groups

McGraw-Hill © 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Vere Technical High SchoolGrade 10

SOCIAL STUDIES


Presented by:

Mr. D. Gooden&

Ms. Brown

GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONSGROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

SOURCE MATERIALS:

Social Studies ModulesEssentials in Social StudiesSocial Studies Core Units


Introduction – 10 Engin. 1

• Why don’t you leave me alone? Can’t you see that I am a loner? I do not like to mingle with people. George was fuming when his friend, Jentu, suggested that he needed to make friends and leave the dark, dusty room. Jentu was surprised at his friend’s response. He remembered the days when both of them would play marbles in the backyard or run down to the dried out pond to play dirt cricket. He also remembered the occasions when he and his family would visit Salt River. On these occasions, Jentu would invite George. And to top it all off, he remembered how both of them got into some serious trouble while in Cadet at school. This friendship, Jentu thought, was unbreakable. But was it changing now?


Introduction – 10 Engin. 2GROUP

• Group

• Primary

• Informal

• Secondary

• Society

• Formal

DEFINITIONS

• Group of people held together by a common culture.

• These groups do not have set rules controlling members.

• These groups are organized with rules and regulations, possibly having uniforms and a code of conduct.

• Made up of two or more persons engaged in any type of activity.

• The relationship is based on face-to-face communication and frequent interaction.

• Institutions like the Lions Club or the Red Cross or the Army make up this group.


Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to:• Distinguish between groups and institutions;• Identify at least six types of

groups/institutions and briefly explain the characteristics of each;

• State how groups and their members are shaped by group size, leadership style, and pressures to conform?


Understanding Groups

• Group

A group is composed of at least two people who share one or more goals in common and share similar ways of behaving.

How would you define a group?



• Group members are usually in contact with one another• They tend to behave and think in similar ways.• They have interests or goals in common and common symbols• Groups range from the small and informal to the large and

formal.• Some groups have boundaries and are hard to become a part

of or to remain a part of.• Membership may be voluntary or involuntary.• They have clearly defined status and values.


Why do we join groups?

• "No man is an island no man stands alone."• The need for friendship and a sense of

belonging• To accomplish much desired goals• To fulfil acquired social roles and assumed

status• Identity and security


Characteristics of groups

• 1. Voluntary or involuntary membership• 2. Common needs and interest• 3. Common goals and objectives• 4. Marks of identity, such as a uniform, badge,

language, social class and so on• 5. Established rules, laws, norms to which

members should conform• 6. Cooperation, in order to achieve objects


Group cohesion and interaction

Group cohesion and interaction are very crucial

to the endurance of groups in society.

Individuals are in various groups and groups

have different demands on individuals. The role

and behaviour of individuals in groups differ

with the type of group. Groups, therefore, need

to have stability and to ensure that certain

fundamental conditions are put forward to

enable continuity.


Group interaction

Group cohesion

Cooperation (Working or acting together) Leadership

Conflict Authority

Social exchange Control

Coercion Cooperation (Working or acting together)

ConformityCommitment/loyalty (Firm in one's allegiance, obligation pledge and or involvement)



• Primary Group

--This term refers to a small group characterized by intimate, face-to-face association and cooperation e.g. family, childhood friends, class of students etc. • Secondary Group

--This term refers to formal, impersonal groups in which there is little social intimacy or mutual understanding e.g. schools, churches, trade unions and political parties.

Types of Groups



Table 6.1: Composition of Primary and Secondary Groups



Reference Groups - Reference Groups are any groups that individuals use as a standard for evaluating themselves and their own behavior eg.

Teachers in a school, community leaders etc.

In group Group to which a person belongs and feels a sense of identity e.g. family

Out group Group to which a person doesn’t belong and feels a sense of hostility towards.



Voluntary group

A voluntary group is a collection of individuals who work together to undertake certain activities for the benefit of the community. Voluntary groups generally exist because people perceive a need and work together to bring about change or

provide a service for the benefit of the community.

Involuntary group

An involuntary group is a collection of individuals who work together because they have no choice. They may be

forced or threatened with penalty if they refuse to become a part of this group. An example of an involuntary group is

enlistment of all citizens in the army, upon reaching a certain age.


