Formal & Informal Groups: Responses

First

It is true that formal and informal groups differ from each other because of the difference in their nature of the structure, their roles and responsibilities, their aim for grouping and sometimes also for their role in the organization. The formal groups are more formally structured with a definite aim, roles, and designations of tasks, whereas the informal groups do not have any definite structure, aims, or roles. It is more concerned with the common interest of the individuals and their mutual likeness. The formation of groups in a firm is very natural whether it is created by the management or by the members themselves. The management needs to look out for the informal groups as these groups can become a hindrance to the management performance. It is indeed true that the management can also take advantage form these groups (Griffin & Moorhead, 2013).

Question

How can a company benefit from informal groups?

Reference

Griffin, R. W., & Moorhead, G. (2013). Organizational Behavior: Managing People and Organizations (11 ed.). Cengage Learning.

Second

Indeed, the formal groups and informal groups differ on the structure. The difference in the structural form is because of the nature of the group. The formal groups always have a target or goal to achieve. For the achievement of this target, the group needs to assign tasks and define roles. It is the reason that structure is needed informal grouping whereas; the informal groups are not made for any goal achieving. It is merely to socialize. This socializing does not need any task assigning. This socializing can also become a problem for the firm, if not looked out carefully. The individuals can spend more time in socializing and deviate their focus from the tasks assigned in the workplace (Maughan, 2014).

Question

What should you think your pharmacy manager should do to stop such grouping without discouraging the persons?

Reference

Maughan, M. (2014). Organizational Behaviour. Palgrave Macmillan.

Third

Truly, it is important to know boundaries in any relationship specifically if it is professional. Any individual should not only be part of a formal group (to which he or she is assigned) but also some informal groups as well. It is not only propagated your team player image, but also promotes a healthy social atmosphere. However, it is rightly pointed out that those who are not a part of an informal group may feel left out. The structural form of the formal groups is for the aim of effectively using of resources for the achievement of a goal. It is not of utmost importance in the informal groups which makes it informal and less structured (Griffin, 2016).

Question

How can a manager manage hindrance and rumors raised from informal grouping?

Reference

Griffin, R. W. (2016). Management (12 ed.). Cengage Learning.