Introduction and overview of Group Behaviour

Here we covered Group Behaviour, Types of Group, Group Cohesiveness, Task, Group conflict and Negotiation

1. Presentation on Group Behaviour Basavaraj M. Naik, M.Com, NET, KSET Teaching Assistant, Department of Commerce RCU’s SRFGCC, Belagavi

2. Unit-III: Group Behavior Group Determinants, Process, Task, Types, Cohesiveness and Productivity; Group Decision Making; Team Building; Group Conflicts and Negotiations Stress Management Effective Communication.

3. What is Group? A group may be defined as a collection of people who have a common purpose or objective, interact with each other to accomplish the group objectives , are aware of one another and perceive themselves to be part of group. Therefore group has some features- Two or more persons, Collective identity, Interaction and common purpose.

4. Group determinants Individuals form groups. They live in groups. They move in groups. They work in groups. Groups are important. They influence work and work behaviour. They cannot be ignored. Group determinants are Purpose or objectives- Groups formed for specific tasks or goals Composition : The characteristics of group members, such as their demographics (age, gender, ethnicity), skills, knowledge, and personalities, shape group dynamics and performance. Size : The number of members in a group affects communication, decision-making, and cohesion Leadership : The presence or absence of leadership, as well as the style and effectiveness of leadership, Norms and Values : Norms are unwritten rules or expectations that guide behavior within the group, while values represent shared beliefs and principles.

5. Group Cohesion : Cohesion refers to the degree of unity, solidarity( unity), and commitment among group members. Communication Patterns : Communication within the group, including frequency, openness, and clarity, affects coordination, problem-solving, and relationship development. External Environment : Factors such as organizational culture, societal norms, economic conditions, and technological advancements influence group behavior and outcomes. Group History and Identity : Past experiences, traditions, and collective memories shape the group's identity and influence its current behavior.

6. Types of group Formal Groups- Command Group, Task Group, Project Group, and Committees. Informal Groups- Friendship Group, Interest Group Reference Group Groups established by the organisation to achieve organizational goals are called formal groups. Groups which are not formal are informal. These are groups that are neither formally created nor controlled by the organisation.

7. Command Group- It is composed of a supervisor and subordinates who report directly to that supervisor or manager Task Group- Working together to complete a common task Project Group- Formed to complete a specific project Committees- Usually created outside the usual command group structure to solve recurring problems Friendship Groups- Groups are associations of people who like each other and who like to be together. Interest Groups- who may not be the member of same organisation but they are united by their interest in a common issue Reference Group- Special type of informal group that people evaluate themselves.

8. Process/ Stages of Group Development In 1965, a psychological researcher called Bruce Tuckman was focused on the theory of group dynamics.  At this time, he proposed four stages of team development that he believed necessary in order for a team to grow, tackle problems, find solutions, and deliver results.  And in 1977, he added a fifth stage to cover the breaking apart of a team at the end of a project. 

9. States of group development and its analysis 1st Stage- Group Formation (Forming) The Beginning  2nd Stage- Exploration (Initiating the process) 3rd Stage- Performing ( Action and Implementation) 4th Stage- Assessment (Analysis and evaluation) 5th State- Termination (Closure or separation)

10. Task "task" refers to a specific piece of work or activity that needs to be accomplished within a certain timeframe or as part of a broader objective. Tasks can vary widely in complexity, duration, and importance, ranging from simple, routine activities to more complex projects requiring significant planning and coordination.

11. Group Cohesion Group cohesion means the degree to which the group members are attracted to each other and remain within group. It usually reflected by its resiliency to disruption by outside forces. Group cohesion develops out the activities, interactions and sentiments of the members. Cohesiveness binds all the group members to work as one man to attain the set goals.

12. Factor increasing Group Cohesion Inducing (Bring about) agreement of Group goals Increasing membership homogeneity Increasing interactions among group members Downsizing the group Encouraging competition with other rival groups Allocating rewards to the groups not the members Keeping the members isolated from other groups

13. Cohesiveness and Productivity Group cohesion can have a significant impact on productivity within a team or organization. Evidences such as Hawthorne studies ( designed to explore avenues to increase worker productivity) indicate that highly cohesive groups are more effective than those with less cohesiveness. It is also reported that a high degree of cohesiveness is both a cause and effect of high productivity.

