’s norms
and procedures. There is acceptance, agreement and identification of common goals.
Performing
At this stage, group work leads to self-management. Members are not only
cooperative but also autonomous and require less supervision. There is trust and loyalty.
Adjourning
People have completed their tasks and fulfilled their targets at this stage. They wrap
up their activities and the group parts ways.

Advantages of group behaviour in organizations


Let’s look at some of the benefits of effective group work.
1. Productivity
When you see others around you work hard, you’re motivated to push your
boundaries. Your productivity is enhanced because you want to match their
performance standards.
2. Attendance
When you have people to talk to and collaborate with, it makes work more interesting
and engaging. You also start looking forward to your workday. This improves your
attendance.
3. Job Satisfaction
Many modern organizations strive to make their employees feel like they’re a part of
one big family. When a workplace culture is employee-driven, you feel more engaged
and are happy about your contributions.
4. Attitude
At the workplace, we usually monitor our behavior by taking inspiration from our
managers and leaders. We foster positive attitudes when organizational group
behavior is constructive and supportive.
5. Well-Being
Working in groups impacts our social relationships, allowing more opportunities to
share stories and emotions. Being part of a group provides a heightened sense of
belonging. Increased social interactions lead to better mental and physical well-being.
6. Learnings
When you work in groups, you’re exposed to different perspectives. Every person has
something unique to contribute, which enhances the knowledge of other people in the
group.

You might also like