Page 35 - eBOOK ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR FULL REPORT (eISBN)
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CHAPTER 4: GROUPS, TEAMS AND DECISION MAKING IN ORGANIZATION
4.1 Definition of Group in Organization
We can define a group as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who
have come together to achieve particular objectives. Groups can be either formal or
informal. According to David Horton Smith (1967), a group is the largest set of two or more
individuals who are jointly characterized by a network of relevant communications, a
shared sense of collective identify and one or more shared disposition with associated
normative strength.
4.2 Types of Group
a) Formal Group
Defined by the organization’s structure, with designated work assignments
establishing tasks. In formal groups, the behaviors team members should engage in
are stipulated by and directed toward organizational goals. The six members of an
airline flight crew are a formal group.
b) Informal Group
An informal group is neither formally structured nor organizationally determined.
Informal groups are natural formations in the work environment that appear in
response to the need for social contact. Three employees from different departments
who regularly have lunch or coffee together are an informal group. These types of
interactions among individuals, though informal, deeply affect their behavior and
performance.
4.3 Stages of Group Development
In 1965, a psychologist named Bruce Tuckman said that groups must go through 5 stages of
development: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. These phases are all
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