Date of Award

1985

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Business

First Advisor

Jack Kirk

Second Advisor

Arlene Taich

Third Advisor

Don Fuller

Abstract

The work group is an important part of every organization. These groups are important in that they have a definite impact on both the organization and the employees. Every employee is a member of a work group. The employee that is a part of a supervisory unit or an employee in a department is a member of the formal work group. Those employees that share their time on the job with those individuals that they care to be with for reasons other than the organization's design, are members of the informal work group, or clique as it is sometimes called. The subject of work groups is an important one because managers do manage groups of people - divisions, departments, or work units. Groups are composed of individuals, but the group influences these individuals just as the leader does. The pressure exerted by the group can affect the productivity and performance of the manager's department positively or negatively. The successful manager must understand the dynamics of group behavior.

On the work site, the informal group can benefit both the organization and the organization's employees. Because the informal group welds such a force, management should give these groups attention. Management should also learn to use these groups as an aid to attaining the goals and objectives of the organization. The informal group is that group that will provide fulfillment of several types of needs for the employee. If these needs are not fulfilled, the employee may experience a difficult time on the job. This difficulty could lead to poor performance.

Before management can attempt to use the work group, there should be a thorough understanding of the processes that occur within these groups. Researchers have studied groups for years. The results can be seen in such studies as the Hawthorne Studies, and others. These studies serve to give insight into the ·workings of the group. At least three functions of groups are important to an organization's success; namely, the socialization of the new employee, getting the job done, and helping in the decision-making process.

This paper will explore the classification of the different types of work groups, some explanations of methods utilized to study work groups , some knowledge about the reasons for the development and formation of the work group, an understanding of some of the characteristics of groups, and some insights into the results of group membership. How managers use work groups will be shown through research and a brief period of observation.

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