Page 2 - LN 2_Social Influence and Group Processes
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Sometimes several stages go on simultaneously, while in other instances
                       groups may go back and forth through the various stages or they may just
                       skip some of the stages.


               GROUP STRUCTURE

               ▪  During  the  process  of  group  formation,  as  the  members  interact,  groups  also
                   develop a STRUCTURE.

               ▪  Over time this interaction shows:
                   1)  regularities in distribution of task to be performed,

                   2)  responsibilities assigned to members, and
                   3)  the prestige or relative status of members.
               ▪  Elements-
               1.  Roles
               ✓  These are socially defined expectations that individuals in a given situation are
                   expected to fulfil.
               ✓  Roles refer to the typical behaviour that depicts a person in a given social context.

               ✓  For example: As a daughter or a son, you are expected to respect elders, listen to
                   them, and study.
               2.  Norms
               ✓  Norms are expected standards of behaviour and beliefs established, agreed upon,
                   and enforced by group members.
               ✓  They may be considered as a group’s ‘unspoken rules’.
               ✓  In your family, there are norms that guide the behavior of family members.

               ✓  These norms represent shared ways of viewing the world.
               3.  Status
               ✓  Status refers to the relative social position given to group members by others.
               ✓  This relative position or status may be either ascribed (given may be because of
                   one’s seniority) or achieved (the person has achieved status because of expertise or
                   hard work).
               ✓  By being members of the group, we enjoy the status associated with that group.

               4.  Cohesiveness
               ✓  Refers to togetherness, binding, or mutual attraction among group members.
               ✓  As the group becomes more cohesive, group members start to think, feel and act
                   as a social unit, and less like isolated individuals.
               ✓  Members of a highly cohesive group have a greater desire to remain in the group
                   in comparison to those who belong to low cohesive groups.
               ✓  Refers to the team spirit or ‘we feeling’ or a sense of belongingness to the group.
               ✓  Psychologists  have  identified  the  phenomenon  of  groupthink  which  is  a

                   consequence of extreme cohesiveness.
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