Explain the role that formal and informal groups play in organizations - Essay Example

Explain the role that formal and informal groups play in organizations. Formal and informal groups and work teams are a very effective way of organizing work within contemporary business organizations. As compared to individual performance, teamwork proves to be very productive when a certain task requires implementation of a set of multiple skills and experiences of different levels. The capabilities of employees are best availed in groups and teams, and these tend to be more flexible and reactive toward changing and critical events.

Good teamwork and the outcomes obtained through a collaborative and coordinated effort, contributes a lot to the meaning of organizational culture. A work group comprises of two or more employees working with each other and depending on each other in the decision-making process. There is no collective effort. Each group member has his own capabilities and performance level and every member contributes in the decision-making so that all members excel in their relevant areas of performance. A work team makes collective effort and the end result is more productive than all efforts combined.

This advantage is what many organizations are striving for by implementing work teams despite the fact that team management costs much. That is why during a candidate’s selection process, it is considered whether the individual is able to work in teams or not. A formal group when managed by a manager or a supervisor brings out high level of productivity because the level of professionalism is high. An informal group enhances this productivity through the bondage of friendship and interpersonal association between the employees (Martin & Fellens, 2010, p.252). Thus, work teams and work groups tend to be very effective for the contemporary business in the long run, if managed properly.

Kerr and King (1984, p.4) state that “when such groups evolve over a period of time and other people join them, their simple structures are often found to be inadequate to maintain communication.” Problems begin to develop when the group or team members do not understand their own and others’ responsibilities, or develop unnecessary expectations from others. Hence, as a leader, and working upon the advice of Kerr and King, I would prefer implementing a more formal structure within the groups and would ensure that formal procedures and policies are followed throughout the projects assigned so that problems occurring due to misunderstandings can be deterred.

Also, I believe that a leader should be able to provide the groups an effective collaborative platform so that a shared communicative environment is made possible where all members can interact with each other without hesitation. I would encourage the members to share their problems with each other and with the supervisors so that they feel empowered and valued. This would motivate them to make a collaborative effort toward the productivity. I would make sure that all potential pitfalls are regularly encountered by arranging meetings with the members and keeping a regular check on the outcomes of project modules.

I would also ensure that there is a balanced overlapping of formal and informal groups because sometimes this overlapping results in an increase in workplace bully. So, my role will be to maintain a practical balance between the groups. References Kerr, M.K., & King, H.W. (1984). Informal groups and formal organizations. Procedures for Meetings and Organizations. USA: Taylor & Francis. Martin, J., & Fellens, M. (2010). Organizational Behavior and Management. USA: Cengage Learning EMEA.