EMU CSIT 362 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

Lecturer HUSEYIN GURSEV

Prepared by
Kadir Gul
 Definition of a Group

A collection of individuals,
the members accept a common
task, become interdependent in
their performance, and interact
with one another to promote its
accomplishment.
 The Nature of groups
Three views :

 Normative views describes how a group is to be

organized and how its activities are to be carried
out.

 Group dynamics consists of a set of techniques.

 Regarding internal nature of groups

 Dynamics of Group Formation

 Theory of Propinquity- People associate with

one another due to geographical proximity.
 Balance Theory- People who have similar
attitudes toward certain objects and goals tend to
form a group.
 Exchange Theory- The reward-cost outcomes
of interactions serve as the basis for group
formation
• Security
• Status
• Self-esteem
• Affiliation
• Power
• Goal Achievement
 Various Types of Groups

 Small groups
 Large groups
 Primary groups
 Command  Friendship  Secondary groups
groups groups  Coalitions
 Task  Interest  Membership
groups groups groups
 Reference groups
Basic Comparison of Formal and Informal Groups
 Formal Groups
Officially designated to serve a specific
organizational purpose.
May be permanent or temporary.
 Permanent work groups are command groups in the vertical
organization structure.
 Temporary work groups are task groups specifically created
to solve a problem or perform a a defined task.

Virtual groups.
Groups whose members convene and work
together electronically via networked computers.
Activities are facilitated by groupware.
Can accomplish the same things as members of
face-to-face groups.
 Formal Groups
 These groups are formed by the organization
to carry out specific tasks.

It includes two types:

 Command group
 Task groups
 Formal Groups
Command Group: Groups that are determined by
the organization chart and composed of individuals who
report directly to a given manager.

Command Group;
 Represented in the organization chart.
 Permanent in nature.
 Members report to common supervisors.
 Functional reporting relationship exists.
 Formal Groups
TASK Group: Groups composed of individuals
brought together to complete a specific job task;
their existence is often temporary because once
the task is completed, the group disbands.

Task groups;
 Formed to carry out specific tasks.
 Temporary in nature.
 Formal Leadership

 Leader’s behavior has a significant impact on

the group behavior and performance
 Style of a leader is imitated by the members

of the group.
 Formal Leadership

 Leadership that is imposed on the group by the

organization.
 Leaders who derive their power from the
positions they occupy in the organizational
structure.
 Formal leaders may or may not also be the
informal leaders of the groups in which they
function.
 Dynamics of formal work Groups

Although group dynamics is generally

associated with informal norms and roles,
formally designated work groups also have
noticeable dynamics.

Example: Committee
 Stages of Group Development
The five-Stage Model:
Adjourning/Mourning
Completion, ending or
evolution
Performing
Achieving the purpose

Norming
Agreeing purpose and
conduct
Storming
Resolving differences

Forming
Initial meeting together
 Group Structure
 It helps shape the behavior of its members,
predict the behavior and guide the performance of
the group as a whole.
 Size of a Group
Groups of 5-7 members exercise the best
elements of both small and large groups.

 Social Loafing - The tendency for individuals to

expend less effort when working collectively than
when working individually.
 Group Tasks

 The effectiveness of a group is influenced by

the complexity and the interdependence of the
task to be performed by its members.
Large groups facilitate pooling of information
e.g. addition of a diverse perspective to a
problem-solving committee.
Group Processes
 The processes that go on within a work group
e.g. communication patterns, group decision
processes, leader behaviour, power dynamics,
conflict interactions etc.

 Synergy.

 Social

facilitation effect.