Groups Flashcards
What is a group?
It refers to two or more people coming together for a common purpose.
Name 3 characteristics of groups.
They share marks of identity like emblems, symbols or uniform.
They share common interests and values.
There are written rules and regulations.
Established patterns of behaviour.
Rewards and sanctions.
What is a primary group?
A small group based largely on face-to-face interaction.
Because it is a small group people are familiar with each other.
What is a secondary group?
A large group of people pursuing the same goals but aren’t familiar with each other.
Name three differences between primary and secondary groups?
Primary is a small group based on face-to-face interactions, Secondary is a large group that has indirect interactions.
Primary group members tend to be familiar with each other and secondary group members aren’t.
In primary groups, members’ relationships are personal and intimate and in secondary groups, it is impersonal and aloof.
Primary groups are permanent and secondary groups are temporary.
The social structure of a primary group is informal, while, in a secondary group it’s formal.
What is a peer group?
Consists of people of similar age and social status.
These groups tend to be very intimate.
What are 3 benefits of a peer group?
Emotional support
Boundaries are developed.
Strong bonds are formed.
Learn to make decisions
What is a formal group?
A group that’s formed intentionally and has a clearly outlined structure inclusive of goals and objectives.
What are 3 aspects of the formal group structure?
Clearly outlined goals
Clearly written rules and sanctions
Criteria for membership
A clear organisational structure
An elected or appointed leader
How is an informal group different from a formal group?
An informal group is not as structured as a formal one.
Rules, goals and activities are not set.
Reasons/ways people become members may vary.
There is no organisational structure.
What is a voluntary group Name 2 examples.
A group that provides a specific service to society or supports a good cause.
E.G: The Red Cross Society, Lions Club
What is an involuntary group? Name 2 examples.
A group where membership is mandatory.
E.G: Your family, Military service in some countries
What is an interest or pressure group?
A group of people who work together to influence public opinion.
They also lobby the government to protect a particular interest they have such as wildlife conservation.
What may happen in groups when people share similar goals?
Co-operation.
Why may people co-operate?
To get work done faster as more people are assisting, to lessen the work load they have or to not disrupt others,
What does competition help with in groups?
It improves the members’ skills and performance.
It pushes each group to work harder towards attaining a high standard or quality of work.
Why may conflict occur in a group?
As a result of a clash of personalities or difference of opinion regarding a goal or objective.
How can conflict be harmful to a group and how can it be avoided?
Conflict is undesirable in a group as it can disrupt how the group functions
So members need to build up/develop tolerance and conflict resolution skills.
What is compromise?
Settling differences by agreeing to an alternative.
What does compromise help with in groups?
It helps resolve issues so the group can progress towards its goals/objectives.
What is group cohesion?
The tendency for groups to be working in unity while working towards a goal.
Name 3 cohesive factors.
Common goals and objectives.
Rules, norms, laws, mores, folkways.
Cooperative and committed members.
Leaders.
Why is leadership important?
Good leadership is important because there must be someone responsible for:
Setting goals
Coordinating activities
Delegating duties
Determining sanctions
What is a consequence of bad leadership?
If members feel that the group does not satisfy their needs, they may not be motivated to participate in group activities and may leave.
Why are goals important?
Goals ensure that members stay motivated, and they must be shared by all group members.
How is control used in groups?
Groups regulate the behaviour of members to promote order and stability.
This is done by establishing expected patterns of behaviour and issuing sanctions when necessary.
What are formal groups governed by?
Constitutions.
What outlines may constitutions have for groups.
Code of Conduct
Entry Requirements
Sanctions for breaking rules
Methods of electing leaders
Name one thing co-operation helps with.
It helps take the workload off of one person who may have a particular role that is heavy and splits the work evenly. So, harmony is maintained.
What is loyalty in terms of groups?
Members must have a personal interest in the success of the group. If not, it will affect their ability to stay together and achieve their goals.
Members must pool together ___, ___, and ___ together and work together to achieve their goals.
ideas, skills, resources
What will members who are loyal do, and members who are disloyal do?
Loyal members will stay in the group despite challenges faced.
Disloyal members will leave and the group will not last.
