The Nature of Groups
What defines a group?
Adler and Rodman: a small collection of
people who interact with each other,
usually face to face, over time in order
to reach goals.
p. 256
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Groups…
Interact
 Are interdependent
 Last over time
 Small- 3+
 goals
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All the people in a group…
1. Are aware of each other
2. Share an interdependent purpose
3. Have a sense of belonging
4. Interact with one another
5. Accept the norms
Norms are the expectations of the group
According to the previous definition,
which are groups and which are not?
7 people riding in a train?
No
3 boys playing with a softball?
Yes
Two police officers and a robber?
No
5 members in a family?
Yes
Group verses Individual
Which is better?
 It depends on the situation.
 1. Problem solving
 2. Efficiency
 3. Learning
 4. Creativity
 5. Motivation

Rule and Norms

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Formal rulesExplicit: official, stated, guidelines
Implicit: implied, but never stated.

Norms: shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and
procedures that govern a groups operation.
Group Norms

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Social norms (all groups)
Procedural norms
Task norms
--activity--think of a rule and a norm that exists in the
classroom or with your family or friends.
Activity
Rolls

Rolls: define patterns of behavior expected of
members
 Formal rolls – assigned by an organization or group
partly to establish order.
 Informal rolls- rarely acknowledged
 Task rolls-help the group accomplish its goals
 Social rolls- help the relationships among members
run smoothly
 Dysfunctional rolls- prevent a group from working
effectively
Deviance

Violation of norms
- norms and rules are maintained
through group pressure
 - little tolerance= remove member or
punished.

Perception and Rolls
Our perceptions will shape what roll we
think we play as well as what rolls
others play
 Status: something that is perceived and
given by other members
 -communication skills effect how others
perceive your status
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