Group| Features and Why do People form Groups?

What is a Group?

A group can be defined as the interaction and interdependence of two or more people who come together to achieve some common goals and/or objectives. When two or more people come together to achieve some particular objective or to fulfil social contact, they are thus forming groups. Groups can be of various types based on their motives. Generally, groups are classified as Formal Groups and Informal Groups. Formal groups can be defined as the groups which are formed in organisations (to contribute to organisational goals) based on the similarities of objectives, streams, and qualifications. Informal groups can be defined as groups formed by instincts for the objective of social contact.

According to Friedrich Nietzsche, “Madness is the exception in individuals but the rule in groups.”

Features of Group

1. Two or More People: A Group always consists of two or more people, who can together interact with each other and achieve some goals. A person alone can not make a group.

2. Influence: Members of a group always affect each other and get affected by other members of the group.

3. Objective: People tend to form groups in order to achieve some goals, whether it is a formal group or informal group. People form a formal group in order to achieve some organisational goal, whereas people form informal groups in order to satisfy their social connection needs.

4. Hierarchy: A group generally consists of a representative, a guide, and other members who follow their lead.

5. Norms: Groups develop norms or unwritten rules that dictate behaviour and expectations within the group.

6. Structure: Groups can have a formal or informal structure that defines how the members of the group operate, including hierarchies or decision-making processes.

Why do People form Groups?

It is human nature to feel belong to society. A sense of belongingness is the major reason people engage in forming groups. Belonging to a group helps people identify what are they and what kind of personality they have. Whenever a person is a part of some group, the group’s wins and losses decide the sense of satisfaction for that individual. The concept is known as Social Identity Theory. Social Identity Theory states that people have emotional reactions to their groups’ failure and success because their self-esteem is tied to their group’s performance. Social identities help in understanding what an individual is and where they fit in with other people. Individuals want to form social identities to fulfil various purposes that are considered important for society.

1. Similarity: People having similar demographic characteristics to other people in their organisation have higher chances of group identification. The new potential hires with different characteristics have lower chances of getting selected as compared to those who have similar characteristics to the group.

2. Distinctiveness: People are to be noticed more when they are working in a group than those they do not share similar traits. When people have different characteristics from their group, their identities tend to be highlighted more.

3. Status: People are always interested in identifying themselves as a part of the group to increase their self-esteem. Thus, it is attractive for people to engage themselves with high-status groups. People in the high-status group tend to be approached more as compared to the low/middle-status group.

4. Reduction of Uncertainty: Groups help people identify who they are and what kind of division they belong to in a society. Social identities help people know exactly what kind of people they are. This practice helps in the reduction of uncertainty about ones’ self.

5. Knowledge Sharing: Groups can serve as a means to share and acquire knowledge, skills, and information. Educational and professional groups, for instance, facilitate learning and networking.

7. Influence: Groups can alter individual voices and provide a platform for collective action. They allow the members to pool their resources and efforts to effect change or influence decision-making.