Group Behavior

Group Behavior

Page 1: Introduction to Group Behavior

  • Understanding the nature of groups and their functions

Page 2: Nature of Groups

  • Defining Groups:

    • What constitutes a group?

    • Groups exhibit hierarchy and purpose:

      • Hierarchy: Structure defines roles and responsibilities.

      • Social Roles: Expected behaviors in specific situations.

      • Status Systems: Distribution of power; differences in prestige & authority among members.

Page 4: Purpose of Groups

  • Reasons for Joining Groups:

    • To accomplish tasks and fulfill needs (purpose).

  • Types of Groups:

    • Task Groups: Gathered to achieve specific objectives (e.g., firefighters, sports teams).

    • Socio-emotional Groups: Focused on emotional support and affiliation (e.g., family, friends, support groups).

    • Importance of balance between task and socio-emotional aspects.

Page 5: Influence of Groups on Behavior

  • Social Facilitation:

    • Enhancement of dominant responses due to others' presence.

    • Dominant Responses: Automatic and quick reactions (easy tasks easier, hard tasks harder).

  • Mere-Presence Explanation:

    • Presence increases arousal, influencing behavior, especially well-learned tasks.

    • Not always suited for every situation.

Page 6: Influence of Groups Continued

  • Evaluation-Apprehension Explanation:

    • Concern for judgment influences arousal.

    • Dominant responses manifest when others are aware of our actions.

    • Mere presence alone does not guarantee enhanced performance.

Page 7: Additional Influences on Behavior

  • Distraction-Conflict Explanation:

    • Conflicting attention increases arousal.

    • Decision-making about focusing on task vs. surrounding individuals.

    • Non-social distractions (noise, light) can also affect performance.

Page 8: Social Loafing

  • Social Loafing:

    • Reduced output when working in groups.

    • Diffusion of Responsibility: Lack of individual accountability in group settings.

    • Individuals feel less personal responsibility and are less likely to perform.

Page 9: The Psychology of Crowds

  • Quote by Bill Buford:

    • Highlights the transformation experienced in crowds after crossing boundaries, emphasizing exhilaration over typical negative emotions.

Page 10: De-individuation

  • Concept of De-individuation:

    • Loss of personal identity and diminished self-awareness.

    • Facilitates antisocial behavior due to arousal, anonymity, and diffused responsibility.

    • Changes perception of accountability and alters cost/reward assessments for behaviors.

Page 11: The Challenger Disaster

  • Overview of the Challenger Disaster (Jan 28, 1986):

    • Explosion occurred shortly after launch, resulting in the deaths of all 7 crew members.

    • Investigation showed NASA was aware of issues yet proceeded with launch.

Page 12: Group Decision-Making Problems

  • Group Polarization:

    • Discussion leads to augmentation of members' initial attitudes.

    • Members become invested in defending their positions, leading to extremes.

  • Groupthink:

    • Poor decision-making stemming from the desire for harmony over accurate solutions.

    • Decisions prioritize group cohesion over rational problem-solving