GROUPS, GROUP-THINK AND

GROUP DYNAMICS
What is a group?
Contd.

Definition of Group
A group can be defined as a collectivity of
individuals who have come together to achieve a
common purpose.
There are different types of groups in society
having different objectives to achieve. Some
examples of group include:
• Work group, social group, trade group,
political group (political party), etc.
contd.

THE CONCEPT OF GROUP-THINK

Group-think can be defined as a peculiar way a
group thinks which is aimed at gaining
advantage and favour for the group.
Irving Janis (2002) defined group-think as a
mode of thinking that people engage in when
they are deeply involved in cohesive activities
to gain advantage for their group.
Contd.

Group-think helps to explain how intelligent

policy-makers in both government and
business can sometimes make incredibly
unwise decisions in an effort to favour their
political or professional group.
Contd.

How to Control undue influence of Group-Think

* Avoid the use of group-think to alter the decision which has
already been made by higher management.
* Bring in outside experts for informed and fresh perspectives
when discussing crucial matters.
* Groups themselves should take time to consider possible
consequences of group-think unwise decision. This is
important to avoid “Frankenstein Monster effect” in decision-
making. This is a situation where a decision-maker suffers
terrible fate as a result of a decision he made in the past.
Contd.

GROUP DYNAMICS
The word ‘dynamics’ refers to the way in which
people behave and react to each other.
Group dynamics is a system of behaviour
occurring within a social group (intra-group
dynamics) or between social groups (inter-
group dynamics).
Contd.

The study of group dynamics is useful in

understanding the following:
• Decision-making behaviour of people in
authority.
• Tracking the spread of diseases in the society.
• Following the emergence of new ideas and new
technologies. In the society.
* Understanding racism, sexism and other forms
of social discrimination.
Contd.

According to Gestalt (1924), the history of group

dynamics has its underlying premise on the
belief that “the whole is greater than the sum
of its parts”.
A social group is an entity that has qualities
which cannot be understood by studying
individual units that make up the group.
Contd.

Importance of Group Dynamics

(1) The group can influence the thinking of its
members towards the achievement of
positive results.
(2) The group can gain the advantage of
synergy, that is, if the group consists of
positive thinkers, its output or achievement
will be doubled.
Contd.

(3) Group dynamics can give job satisfaction

to members of the group.
(4) The group can use team spirit to accomplish
tremendous goals.
(5) Negative thinkers can be converted to
positive thinkers with the help of the group
leader thus enabling the group to achieve
better results.
contd

(6) If the group works as a cohesive group,

the cooperation among members of the
can result in the maximization of
productivity.
(7) Group dynamics can reduce labour unrest
and labour turnover due to emotional
attachment among members of the group.
CONTD.

DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR IN SOCIETY

Deviance or deviant behaviour describes an
action or behaviour that violates the social
norms and expectations of people in the
society.
Norms are rules and expectations by which
members of the society are conventionally
guided. Deviance is the failure to confirm to
these norms.
Contd.

Social norms differ from one culture to another

and from one society to another.
For instance, a defiant act committed in one
society may be the conformist or normal
behaviour in another society.
(e.g. women wearing trouser and men
wearing ear rings).
Contd.

Formal and Informal Deviant Acts

Deviant acts committed in the society can be
classified into two categories, namely; formal
deviant act and informal deviant act.
Formal deviant act relates to criminal acts as
dictated by the law, while informal deviant act
is dictated by social norms.
contd

Example of formal deviant acts:

(a) Armed robbery
(b) Rape
(c) Murder
These formal deviant acts are punishable by
law leading to jail sentence or payment of fine
as the case may be.
Contd.

Example of Informal Deviant Acts:

(a) Wrong dressing
(b) Failure to greet your elders
(c) Failure to invite someone to a meal
(d) Picking one’s nose in public
(e) Talking to oneself in public
(f) Drunkenness, prostitution, pre-marital sex.
Contd.

Note that, in the case of informal deviant acts,

the police and other law enforcement
agencies will not arrest you. However, the
offender will bear the stigma in society as a
deviant person who deserves no respect and
honour in the society.
Contd.

Discussion/Review Questions
* What is the objective of ‘work group’ and
‘political group’?
* What is the difference between
intra-group and inter-group dynamics?
* What would you regard as deviant behaviour
among students in Covenant university?