What is Group???
A collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, the common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals. A group can be defined as two or more individuals that are connected to each other by social relationships. Groups tend to interact, influence each other, and share a common identity.
Primary and Secondary groups:
A primary group is typically a small social group (small-scale society) whose members share close, personal, enduring relationships. These groups are marked by members' concern for one another, in shared activities and culture. Examples include family, childhood friends, and highly influential social groups. The concept of the primary group was introduced by Charles Cooley, a sociologist from the Chicago School of sociology, in his book “Social Organization: A Study of the Larger Mind.” Although the group initially referred to the first intimate group of a person's childhood, the classification was later extended to include other intimate relations. Primary groups play an important role in the development of personal identity. A primary group is a group in which one exchanges implicit items, such as love, caring, concern, animosity, support, etc. Examples, of these, would be family groups, love relationships, crisis support groups, church groups, etc. Relationships formed in primary groups are often long-lasting and goals in themselves.
They also are often psychologically comforting to the individuals involved and provide a source of support Secondary groups are large groups whose relationships are impersonal and goal-oriented; their relationships are temporary. People in a secondary group interact on a less personal level than in a primary group, and their relationships are temporary rather than long-lasting. Since secondary groups are established to perform functions, people’s roles are more interchangeable. A secondary group is one you have chosen to be a part of. They are based on interests and activities. They are where many people can meet close friends or people they would just call acquaintances. Secondary groups are groups in which one exchanges explicit commodities, such as labor for wages, services for payments, etc. Examples of these would be employment, vendor-to-client relationships, etc.
Formal and Informal groups:
A formal group consists of a number of persons working together to attain a given goal. It functions according to a set of rules under the authority of a set of off It has a definite structure. A bureaucratic group is an example of the formal group. Formal Groups are formed deliberately and consciously collectively to direct the efforts of group members, especially the employees towards the accomplishment of organizational objectives. 26 An Informal group consists of two or more persons working together to achieve a common goal. There are no set of formal rules and regulations and no definite structure. the crowd is an example of an informal group.
Differences between Formal and Informal groups:
Formation of groups:
Formal groups are created deliberately and consciously in the organization by the organizer, but informal groups are created on account of prevailing the socio-psychological environment at the place of work.
Objectives of groups:
Formal groups are formed to achieve the legitimate objective of the organization, but informal groups are created by the members of the organization to fulfill their social and psychological requirements.
Size of groups:
Formal groups may be quite large in size, whereas informal groups tend to be small in size.
Nature of groups:
Formal groups are stable and may continue for a long period, whereas informal groups are quite unstable in nature.
A number of groups:
The number of both formal and informal groups may be quite large, but generally informal groups are more than the formal groups. There may also be an overlapping of membership.
The flow of Authority in groups:
In formal groups, the authority flows from higher to lower levels, whereas in the informal groups all members are equal. In informal organizations, some may command more authority by virtue of their personal qualities.
The behavior of Group Members:
The behavior of members in the formal groups is governed by formal rules and regulations, while in informal groups, the behavior of the members is governed by norms, beliefs, and values of the groups.
Media of Communication:
In formal groups, the media of communication is prescribed, while in informal organizations, the communication pass through informal channels.
Abolition of Groups:
Formal groups can be abolished at any time but it is very difficult to abolish informal groups. Since the informal groups are the result of the natural desire for interaction between humans and an organization cannot have control over such groups.
Nature of Leadership in groups:
The formal organization has official leadership, while the informal organization has its own leaders, its own goals, and its own standards.
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