Group Behaviours
Features of small social groups
Group Size and Nature: Norms:
"Small" groups involve regular interaction (e.g., families, peer Shared expectations for member behavior.
groups). Informal rules governing actions.
Nature and regularity of interaction are key, not just actual Serve as identifiers of in-group membership.
size. Roles:
Interaction effects shape group dynamics more than size Emergent through interaction.
alone.
Leaders, mediators, entertainers, etc.
Purpose:
Define expectations and influence self-concept.
Groups form to fulfill specific purposes. Status:
Purpose can be instrumental or affiliative. Esteem within the group.
Provides identity and belonging fulfillment. Linked to roles or achieved through effort.
Communication: Influences access to resources and social influence.
Communication patterns develop over time. Cohesiveness:
Strength of relationships among group members.
Influenced by norms, roles, and status.
Predicts group influence on identity and behavior.
Communication network regulates information sharing.
Determines loyalty and conformity to group norms.
Stages of group formation
Forming: Storming: Norming: Performing: Adjourning:
Individuals come Conflict-laden phase of Regular patterns of Group pursues shared Task completion or goal
together to form a group. role determination. behavior emerge. goals actively. achievement marks the
Purpose of the group Status competition Group roles and Leadership, cooperation, end.
determines its existence. among members. expectations are and decision-making are Task-oriented groups
Members acquaint and Formation of group finalized. vital. may disband.
discern roles and tasks. norms for behavior. Shared goals are Communication Affiliative groups may
developed and agreed facilitates goal continue without formal
upon achievement. closure.
Group decision making
Importance of Goal Complexity of Group Influence on Group The Idea of Collective Effectiveness of Group
Setting: Decision-Making: Decision-Making: Perspective: Decision-Making:
Crucial for task-oriented group Involves multiple variables. Group leadership and Belief that group perspectives Questioning whether groups
functioning. More complicated than communication style. enhance decision-making. make better or worse decisions
Determines behaviors/actions individual decision-making. Group norms and values. "Two heads are better than one" than individuals
for goal achievement. Social influence, conformity, notion.
compliance, and obedience.
Situational demands and
context.
Group identity and cohesion.
Intergroup dynamics.
Group Polarisation
Social Validation in Group Decision-Making:
Agreement from others reinforces individual choices.
Provides confidence in one's perspective.
Group Polarization:
Group influence on individual attitudes and behaviors.
Perceived similarity among group members intensifies attitudes
Shared Values and Beliefs:
Group interaction reinforces shared values and attitudes.
Individuals join groups with similar perspectives.
Reinforcement of Pre-existing Attitudes:
Pre-existing attitudes are strengthened and amplified in the group context.
Attitudes become more extreme in the direction of pre-existing positions.
Polarization Effect:
Attitudes and behaviors become more extreme in the group setting.
Known as "Risky Shift.
Behavioral Impact:
Behaviors stemming from extreme attitudes also become more extreme
Echo Chambers
Formation of Echo Chambers:
- Attitudes and behaviors reinforced by positive responses.
- No exposure to new or contradictory perspectives.
Characteristics of Echo Chambers:
- Closed system with no dissenting views.
- Dismissal of opposing opinions as "fake news" or "trolling."
- Unfriending, blocking, or unfollowing individuals with differing views.
Consequences of Echo Chambers:
- Lack of reflection on personal biases.
- Remaining in comfort zones without exposure to diverse perspectives.
- Circulation of potentially harmful ideas without challenge.
Group think
Definition of Groupthink:
- Phenomenon in highly cohesive groups.
- Strong desire for agreement, low tolerance for opposing views.
Impact on Decision-Making:
- Pressure for unanimous agreement overrides rational deliberation.
- Options may not be thoroughly debated or analyzed.
- Decisions may lead to negative consequences.
Factors Influencing Groupthink:
- Emphasis on cohesion and in-group identification.
- Demand for ideological homogeneity.
- Isolation from outside information and alternatives.
- Clear status hierarchy and authoritative leadership.
- Lack of clear decision-making norms.
- High-stress situations requiring quick decisions
Examples of Groupthink:
- Reflect on personal experiences in groups.
- Identify instances where groupthink behavior may have occurred.
