Group Development: The Formation of Informal Work Groups

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Group Development: The Formation of Informal Work Groups “Informal groups have a powerful influence on the effectiveness of an organization, and can even subvert its formal groups. But, the informal group’s role is not limited to resistance. The impact of the informal group upon the larger formal group depends on the norms that the informal group sets. So the informal group can make the formal organization more effective, too.” Informal groups can either be a manager’s best friend or worst enemy. Group Development: The Formation of Informal Work Groups Informal work groups are part of any working environment; how they form, the leadership within the group and how these groups communicate, follow the same basic model. “Groups are particularly good at combining talents and providing innovate solutions to possible unfamiliar problems.” “There are five stages of group development. The first is forming,which is where the group first comes together. Everyone is usually polite. Conflict is seldom voiced directly. Individuals will be guarded in their own opinions and reserved.” The second form of developmentis “storming a chaotic vying for leadership and trailing of group operates.” The third is norming as the second stage evolves the rules of engagement for the group becomes established, and the scopes of the group’s task or responsibilities are clear and agreed. Fourth is performing,not all groups reach this point. Everyone knows each other well enough to be able to work together. And the fifth stage is adjourning; this is about the completion and disengagement of the tasks and group members. The formations of informal work groups are employed by an organization to perform specific functions. Informal groups almost always arise ... ... middle of paper ... ...t Your Self Esteem. http://a-self-confidence.com/ “A Self Confidence. Com.” Boost Your Self Esteem in the Workplace. http://a-self-confidence.com/self-esteem-workplace.php Boost Employee Morale in a Down Market 28 April 2003 http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-1164249/boost-employee-morale-in-a.html Group Dynamics http://www.brianmac.co.uk/group.html “Informal Group Dynamics.” Communications Network 2008 http://www.accel-team.com/work_groups/informal_grps_03.html Tubbs, Stewart L. “A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction” Nierenberg, Andrea. “Eight Essential Communication Skills.” Smallbusinessadvocate. 2008 http://smallbusinessadvocate.com/smal-business-help-article/eight-essential-commu>. “How to Communicate Powerfully by E-mail.” Mindtools. http://www.mindtools.com/commskll/emailcommunication.html {text:bookmark-start} {text:bookmark-end}

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