Chapter 5

Groups, Networks, and Organizations

Chapter Outline

Human Relations Social Processes Groups Social Networks Complex Organizations

Social Processes

Exchange - people bargain for things they want. Not always equitable.

Cooperation is basic to human survival. Competition is inevitable when people

perceive a scarcity of resources. Conflict is struggle over resources. It is

often inevitable and functional.

Group Variables

1. Size. As group size increases, interaction becomes more impersonal and more structured.

2. Proximity. People are more likely to interact when they are physically close to each other.

3. Communication patterns. The arrangement of a group affects the communication flow.

Group Variables

1. Cohesion. Attraction among group members is a measure of group cohesion.

2. Social control. Fear of not being accepted.

3. Decisions. Small groups prefer decision by consensus, large groups prefer majority rule.

4. Choice shifts. Tendency for opinions to converge.

Types of Groups

 Primary groups, characterized by intimate, face-to-face interaction, are primary to our human nature. (Families and peer groups)

 Secondary groups are formal, large, and highly structured. (Corporations, government agencies, and other secondary groups)

Asch’s Experiment

Subjects were instructed to select the line on Card B that was equal in length to the line on Card A. The results showed that many people will give an obviously wrong answer in order to conform to the group.

Patterns of Communication

Differences between Primaryand Secondary Groups

Primary Secondary

Size Small Large

Relationships Personal, intimate

Impersonal, aloof

Communication Face to face Indirect

Duration Permanent Temporary

Differences between Primaryand Secondary Groups

Primary Secondary

Cohesion Strong sense of loyalty

Based on self-interest

Decisions Based on tradition and personal feelings

Based on rationality and rules

Social structure Informal Formal

Characteristics of Bureaucracy

A specialized division of labor. A hierarchy of authority. Formal rules and regulations. Impersonal relationships. Careers based on tenure and technical

qualification. Efficiency.

Criticisms of Bureaucracy

Ritualism. Rules may be followed whether they apply or not.

Alienation. The emphasis on impersonal rules and hierarchies may reduce cohesion.

Structured inequality. Tendency to concentrate decision-making in the hands of a few people is seen as antidemocratic.