Chapter 6: Groups and Organizations

These flashcards cover key concepts related to groups and organizations, including definitions, types of groups, leadership styles, and broader societal implications.

Emergent groups

Social groups that form spontaneously, often around a shared interest or goal.

Tea Party

Grassroots political movement focused on lower taxes and limited government, emerging after the 2008 Recession.

Me Too movement

A movement started by Tarana Burke to raise awareness about sexual harassment and support victims.

Group

A collection of at least two people who interact regularly and share an aligned identity.

Aggregate

A collection of people present in the same location without interaction or shared identity.

Category

A collection of individuals who share similar characteristics but are not connected.

Primary Group

A small, informal group of people who have close, long-term relationships.

Secondary Group

A larger, more impersonal group that may be temporary and less personal.

Expressive Function

A group function that serves an emotional need, often seen in primary groups.

Instrumental Function

A group function oriented towards achieving a specific task or goal.

In-Group

A group that an individual belongs to and identifies with.

Out-group

A group that an individual does not belong to and often views negatively.

Reference Group

Groups to which individuals compare themselves for self-evaluation.

Dyad

A two-member group that is often unstable due to its small size.

Triad

A three-member group that can maintain stability even if one member leaves.

Leadership Function

The primary goal or focus of a leader in guiding a group.

Instrumental Leader

A leader focused on achieving specific goals and tasks.

Expressive Leader

A leader concerned with emotional wellbeing and group processes.

Democratic Leaders

Leaders who promote participation and consensus-building in decision-making.

Authoritarian Leaders

Leaders who provide clear directives and assign tasks without seeking input.

Conformity

The degree to which individuals align with group norms and behaviors.

Total Institution

An organization where individuals live controlled lives and undergo total resocialization.

Bureaucracy

A formal organization characterized by a structured chain of command and standardized rules.

McDonaldization

The application of fast-food principles to various sectors, emphasizing efficiency and predictability.

Iron Rule of Oligarchy

The theory that organizations may be governed by a small elite rather than through democratic means.