The Nature of Groups

What defines a group? Adler and Rodman: a small collection of people who interact with each other, usually face to face, over time in order to reach goals. p. 256

Groups… Interact Are interdependent Last over time Small- 3+ goals

All the people in a group… 1. Are aware of each other 2. Share an interdependent purpose 3. Have a sense of belonging 4. Interact with one another 5. Accept the norms Norms are the expectations of the group

According to the previous definition, which are groups and which are not? 7 people riding in a train? No 3 boys playing with a softball? Yes Two police officers and a robber? No 5 members in a family? Yes

Group verses Individual Which is better? It depends on the situation. 1. Problem solving 2. Efficiency 3. Learning 4. Creativity 5. Motivation

Rule and Norms Formal rules- Explicit: official, stated, guidelines Implicit: implied, but never stated. Norms: shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and procedures that govern a groups operation. Group Norms Social norms (all groups) Procedural norms Task norms --activity--think of a rule and a norm that exists in the classroom or with your family or friends.

Activity

Rolls Rolls: define patterns of behavior expected of members Formal rolls – assigned by an organization or group partly to establish order. Informal rolls- rarely acknowledged Task rolls-help the group accomplish its goals Social rolls- help the relationships among members run smoothly Dysfunctional rolls- prevent a group from working effectively

Deviance Violation of norms - norms and rules are maintained through group pressure - little tolerance= remove member or punished.

Perception and Rolls Our perceptions will shape what roll we think we play as well as what rolls others play Status: something that is perceived and given by other members -communication skills effect how others perceive your status