Group and Groups Behavior
Journal of Comprehensive Research, Volume 5, Page 32
Groups and Group Behavior
Dr. I. Chaneta
Faculty of Commerce
University of Zimbabwe
ABSTRACT
Groups and teams are a major feature of organizational life. The work organization and its sub-units are made of, are groups of people. Most activities of the organization require at least some degree of co-ordination through the operation of groups and teamwork. An understanding of the nature of groups is vital if the manager is to influence the behavior of people in the work situation. Groups are an essential feature of the work pattern of any organization. Members of a group co-operate in order for work to be carried out and managers themselves work within the groups. People in groups influence each other in many ways and may develop their own hierarchy and leaders.
Group pressures can have a major influence over the behavior of individual members and their work performance. The activities of the group are associated with the process of leadership. The style of leadership adopted by the manager has an important influence on the behavior of members of the group.
Keywords: co-ordination, upheaval, interaction, co-operation, loyalty, cohesiveness, norms and values.
Groups and Group Behavior
Journal of Comprehensive Research, Volume 5, Page 33
INTRODUCTION
The essential feature of a group is that its members regard themselves as belonging to the group. A group is defined as any number of people who:
• interact with one another;
• are psychologically aware of one another; and
• perceive themselves to be a group.
A work group is a collection of people who share most, if not all, of the following characteristics: • a definable membership;
• groups consciousness;
• a sense of shared purposes;
• interdependence; and
• ability to act in a unitary manner.
FORMATION OF GROUPS
Tuckman (1965) devised a model of group formation which consists of the following five stages as shown in Table
Groups and Group Behavior
Dr. I. Chaneta
Faculty of Commerce
University of Zimbabwe
ABSTRACT
Groups and teams are a major feature of organizational life. The work organization and its sub-units are made of, are groups of people. Most activities of the organization require at least some degree of co-ordination through the operation of groups and teamwork. An understanding of the nature of groups is vital if the manager is to influence the behavior of people in the work situation. Groups are an essential feature of the work pattern of any organization. Members of a group co-operate in order for work to be carried out and managers themselves work within the groups. People in groups influence each other in many ways and may develop their own hierarchy and leaders.
Group pressures can have a major influence over the behavior of individual members and their work performance. The activities of the group are associated with the process of leadership. The style of leadership adopted by the manager has an important influence on the behavior of members of the group.
Keywords: co-ordination, upheaval, interaction, co-operation, loyalty, cohesiveness, norms and values.
Groups and Group Behavior
Journal of Comprehensive Research, Volume 5, Page 33
INTRODUCTION
The essential feature of a group is that its members regard themselves as belonging to the group. A group is defined as any number of people who:
• interact with one another;
• are psychologically aware of one another; and
• perceive themselves to be a group.
A work group is a collection of people who share most, if not all, of the following characteristics: • a definable membership;
• groups consciousness;
• a sense of shared purposes;
• interdependence; and
• ability to act in a unitary manner.
FORMATION OF GROUPS
Tuckman (1965) devised a model of group formation which consists of the following five stages as shown in Table
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