Fundamentals of Group Dynamics

8/13/2019 Fundamentals of Group Dynamics

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Dr. Faisal Asghar Imam


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a group is any col lect ion o f ind iv iduals whoperceive themselves to be a group

Charles Handy

any number of people who (1) interact w i th

one ano ther (2) are psycho logically aware of

one ano ther and (3) perceive themselves to

be a group

Schein


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Fraser

1. Interaction

2. Perception

3. Goals

4. Roles

5. Norms

6. Affective relations


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Management succeeds or fails in proportionas it is accepted without reservation by thegroup as authority and leader. Elton Mayo

Understanding the element of perception &culture.

The importance of Social Controls onproductivity and management.

The alignment of individual and group goals

leads to more commitment, satisfaction andproductivity.


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Formal Organizational Functions

Complex, interrelated tasks

A means of generating new ideas

Facilitate implementation of decision-

participation

Socialization- internalized control


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Individual Functions

A means of developing a sense of identity

& self esteem

A means of defining reality

Fulfilling Affiliation needs

Reducing anxiety & powerlessnesshelp

& support


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REMEMBER:

The critical importance of alignment of

individual and group needs


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Formal & Informal groups

Dalton identified three types of cliques-

horizontal, vertical and random

Informal groups can facilitate

communication

Informal groups can also be disruptive andrestrictive- Hawthorne Studies


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FORMINGa set of individuals

STORMINGgoals, roles and controls

NORMINGcohesion and identity

PERFORMING- energy for completion of

tasks


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In certain situations the group rapidly goes throughthese stages (If people are committed, if individualand group needs are aligned or if the task is tooimportant-common enemy)

Sometimes it would take a longer time for thesestages (the task of the manager to know the stagethe group is at).

Certain organizational cultures do not encourage

storming, which leads to politiking.A misconception- groups only perform at the

performing stage.


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Conformity- degree of influence by the

group

Experiments of Solomon Asch;

1. Distortion of perception

2. Distortion of judgment

3. Distortion of action Power comes from unanimity &

cohesion


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how strongly they are attracted to groups.

Why members stay members

Size

Frequency of interaction

Agreement on goals

Inter group competition

Age of membersShared background


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Large size

Disagreement on goals

Intra group competition

Discussion dominated by few members


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Sherif and Sherif

Intra group behavior

1. More cohesion

2. Concern with task needs3. Autocratic leadership

Inter group behavior

1. Diminished interaction

2. Stereotyping and selective perception3. Distorted perception on forced interaction


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Locating a common enemy-emphasis on

organizational goals

Frequent rotation

Encourage communication


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The group becomes toocohesive1. Invulnerability

2. Rationalization

3. Inherent morality4. Stereotype

5. Direct pressure

6. Self censorship

7. Unanimity8. Mind guards


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Leon Festinger

1. Propinquity

2. Social Comparison theory

The Balance Theory

The Exchange Theory

Collective Goals

Documents

Fundamentals of Group Dynamics