There is no specific definition of a group. Some feel that two or more persons interacting with each other form a group. Other definitions state that for a body of persons to be perceived as a group there should be a degree of structure or permanency. In a general sense we can say that a group is a collection of people who interact with each other and perceive themselves as a single unit. They work together in harmony to achieve a common set of goals. In a workplace, groups are very important irrespective of whether they are formal groups or informal.

1. Synergy

In a professional environment the most common reason for joining a group is to complete the task assigned to them. Now there is limit to what an individual can achieve due to physical and emotional constraints. However if many people work together they can accomplish well beyond the total member’s individual capability. Thus, a group helps in creating synergy. A whole that is more than the sum of its parts. Group synergy is necessary to become competitive and complete tasks in the most efficient way in today’s dynamic business environment.

2. The Need to Belong and Affiliation

Employees are social being. They constantly seeks company of others and cannot work in isolation. Research has demonstrated employees need for affiliation is very strong. Research found that employees who worked separately from others were not as satisfied as the ones who had the opportunity to work with others. Thus, employees likes to work in groups rather than alone.

3. Identification

It is the need of an individual to associate with image projected by other people or groups. Most individuals belong to various groups, but some many of them may not have an influence on their social identities. In some groups however, a person identifies himself/herself with social categories and accepts the group as an extension of him/her. They feel connected to the members and the cause for which the group exists.

4. Emotional Support and help

People joins various groups for emotional support and for help. It is a very common tendency of an individual to be attracted to people with strong characters and skills. An example of this may be various anonymous groups who talk about their success and challenges and how they dealt with it, so that they can help each other and solve problems.

5. Common Interest and Goals

Individuals also become a part of a group because the share some common interest and are enthusiastic to talk about it and share their experiences. Today, many people have formed online groups so that they can freely talk what captivated their interest among other things.

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Team Dynamics