Compare and contrast formal and informal groups, and in groups and out groups.
Formal Groups:
(i) The functions of a formal group are explicitly stated, as in an office organization, or social work club.
(ii) They have rigidly stated functions and the roles of the members are well-defined or imposed.
(iii) Formal groups have a chain of command for decision-making, e.g., military or bureaucracy.
Informal Groups:
(i) Informal decision-making process may exist as parallel mechanisms.
(ii) Members of informal groups usually feel more comfortable to take decision in informal settings, e.g., tea time group or lunch group.
(iii) There are no elicit rules and regulations for informal group.
In-group:
(i) It is generally considered as 'me, my, we, or our' group.
(ii) People in in-group are viewed as having desirable behaviour and admirable traits.
(iii) It is always good, strong, cohesive, kind-hearted, open, relaxing and cool.
Out-group:
(i) It is considered as 'they' group.
(ii) Members are often perceived negatively.
(iii) It is always bad, dirty, damaging, dangerous and has people with negative emotions.
Are you a member of a certain group? Discuss what motivated are you to join that groups.
How does Tuckman's stage model help you to understand the formation of groups?
How do groups influence our behaviour?
How can you reduce social loafing in groups? Think of any two incidents of social loafing in school. How did you overcome it?