In-group

out-group

An in-group is a group or category to which people feel they belong.

An out-group is a group or category to which people feel they do not belong. Antagonism is

always expressed towards this group.

Peer group

Group made up of peers which associate with each other to meet specific needs e.g. Cricket

team, boys on street corner etc.



Social Network

A Social Network is a group of people interact with for various purposes but with no emotional attachment.

Reference group

Any group used to evaluate oneself. It does not necessarily have to be a group you belong to. It is a group people draw on for the social norms which give order and meaning to their lives.

http://www.lotsofessays.com/essay_search/Social_Network.html

http://www.lotsofessays.com/essay_search/social_norms.html



Formal Groups –

Formal group

Groups have constitution or rules and regulations; procedures for becoming members; clear line s of authority with appointed or elected leaders; members are expected to behave a certain way; sanctions for violating rules e.g. schools, churches, workplaces, civic organizations, towns, cities

Informal group

No written rules controlling behaviour of members. Roles and goals arise spontaneously with the changing activities of the group e.g. neighborhoods, friendships, hobby groups, computer-user groups


Informal Organization Formal Organization

Members typically engage in many of the same activities.

Members typically engage in highly specialized activities.

Hierarchy mostly non existent Clearly defined hierarchies, corresponding to offices.

No charter by-laws or regular meeting hours. Clearly defined rules and regulations.

Membership criteria vary, and are often based on personal affection or kinship.

Technical competence to carry out assigned/required task.

Relationship varies and is typically primary. Typically secondary with selective primary ties.

Communication is typically casual and face-to-face.

Communication is very formal and in writing.

Person oriented Task oriented.


What are the things that affect group togetherness?

• 1. Lack of consensus• 2. Poor leadership• 3. Competition among members for positions

and recognition• 4. Lack of unity• 5. Fear• 6. Selfishness and ignorance• 7. Prejudice and discrimination• 8. Lack of financing

The word consensus refers to everyone or a majority of persons

agreeing to do something.


Leadership

For groups to be effective, there must be persons

who are will to take up the responsibility to lead.

Some leaders are automatically determined by

the functions that they perform eg. a father

and/or mother is the leader of his/her family. In

other groups leaders are chosen eg. Headboy or

headgirl, while in others, persons simply assume

the role of leaders.


What makes a person a good leader?

• use rewards, such as education and independence, to motivate members.

• not act domineering and superior with people. They believe the only way to get things done is through penalties, such as loss of job, days off without pay and reprimanding members in front of others.

• be concerned about the human needs of their members.• build teamwork, help members with their problems and

provide psychological support.• Get results by consistently keeping people busy and urging

them to produce.


• The autocratic/authoritarian style• The persons who use this style are strict leaders who, as the

sole decision-makers, have full control in the decision-making process. Thus, those who will be affected by a decision are not involved in the decision-making and their opinions are not taken into consideration.

• Such a leader sees himself as an expert, an authority on all matters, and expects persons to carry out the required tasks.

• Subordinates usually do as these leaders say because of fear that they will be punished in some way. Examples of punishment vary from demotion to suspension or dismissal.

Group Leadership Functions


• The laissez-faire/free reign style• Laissez-faire is French for 'let them do it'. Workers are made

aware of what they have to do, but the leader stands back and allows them to plan their work and take their own decisions, as far as possible. Managers give little or no direction to workers.

• Thus, there is minimum supervision and workers are expected to use their own initiative in achieving certain objectives.

• This style is normally practised in creative productions and services, such as the graphic departments of advertising agencies.

Group Leadership Styles


• The democratic/participative style• Workers prefer this style as it strikes the

middle ground. The leader does not dominate and those most likely to be affected by a decision are consulted before the decision is made. Note that the leader reserves the right not to accept a majority vote. This leader ensures that everybody receives fair treatment.



• The charismatic style• This leader is one who is able to lead simply

by reason of his/her outstanding skills, personality or character. Such a leader is said to lead from the front by inspiring others through skill, personality or character.


groups

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