Chapter 5
Groups, Networks, and
Organizations
Chapter Outline
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Human Relations
Social Processes
Groups
Social Networks
Complex Organizations
Social Processes
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Exchange - people bargain for things
they want. Not always equitable.
Cooperation is basic to human
survival.
Competition is inevitable when people
perceive a scarcity of resources.
Conflict is struggle over resources. It is
often inevitable and functional.
Group Variables
Size. As group size increases, interaction
becomes more impersonal and more
structured.
2. Proximity. People are more likely to interact
when they are physically close to each
other.
3. Communication patterns. The
arrangement of a group affects the
communication flow.
1.
Group Variables
Cohesion. Attraction among group
members is a measure of group cohesion.
2. Social control. Fear of not being accepted.
3. Decisions. Small groups prefer decision by
consensus, large groups prefer majority rule.
4. Choice shifts. Tendency for opinions to
converge.
1.
Types of Groups
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Primary groups, characterized by
intimate, face-to-face interaction, are
primary to our human nature. (Families
and peer groups)
Secondary groups are formal, large,
and highly structured. (Corporations,
government agencies, and other
secondary groups)
Asch’s Experiment
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Subjects were
instructed to select the
line on Card B that was
equal in length to the
line on Card A. The
results showed that
many people will give
an obviously wrong
answer in order to
conform to the group.
Patterns of Communication
Differences between Primary
and Secondary Groups
Size
Primary
Secondary
Small
Large
Relationships
Personal,
intimate
Communication Face to face
Impersonal,
aloof
Indirect
Duration
Temporary
Permanent
Differences between Primary
and Secondary Groups
Primary
Secondary
Cohesion
Strong sense
of loyalty
Based on selfinterest
Decisions
Based on
tradition and
personal
feelings
Based on
rationality and
rules
Social structure Informal
Formal
Characteristics of Bureaucracy
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A specialized division of labor.
A hierarchy of authority.
Formal rules and regulations.
Impersonal relationships.
Careers based on tenure and technical
qualification.
Efficiency.
Criticisms of Bureaucracy
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Ritualism. Rules may be followed whether
they apply or not.
 Alienation. The emphasis on impersonal
rules and hierarchies may reduce cohesion.
 Structured inequality. Tendency to
concentrate decision-making in the hands of
a few people is seen as antidemocratic.