Group Types

• Formal groups:

  • Established by an organization to achieve organizational goals
  • May take the form of command groups, task groups, and functional groups
• Informal groups:

  • Formed naturally in response to common interests and shared values of individuals
  • Created for purposes other than the accomplishment of organizational goals
  • Do not have a specified time frame
  • Not appointed by the organization
  • Members can invite others to join from time to time
• Command Groups - specified by the organizational chart and often composed of a leader and members who directly report to him/her
• Interest Groups - usually continue over time and may last longer than general informal groups

  • Goals and objectives are specific to each group and may not be related to organizational goals and objectives
• Task Groups - consist of people who work together to achieve a common task

  • Members are brought together to accomplish a narrow goal
• Friendship Groups - formed by individuals who enjoy similar social activities, political beliefs, religious values, or common bonds

  • Members enjoy each other’s company and have a range of goals within a specified time
• Functional Groups - created by an organization to accomplish specific goals within an unspecified time frame

  • Continue to function even after their goals have been achieved
• Reference Groups - composed of people who are evaluated for social validation and social comparisons

  • Social validation allows individuals to justify their attitudes and values, while social comparison helps individuals evaluate their own actions by comparing themselves with others