HCM 433 MANGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR.pdf

At the end of studying this unit, you should be able to:
1. Explain the meaning of a work group
2. Comment on the characteristics and types of work group
3.0 WORK GROUPS
3.1 THE MEANING OF A WORK GROUP
A work group is a set of two or more people who see themselves as a group and are
interdependent with one another for a purpose, and communicate and interact with one another on
a more or less continuing basis. In many cases (but not always) they work closely together
physically.
The essential feature of a group is that its members regard themselves as belonging to the group.
Although there is no single, accepted definition most people will readily understand what
constitutes a group. A popular definition by Schein (1988), regards the group in psychological
terms as any number of people who interact with one another; are psychologically aware of one
another; and perceive themselves to be a group.
A group is more than a collection of individuals; rather, through their interactions, new forms and
new properties are created that need to be identified and studied in themselves. The goals may
pertain to specific tasks, but it may also mean that the people share some common concerns,
values, or idealogy. Thus, group members are attracted to each other by some social bonds.
Groups are an essential feature of the work pattern of any organisation. Members of a group must
co-operate in order for work to be carried out, and managers themselves will work within these
groups. People in groups influence each other in many ways and groups may develop their own
hierarchies and leaders. Group pressures can have a major influence over the behaviour 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 behaviour of members of the group.
3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUPS
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