Group Dynamics and Integration of Members in Organizations

This report discusses the importance of group dynamics and integration of members in organizations. It explores the differences between formal and informal groups and the strategies to create or strengthen the bond between them. The report also highlights the issues faced by formal groups and the factors that lead to group dysfunction. The findings are based on an interview with an individual from an organization. References are included.

Human Service

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
FINDINGS AND LEARNING........................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................2
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................................5
Interview questions......................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
The small and diverse group affect the group dynamics which refers to the process of
groupism wherein individual with different background and culture come together for
accomplishing the set objectives of the business (Forsyth, 2018). It consists of several stages
including forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2013). In
this regard, current report provides explanation regarding formal and informal group along with
the strategies to create or strengthen the bond. It has done on the basis of findings and learning
derived from interview of an individual from an organization.
FINDINGS AND LEARNING
On the basis of data collected from the interview, it has been found that group formation
plays important role in success of any organization. However, some groups are automatically
formed on the basis of nature, belief and culture of the individual working in an organization. On
the other hand, diverse or formal group are formed by an organization for a specific purpose so
that employees with same or different domain come together to accomplish the set objectives
(Malhotra & Temponi, 2010). It has also been found that different type of groups such as small,
diverse, formal and informal have different dynamics but purpose of their formation is same, to
achieve their common interest goals. Therefore, different types of groups are formed in an
organization wherein some has a specific purpose or some do not have.
The outcome of interview shows that formal group is quite different from informal one it
has prespecified structure. This prespecified structure bound group members to behave according
to rules and regulation whereas informal group member behaves according to their relation with
other group member which helps them to create bond, in contrast due to competent nature of
formal group, lacks in bond creation (Hughes et al. 2013).
As per the interview, it has been found that, there are several issues in all type of groups
but comparatively to informal group, formal group have more issues due to its autoreactive and
isolated behavior of group structure. Sometimes formal group are unable to resolve conflict due
to lack of trust and open communication (Argyris, 2017). In same context such groups also face
identity issues which results lack of motivation and difficulty in decision making. However, it
does not mean that other groups are not having an issue or problems it is just that comparatively
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intensity of issues lower than formal group. The interviewee stated that when the group makes
decision by considering members expectation and requirement by the open communication then
members of the group including him feels satisfied as well connected towards their workplace.
In the same context, he added that to increase the workplace productivity, group boding
is important. There are several strategies which can be applied to reform the groups’ bonding.
Some of the strategies are embarrassing and some strategies are enjoyable for the group member,
however sheer reluctance by the team member will nullified the embarrassing impact. The open
communication is the most important technique for group bonding where member can share their
ideas openly; can solve their query. Open communication can be done in any form like direct
discussion or through online feedback form (Fischer & Power, 2010). Another technique like
guidance, support and proper collaboration with members contribute towards increasing the
interest of members and create the bond. At the same time various indoor and outdoor fun
activities like campfire stories, shark tank, photo finish, bucket and balls etc. also help to
improve communication and collaboration skills of team mates.
The interview also shows that the dysfunction of group begins when the objectives are
achieved, However, some groups are affected due to conflicts and lack of support from leaders.
For instance, the group formed for the completion of projects gets dysfunction when the
objectives are achieved. However, extensive level of issues also become the potential reason
behind the group dysfunction. Yet, it all depends on the leader and its support towards the
integration of group. On the contrary, the dysfunction of group with the accomplishment of
objectives get the chance to celebrate the success. Here, the glory of group success can be
celebrated by the acknowledgement to each member, sharing stories, appreciation and offering
the appropriate reward. It helps in boosting morale of workforce and enable them to show their
proper support towards the success of the business (Forsyth, 2018).
CONCLUSION
The report concludes that group dynamics and integration of members of group facilitates
to determine the success. This also helps in developing the supportive culture and create the
bond. However, differences in the formal group tends to invite conflicts which might lead
dysfunction of the groups. It can also be concluded, diversity in groups provides different
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perspective for different group members which can be handled with the help of supportive
leadership and set standards.
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REFERENCES
Argyris, C. (2017). Integrating the Individual and the Organization. Routledge.
Fischer, R. C., & Power, P. P. (2010). π-Bonding and the lone pair effect in multiple bonds
involving heavier main group elements: developments in the new millennium. Chemical
reviews, 110(7), 3877-3923.
Forsyth, D. R. (2018). Group dynamics. Cengage Learning.
Hughes, S. O., Frankel, L. A., Beltran, A., Hodges, E., Hoerr, S., Lumeng, J., ... & Kremers, S.
(2013). Food parenting measurement issues: Working group consensus report. Childhood
obesity, 9(s1), S-95.
Malhotra, R., & Temponi, C. (2010). Critical decisions for ERP integration: Small business
issues. International Journal of Information Management, 30(1), 28-37.
Pettigrew, T. F., & Tropp, L. R. (2013). When groups meet: The dynamics of intergroup contact.
Psychology Press.
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APPENDIX
Interview questions
1. According to you what is the main purpose of group formation?
2. In your opinion which group among formal and informal is more helpful in creating the
bond?
3. Do you think that formal group has more issues as compared to informal group?
4. How does it feel when your group decides? Is there tension or is everyone satisfied? How
are concerns or dissenting opinions addressed?
5. According to your experience, which strategies worked to encourage group bonding?
6. What factors lead the dysfunction of group?
7. How it feels when you get chance to celebrate the collective success of group?
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