Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 14/e

Groups and Group Identity

Groups have their strengths—and their pitfalls. How do we get the best out of group situations? Let’s dissect the anatomy of group life, starting with the basics. In organizational behavior (OB), a group consists of two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives. Groups can be either formal or informal. A formal group is defined by the organization’s structure, with designated work assignments and established tasks. In formal groups, the behaviors team members should engage in are stipulated by and directed toward organizational goals. The six members of an airline flight crew are a formal group, for example. In contrast, an informal group is neither formally ...