Dynamics of Informal Groupsob

DYNAMICS OF INFORMAL
GROUPS.
BY : SURAKSHYA JAISY.
WHAT IS DYNAMICS OF INFORMAL GROUPS?
- Informal groups dynamic s involve the spontaneous relationships and
interactions among employees that exist outside formal structures .
these dynamics influence communication patterns , social norms , and
the overall culture within the organization . understanding these
informal group dynamics can be crucial for effective management and
fostering a positive work environment.
- To understand the” DYNAMICS OF INFORMAL GROUPS “we need
to understand three subtitles given below:
Concept and features of informal groups
Special kind of norms and roles in informal groups
The existence and functioning of informal organizations.

1. Concept and features of informal groups.
 Informal groups in an organizational context are social structures that emerge naturally among individuals
based on shared interests, common characteristics, or social interactions. Unlike formal groups, which are
officially designated by the organization for specific tasks, informal groups are not created through
organizational mandates. Instead, they develop spontaneously among employees.
1 Voluntary Membership:
 Individuals join informal groups voluntarily based on shared interests, common goals, or personal affinities.
 Membership is not mandated by the organization, and individuals choose to be part of the group.
2 Spontaneous Formation:
 Informal groups form spontaneously and naturally over time.
 They arise from social interactions, common interests, or shared experiences among individuals within the
organization.
3 Fluid Structure:
 Informal groups often lack a formal structure with designated roles and responsibilities.
 Group structure is flexible and may change as the group evolves or new members join.
4 Emergent Leadership:
 Leadership within informal groups emerges based on influence, trust, and recognition from group members.
 Leaders are not necessarily appointed or assigned formally but gain authority through the group's
acknowledgment.
5 Shared Interests and Goals:
 Members of informal groups share common interests, goals, or values that serve as the basis for
group formation.
 These shared elements contribute to a sense of cohesion and camaraderie within the group.
6 Informal Communication:
 Informal groups often have their own communication channels outside the formal organizational
structure.
 Communication is characterized by a relaxed and informal nature, fostering open dialogue among
group members.
2.Special kinds of norms and roles seen in informal
groups.
In informal groups, specific kinds of norms and roles emerge naturally as members interact
and establish shared expectations for behavior. These norms and roles contribute to the
cohesion and functioning of the group. Here are some special kinds of norms and roles
commonly observed in informal groups:
a) Informal norms (norms in informal groups)
norms are the rules of conduct that is established by group members. It refers to what
should be or should not be done , or it tells how to behave in a group.
Why norms will be strongly enforced by work groups ?
i. Aid in group survival and have provision of benefits.
ii. Simplifying the behavior expected of group members.
iii. Help the group avoid embrassing interpersonal problems.
iv. Help the group adapt to changes.
v. Express core values (or goals ) of the group and clarify what is distinctive ( uniqueness) about
the group's identity.
b) Informal roles ( roles in informal groups).
Informal roles in groups are like unofficial jobs people naturally do. It's like having a friend
who's good at organizing, another who makes everyone laugh, or someone who gives wise
advice. These roles help the group without anyone formally assigning them. It's just everyone
bringing their unique strengths to make things work smoothly.
According to L.I. Thompson (2004) five major informal roles found in work groups are:
i. The boundary spanner role ; act as facilitator. He/she tries to bridge between groups
which would not otherwise interact.
ii. The buffer ; who protects and filters negative ( disappointing) news that might cause
group members to be upset and degrade morale.
iii. The lobbyist ; who promotes and tells others how successful and important the group is
to outsiders.
iv. The negotiator ; who is empowered by the groups to act on its behalf to get resources and
make deals .
v. The spokesperson ; who represents the voice (final decision ) of the group.
c) The informal organization’s functional and dysfunctional sides.
When managers combine formal groups together they form a formal
organization. Similarly ,when informal groups(working in a formal
organization) are combined together they form an informal
organization. Like in formal organization, informal organization also
has two sides ; (i) functions and (ii) dysfunctions.
1. What are the key functional sides / aspects?
2. What are the key dysfunctions of informal organization?
1. Key functions of informal organization
 Improves communication.
 Provides a safety value for employees emotions.
 Innovation and creativity.
 Morale and motivation.
 Reduced conflict.
2. Key dysfunction of informal organization.
 Resistance to change
 Conflicting objectives.
 Conformity
 Blocking of ambition.
 Inertia (inactivity).

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DYNAMICS OF INFORMAL

Concept and features of informal groups

Special kind of norms and roles in informal groups

The existence and functioning of informal organizations.

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