Organizational Behavior, 17e

Defining and Classifying Groups

1. 1 Distinguish between the different types of groups.

In organizational behavior, a group is 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 structured nor organizationally determined. Informal groups in the work environment meet the need for social contact. ...