Understanding Group Dynamics: A Comparison of Task and Interest Groups

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of group behavior, focusing on a comparative study between task-oriented groups (specifically, a fundraising committee) and interest-driven groups (an anti-ragging group). It explores various aspects of group behavior such as team building, politics and power, decision-making, and communication, with a particular emphasis on functional and dysfunctional communication patterns within these groups. The study identifies functional behaviors like open door policies and two-way feedback, and dysfunctional behaviors such as linguistic, cultural, and psychological barriers to communication. Furthermore, it offers recommendations for removing dysfunctional operations and enhancing functionalities to improve overall team performance and cohesiveness, ultimately aiming to provide insights into effective group management and goal achievement. Desklib provides similar solved assignments for students.

Running head: GROUP BEHAVIOUR
GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Name of the Student
Name of the University
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1GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Task Group.................................................................................................................................2
Interest Group.............................................................................................................................3
Group Behaviour........................................................................................................................4
Aspects of Group Behaviour..................................................................................................4
Group Behavior..........................................................................................................................5
Functional Behaviour (Communication)................................................................................6
Dysfunctional Behaviour (Communication)..........................................................................7
Differences.................................................................................................................................9
Recommended Ways to Removal of dysfunctional operations...............................................10
Recommended Ways to Enhance Functionalities....................................................................11
Conclusion................................................................................................................................12
References................................................................................................................................13

2GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Introduction
Groups are formed when a number of people of different or same categories have
gathered together for the achievement of a goal. This is one of the most significant part for
achieving a goal collectively (Robbins et al., 2016). The reason behind creation of groups is
to achieve the ultimate strategic outcome of the group. There is a process of formation of the
groups consist of five stages that include stages such as forming, storming, norming,
performing and lastly adjourning (Kumar, Deshmukh & Adhish, 2014). There are main two
category of groups that is informal and formal (Robbins et al., 2016). Formal groups are
mainly the groups that are having defined procedures and guidance to achieve the goals.
However, informal groups are mainly focused on the achieving the goals but they are formed
naturally with a need for forming the group. However, the groups can be classified based on
the functions of the group (Robbins et al., 2016). The purpose of the study is understand and
discuss about the aspects that are associated with the group that have been chosen for the
study. As it has been observed that there are numerous groups who are involved in both
formal and informal situation. There is significance of the initiating and sustaining a group
that involved the process accomplishing the requisite goals. The study has chosen a task
group and an interest group which will be beneficial to address the functional and
dysfunctional behaviours. This will enable the study to incorporate the set of activities that
will be projecting the activities that are required for the comparing the similarities and the
differences between them. The aim of this paper is to differentiate the nature of operation of a
task driven and an interest oriented group. Along with the above comparison, the paper will
critically evaluate the efficacy of functional group performance and with evaluation of the
hindrances caused by dysfunctional group performances. Finally recommendations have been
made in order to solve the issues related to dysfunctional group performance and for
enhancing the overall team performance.

3GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Task Group
The task group is one of the major factor that is associated with the development of
the key factors that are complementing towards the development of the activities for the
accomplishment of a certain task (Fransen, Weinberger & Kirschner, 2013). The groups that
are deemed to be task groups of mitigating a particular task. Regardless of the nature of the
group, the activities and objectives of the group can be carried out on the in informal and
formal basis. This is a group that is consisting of a group that does not consider the hierarchy
while forming (Gorenstein, 2013). This is one of the major groups that are involved in the
process of accomplishing the project will determine the liability of development of the key
aspects that are responsible for the finishing a defined task (Corey, Corey & Corey, 2013).
Certain part of the group have a formal structure. Such a division among the group is the fund
raising committee of the group. However, the study needs to incorporate a real life example
for the task group that is the fund raising committee that has been chosen for the study. Fund
raising committees are mainly focused on the activities that are related to increasing the fund
for a particular organisation or company. Achievement of the strategies of the group can be
deemed as favourable once they are able to achieve the ultimate strategic goal that is
allocation of the funds.
Interest Group
Interest groups are one of the informal group that are formed by the members who are
involved in the process of developing the key areas that will be responsible for addressing the
same interests of the people (Robbins et al., 2016). This is one of the major factor that is
associated with the cohesion of this group is inclusive of the same interests that the group
members are having. This is one of the most significant factor that is associated with the
development of this group (Forsyth, 2018). For the study the interest group that has been
chosen is the anti-ragging group. This group is consisting of the similar interest for stopping

