This paper aims the need, goal, control, functions, pros and cons of these groups. Informal group is a social community that is formed on the basis of interpersonal relationships and has no official, legally fixed, approved status. Formal groups are usually identified as the structural units in the organization. In this paper difference between both groups is identified with development and goals of formal and informal groups. In addition groups' behavior and development of both groups is discussed. This paper has also identified difference in leadership style of formal and informal group. Elton Mayo conducted research on human behavior in the Western Electric Company, located in Hawthorne, USA, to this day that work is recognized as the basis of modern Industrial Psychology which is used for finding the relationship between theory and practice. Formal and informal groups are important for organizational development therefore it is very necessary to form both type of groups in the organization.
Table of Contents
Introduction2
Background3
Group3
Formal Groups4
Informal Groups5
The difference between a formal and an informal group6
The development of formal and informal groups formed7
The operational and nonoperational goals of formal and informal groups8
Group Functioning and Behavior9
Group leaders through group participants9
Styles of leadership11
Discussion12
First experiment12
Second experiment12
Third experiment12
Group problem solving and decision making13
Staff morale both in and out of the groups13
Summary of Findings14
Recommendations14
Conclusion16
References16
Formal and Informal Groups in the Workplace
Introduction
The formation of working groups is a difficult task today if you want to achieve organizational success, but it is common to set aside the informal groups in both corporate significance and importance with these configurations to the needs social partners within the organization, as these groups are a social support formal groups can not cover. It is therefore very important the existence of formal groups as they are those who lead the organization to success, but in counterpart and complement informal groups meet the social needs of individuals in the organization. However, the need, goal, control, functions, pros and cons of these groups are what this paper will explore.
Background
Before starting the development of a research subject or is necessary to consider working with the definitions or theoretical framework of the theme to be developed, in this particular case to the subject of formal and informal groups will define the key concepts.
Group
Group is defined as the set of two or more individuals who interact and are interdependent and together to achieve specific objectives.
Formal Groups
For formal groups we refer to those that define the structure of the organization, work assignments that set certain tasks (Miners, 2007). In formal groups, the behavior of individuals is provided and directed toward the goals of the organization.
Characteristics
Informal Groups
Instead, informal groups are alliances that have no formal structure or defined by the organization. These groups are natural formations of the work environment that arise in response to the need for social contact (Tuchman, 2005).
The difference between a formal and an informal group
Formal groups are usually identified as the structural units in the organization. They have a formally appointed leader, formally defined structure ...