14. Group cohesiveness and productivity shows two types of characteristics. The productivity of members of a cohesive group tends to be more uniform. This is so because high group cohesiveness promotes high control over the level of production of the individual members and this reduces variation among those members. In the group with low cohesiveness, productivity tends to show wide variation among members reflecting that the group has lower social control over its members.

15. Group decision making Group decision making refers to the process of making decisions within a collective setting, where multiple individuals contribute their perspectives, preferences, and expertise to reach a consensus or make a choice. It's commonly employed in various contexts, including businesses, organizations, government bodies, community groups, and social settings.

16. K ey aspects and considerations involved in group decision making: Diversity of perspectives : Groups typically comprise individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. This diversity can enrich the decision-making process by bringing in different viewpoints and insights. Communication : Effective communication is essential for successful group decision making. Members must be able to express their ideas clearly, actively listen to others. Collaboration : Group decision making often involves collaboration and cooperation among members. This may entail brainstorming ideas, sharing information, and working together to analyze options and reach a consensus. Conflict resolution : Conflicts and disagreements are common in group settings due to differing opinions and interests. Effective group decision making involves managing conflicts constructively and finding ways to reconcile differences. Decision-making techniques : Various techniques can be employed to facilitate group decision making, such as brainstorming, nominal group technique, Delphi method, multi-voting, and consensus building.

17. 6. Leadership : Group decision making may involve designated leaders or facilitators who guide the process, ensure participation from all members, and help maintain focus and momentum. 7. Time and efficiency : Group decision making can be time-consuming, particularly when there are many members involved or when conflicts arise. Effective time management and decision-making processes can help enhance efficiency. 8. Accountability and responsibility : Clarifying roles, responsibilities, and accountability within the group can help ensure that decisions are implemented effectively and that members take ownership of outcomes.

18. Team Building Team building is a process that aims to improve the quality of relationships within a group. It can include activities such as goal-setting, training, and gamification.

19. Team building can help to: Increase productivity Increase engagement Increase efficiency Create stronger bonds among team members Help members respect each other and their differences Help members share common goals and expectations 

20. Group conflict and negotiation Group Conflict: Definition : Group conflict arises when members of a group have differing interests, values, or opinions that lead to tensions, disagreements, or opposition. Causes : Differences in goals, priorities, or values among group members. Miscommunication or misunderstanding of roles, responsibilities, or expectations. Limited resources or competition for resources within the group. Personality clashes or interpersonal conflicts among members.

21. Types of Conflict : Task Conflict : Disagreements related to the content of tasks, such as differing opinions on how to achieve objectives or solve problems. Process Conflict : Disputes over how tasks are executed or decisions are made, such as concerns about fairness, transparency, or participation in the decision-making process. Relationship Conflict : Personal conflicts or tensions between group members, often stemming from personality differences, communication styles, or past interactions. Impact : Conflict can lead to decreased cohesion, trust, and morale within the group. It may hinder communication, collaboration, and productivity. However, when managed effectively, conflict can also stimulate creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.

22. NEGOTIATION Negotiation is a process in which parties with conflicting interests or goals engage in communication and bargaining to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or resolution. Negotiation involves exchanging offers, concessions, and compromises to address the concerns of all parties involved. Effective negotiation requires active listening, problem-solving skills, empathy, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate. Negotiation can take place in formal settings, such as business negotiations or labor contract talks, as well as informal settings, such as resolving conflicts within a team or resolving disputes between individuals.

23. Effective negotiation in the context of group conflict often involves: Identifying common interests and shared goals among group members. Promoting open communication and active listening to understand different perspectives. Generating options for mutual gain and exploring alternative solutions. Building trust and rapport among group members. Maintaining flexibility and adaptability to adjust negotiation strategies as needed.