GROUPS IN THE WORKPLACE

Groups in the Workplace

Abstract

This paper aims the need, goal, control, functions, pros and cons of these groups. Informal group is a social community that is formed on the basis of interpersonal relationships and has no official, legally fixed, approved status. Formal groups are usually identified as the structural units in the organization. In this paper difference between both groups is identified with development and goals of formal and informal groups. In addition groups' behavior and development of both groups is discussed. This paper has also identified difference in leadership style of formal and informal group. Elton Mayo conducted research on human behavior in the Western Electric Company, located in Hawthorne, USA, to this day that work is recognized as the basis of modern Industrial Psychology which is used for finding the relationship between theory and practice. Formal and informal groups are important for organizational development therefore it is very necessary to form both type of groups in the organization.

Table of Contents

Introduction2

Background3

Group3

Formal Groups4

Informal Groups5

The difference between a formal and an informal group6

The development of formal and informal groups formed7

The operational and nonoperational goals of formal and informal groups8

Group Functioning and Behavior9

Group leaders through group participants9

Styles of leadership11

Discussion12

First experiment12

Second experiment12

Third experiment12

Group problem solving and decision making13

Staff morale both in and out of the groups13

Summary of Findings14

Recommendations14

Conclusion16

References16

Formal and Informal Groups in the Workplace

Introduction

The formation of working groups is a difficult task today if you want to achieve organizational success, but it is common to set aside the informal groups in both corporate significance and importance with these configurations to the needs social partners within the organization, as these groups are a social support formal groups can not cover. It is therefore very important the existence of formal groups as they are those who lead the organization to success, but in counterpart and complement informal groups meet the social needs of individuals in the organization. However, the need, goal, control, functions, pros and cons of these groups are what this paper will explore.

Background

Before starting the development of a research subject or is necessary to consider working with the definitions or theoretical framework of the theme to be developed, in this particular case to the subject of formal and informal groups will define the key concepts.

Group

Group is defined as the set of two or more individuals who interact and are interdependent and together to achieve specific objectives.

Formal Groups

For formal groups we refer to those that define the structure of the organization, work assignments that set certain tasks (Miners, 2007). In formal groups, the behavior of individuals is provided and directed toward the goals of the organization.

Characteristics

Informal Groups

Instead, informal groups are alliances that have no formal structure or defined by the organization. These groups are natural formations of the work environment that arise in response to the need for social contact (Tuchman, 2005).

The difference between a formal and an informal group

Formal groups are usually identified as the structural units in the organization. They have a formally appointed leader, formally defined structure ...