4GROUP BEHAVIOUR
the interests. This is one of the group that is intended towards the development of the better
environment. In order to sustain the main aim of the anti-ragging group the members of the
groups have to ensure that the members within the groups are delegated with roles of
achievement of the norms of achievement of the groups. It has been proven that presence of a
strong regulatory body or authority leads to greater cohesion among the group which ultimate
leads to achievement of the goals of the group. The role of the leader of the groups is to
sustain the rationale behind creation of the group. The role of the leaders in groups are to
delegate responsibilities in the groups that ensure the viability of the reason behind creation
of the group. Thus, the roles in the groups are segregated on the basis of responsibilities
associated with incorporation of the objectives that are established in the group. Cohesion
among the members of the group will ensure that the group will ensure the ultimate strategic
objective of the groups that is mitigating the issue of ragging that is prevalent in the society.
Group Behaviour
Aspects of Group Behaviour
There are different aspects of the group behaviour which is needed of the activities
that will required for the addressing the characteristics of such behaviours (Robbins et al.,
2016). The key aspect that is associated with group behaviour is stated below:
Team Building: Team work is a significant aspect for a group that is influence by the
cohesion of the group members (Reynolds, 2013).
Politics and Power: Power is a vital aspect that can influence the behaviour within the
group. This is one of the major contributor towards the development of the aspects that are
associated with the influencing the subordinates (Dahl, 2017).
Decision Making: This is one of the most significant aspect of the group behaviour that
influences the activities that will be impacting the behaviour of the group (Pennington, 2014).

5GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Communication: Communication is a significant aspect while considering the group
behaviour as it helps to provide the directions to the group members (Alvídrez et al., 2015).
This is one of the major factor that contributes to the development of the activities that will
be liable for fostering the motivation among the members of the groups.
From the key factors that are mentioned in the above section, it has been witnessed that
communication is one of the most important factors that contribute to the long term
sustainability of initiatives of any group. The aim of communication is to transfer ideas of the
team as a whole to the individual members of the team. Establishment of smooth
communication in a group can be considered as the gateway behind achievement of smooth
functioning of any department of a group. In the current cases of the groups of different
nature, communication is crucial. In the groups that has been established for the motive of
raising funds, that is the task oriented group, as well for the case of the group driven by
interest. Smooth communication must be incorporated in both the groups, even if the nature
of the task that they perform are different. Establishment of a smooth communication
framework in a group determines the viability of the ideas of the leader of the group.
Establishment of the latter helps in transferring of ideas the leaders of the groups to the each
and every members of team which helps in cohesion among the members of team which
ultimately help in achievement of the ultimate reasons behind creations of the teams in the
first place. There are various reasons depending on which the proper functioning of a group
can be disrupted. The latter have been identified as barriers to smooth communication. There
are various barriers that can arise while a team operates in the market. Some of the most
common barriers to operation and smooth communication of a team are linguistic barriers,
cultural barriers, physical, psychological and perceptual barriers. The presence of the latter
leads to loss of proper communication in a team that turn out to be hindrance of smooth
functioning of a team.

6GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Group Behavior
The nature of communication in the group determine the type of operation that is carried out
in the group. The style of behavior that the group showcases, determines the nature of
operation in a group. Whether the group is functional or dysfunctional determines behavior
and the group cohesiveness of the members of the group. Functional behavior of the group
results in establishment of proper objective of the group that result in achievement of the
functional objectives of the groups. The presence of a groups that is dysfunctional in nature
results in the absence of the same as stated in the case of a functional group.
Functional Behaviour (Communication)
Functional behaviour is one of the major factor that is associated with the
development of the key aspects that are defining the activities of the group and reduce
conflict (Sherif, 2015). This is one of the major factor that will be liable for the improved
performance of the groups. Functional behaviours are the behaviours that will be liable for
the development of the activities that will be projecting the improved performance of the
group (Robbins et al., 2016). So the functionalities are stated below for the chosen groups;
Fund Raising Committee: The functional activities of the fund raising groups are inclusive
of the activities that are associated raising funds. The key functional communication
practices are important for the group and it helps in the developing a cohesiveness within the
groups. One of the major practice is to the functionality is the open door policy within the
group. Open door policy signifies the presence of smooth communication in a group. It
reduces the hindrances that can lead to hindrances in smooth functioning of the teams. The
policy ensures that the higher level officials of the team are easily approachable by the team.
This reduces the ambiguity within the group that can influence operations in a more adverse
way. Another functional behaviour of the group is the clarity and responsibility of the group.
Clarity with a group ensures that the communication is clear among the members of the team,

7GROUP BEHAVIOUR
thus, finally reflecting on the clarity of the roles of the team. This helps in the development of
a group that is efficient in nature and help the members of the group to understand the roles
and responsibilities and exposes the expectations from the members.
Anti-Ragging Group: The functional activities that are associated with the groups is the
increasing the awareness against the racism. The key interest of the group is to minimize the
activities that will be liable for the minimisation of the activities that are related to ragging.
This is one of the major interest to address the people who are being ragged and help in
developing the key areas. One of the most functional practices within the group is the two
way feedbacks that helps in the determination of the loopholes in the communication. Two
way feedback also help in having a positive experience to encourage self-evaluation.
Incorporation of the same results in mobilisation of ideas in the group which enables the
group to function effectively and helps in achievement of the ultimate goals of the company.
Communication can help in building team spirit as it is one of the major functional
behaviours of the group that leads to developing the opportunity to grow together. The same
has been recognised as an important aspect of the motivational hierarchy that was established
by Abraham Maslow. Achievement of the same results in achievement of goals of the team
and enhances the spirit of the team which results in achievement of the strategic goals that
have been laid down by the leaders of the team. This can help in the development of a time to
reduce the boundaries of communication.
Thus from addressing the key areas that will be accountable for the development of
the key areas responsible for the activities are going to be inclusive of the functional
similarity of the intention within the group. The group that is addressing the activities that
will be liable for raising the funds will be incorporating the activities that are more focused
one the monetary terms. However, the functionalities of the Anti-ragging group is more
focused on the activities that will be liable for the development of a culture that is ragging

8GROUP BEHAVIOUR
free. This is one of the most significant factor that can be a motivation for the members of the
group and help the organization in developing the key aspects that are associated with the
organization.
Dysfunctional Behaviour (Communication)
Dysfunctional behaviour is the behaviour that have been caused by the activities that
are impacting the performance of the group in a more negative way. This is one of the major
aspect that is needed to minimize for increasing the efficiency of the group. This is one of the
most significant behaviour that influences the performance of a group in a more adverse way
(Robbins et al., 2016). Thus, the observed dysfunctional nature are stated below for the
chosen groups for the study;
Fund Raising Committee: Though there is existence of the activities that are related to the
various dysfunctional nature within the group. One of which is the intimidating approach
towards raising the funds and it becomes significantly important to address the issues that
will be liable for the dysfunctional behaviours within the organization. There are also
dysfunctional behaviours that are associated with the communication within the group these
are inclusive of the practices such as grapevine within the groups. It is a type of
communication that is characterised by the slow flow of communication within the
organisation. The ideas are not communicated directly which hinders the flow of operations
in team and ultimately hinders functionality. Presence of such type of communication in the
organisation results in under achievement of the team in terms of the attaining the state of
achievement of the ultimate objectives of the organisation. There can be also probable
dysfunction this committee is the lack of empathy. This can impact the productivity of the
team as a whole and it is deemed to be unfavourable under any circumstance in the industry
that is dynamic and subject to a high degree of communication

