In a task group the most important thing is progress therefore the manager has to ensure that progress is certain by assigning tasks to the group members. For example, on a peanut butter industry (Mchuzi in Masasa), progress is timed therefore to meet the target every member has to be aware of their duties.
Group behaviour can be defined as stated as a course of action two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve particular objectives. A group can be a group takes as a family. Therefore, group behaviour in organizations tends to follow the organizational norms and rules wherein the employees are expected to be disciplined, follow orders, and work to the requirements of the organization rather than their own whims and fancies. Since humans are unpredictable there is need to control the way they think, this is done by organising various activities that may facilitate bonding within the group, one reason many organizations use retreats and ice-breaking exercises to get their members to work together(Delta beverages Zimbabwe organises sporting activities for its workers occasionally).
Save your time!
We can take care of your essay
- Proper editing and formatting
- Free revision, title page, and bibliography
- Flexible prices and money-back guarantee
Place an order
Groups don’t just emerge but they are inspired by a number of reasons which can be personal, social or economic in order to fulfil their basic needs. These reasons include companionship in which relationships give an individual, who earlier felt lonely and miserable, recognition and his work life pleasant and comfortable. Other people join groups for the sake of acquiring information. The informal group to which a member belongs is a source of communication or information to him. A piece of information available to one member will nearly reach all the members in a short span of time. An individual comes to know about what is happening in an organisation even if he has been on leave or is otherwise away. Security can also one of the reasons why others join groups. By joining a group, a person can reduce his insecurity; he feels stronger, has lesser self-doubts and is more resistant to threats. A person always derive reassurance from interacting with others and being part of a group. Due to a variety of differences in group behaviours different types of groups are seen to emanate.
There are various types of groups that can be formed to fit any scenario. The first type of group is a command group. A command group comprises subordinates who report to a section leader. The group members also get their tasks to be done by their group leader. These are also similar to managed groups. Groups may be formed under a named manager, even though they may not necessarily work together with a great deal. The main thing they have in common, at least the manager and perhaps a similar type of work. Managed groups in Zimbabwe engineering sector are widely available. These help with efficient task execution. A Task Group is the second type of group. This is an interdisciplinary group which is established to accomplish a specific task. Another group type is an interest Group. An interest group comprises people who come together to achieve a particular objective although they are not organizationally aligned for example a trade union for Zimbabwean manufacturing industry. Friendship Groups also exist. These types of groups are for social grouping, formed on an informal basis. People tend to make acquaintances in such groups. In a Zimbabwean engineering scenario, a friendship group arises where people socializing together meet up during work breaks or even during working hours keeping themselves entertained.
Formal groups are created to achieve specific organizational objectives in Zimbabwean engineering or manufacturing. Usually, they are concerned with the coordination of work activities. Goals are identified by management and short and rules relationships and norms of behaviour established. Formal groups have a permanent structure, although there may be changes in actual membership. However temporary formal groups may also be created by management, for example, the use of project teams in a matrix organization.
Informal group are another type that is in existence. Within the formal structure of the organization, there will always be an informal structure. Informal groups are based more on personal relationships and agreement of group’s members than on defined role relationships. They serve to satisfy psychological and social needs not related necessarily to the tasks to be undertaken. Groups may devise ways of attempting to satisfy members’ affiliations and other social motivations that are lacing in the work situation, especially in industrial organizations.
The manager should have a detailed understanding of the group’s behaviour and the transition or stage of formation as the group matures. This helps managers to know how to approach certain situations from time to time. Managers in engineering sections at Air Zimbabwe knows the most efficient practical certified ways of doing their tasks faster than the traditional theorised ways therefore they teach new engineering staff to adapt those techniques than treating them as if they should be knowing them. This cultivates group oneness and confidence among members. The first stage of group development is the forming stage. The forming stage involves a period of orientation and getting acquainted. This stage presents a time where the group is just starting to come together and is described with anxiety and uncertainty. In this stage, most team members are positive and polite. Some anxious, as they haven’t fully understood what the team will do. Others are simply excited about the task ahead. Members are discreet with their behaviour, which is driven by their desire to be accepted by all members of the group. Conflict, controversy, misunderstanding and personal opinions are avoided even though members are starting to form impressions of each other and gain an understanding of what the group will do together.