9GROUP BEHAVIOUR
Anti-Ragging Group: Just as the task groups consists of the dysfunctional operations. It is
important for the studies to incorporate the activities that will be impacting the activities that
are required for the addressing the main cause of the formation of the group. It is important
for the groups to address the dysfunctional operations such as controlling the behaviour of the
members. There is another dysfunctional operations that is associated with the key aspects
such as communicating later after the incident. There is another dysfunctional operations
that project that is lack of inter-dependency in communication that also reduces the privacy.
However, dysfunctional operations can only impact the communication processes within the
organization.
By assessing the dysfunctional operations among the behaviour of the group it
becomes significant to address those as they can influence the members of the group in a
more adverse way that can impact the group performance. The dysfunctional operations in
the sector will be liable for the demotivation of the members of the group. The dysfunctional
operations within the behaviour of the group is going to be challenging aspect that will be
liable for the development of the activities that will be impacting the performance of the
group in a negative way. Thus, it is one of the most important duty for the development of the
activities that will be liable for addressing the issues and help to reduce these dysfunctional
operations and recover from such issues.
Differences
Anti-ragging groups are formed with an intention to reduce the activities that are
related to reducing the activities that are causing the incident of ragging. Whereas, fund
raising committee is formed with a specific task to raise the fund for the desired activities.
One of the most important aspect that is associated with the influencing the behaviour of the
group is the communication within the team. This is one of the major factor that influences
the behaviour of the group. From the functions of the group it has been identified that anti-

10GROUP BEHAVIOUR
ragging group is more of an interest group. However, fund raising committee is more of a
group that is projecting the activities that are related to the performing a task which projects it
as a task group. According to a study it has been observed that there is significant difference
that is associated with the communication for the team building (Hillier & Dunn-Jensen,
2013). According to the study it has been observed that there is a significant factor for
building an interest group instead of a sheer focus and goal of achievement towards the task
which is the main reason for building a task group. For the case of Google it has been
observed that there is a significant influence of the interest of the member while building a
group (Duhigg, 2016). According to a case study it has been observed that utilising
communication applications can be a feasible way to way for the development of an efficient
communication process (Neves et al., 2018). However, incorporating communication
influences the creation of an interest group (Holland, 2018). There are significant differences
among the two groups that have been observed from the study. It is one of the most important
factor that will be impacting the activities that are required for developing the key areas for
the group behaviour. According to a study, there is a significance of the communication while
considering forming the team that impacts the motivation of the member and effects the
performance of the group (Moreland, Levine & Wingert, 2013). According to a case study it
has been observed that interest groups are more passionate towards achieving the goals
(Petracca, 2018). Thus, it becomes significantly important to address the approach for the
communication within the group. However, it has been also observed from a case that task
groups are more inclined towards having a formal communication (Ceballos, Garza & Cantu
2018).
Recommended Ways to Removal of dysfunctional operations
As it has been observed that there are significant challenges that are associated with
the dysfunctional operations. This is important for any group for performing well even

11GROUP BEHAVIOUR
though the dysfunctional operations do not allow a group to perform as per the capability of
the group. Thus, making the group inefficient. It is one of the major factor that is associated
with the group to remove the dysfunctional operations. This section of the study is focused on
the ways to remove these dysfunctional operations so that the group can perform according to
the capacity and can improve from there on. The way that the groups can incorporate for the
removal of the dysfunctional operations are stated below;
 Observing: It is important for the leaders of the group or makers of the groups to
incorporate the measures that are required for the identification of the dysfunctional
procedures and remove them before it influences the performance of the group (Salas
et al., 2015).
 Integrate Constructive Attitude: This is one of the major factor that will be liable
for the mitigation of the activities that are required to incorporate the values for
minimizing the dysfunctional actions (Yang, Yang & Isen, 2013).
 Embrace the Culture for Positive Criticism: It is one of the major factor that
contributes towards the development of the aspects that are required for addressing
the activities that will be liable the member taking a criticism is a positive way (Levi,
2015). This will stop the member in engaging with activities responsible for
dysfunctional behaviour.
Recommended Ways to Enhance Functionalities
Functional behaviours does impacts the performance in a more positive way. It helps
the group to incorporate the changes that are required for the improvement of the
performance. It is one of the most significant factor that is associated with the organization to
incorporate the activities that are required for the enhancement of the functional behaviour.
This will be influence the members of the group to perform is a more specific and efficient
wat that will enable the group to enhance their performance. This section of the study will be