Group Behavior

Submitted by Elena Lazarova

              People interact in small or large groups and the group they choose to participate in influences their behavior.  We could be a part of a school group, an organizational group, a peers group and etc.  Moreover, children are highly influenced by the groups they are involved in, and let that structure controls their social word.

              A great example of a group school behavior is the comparison between early adolescence and middle childhood behavior.  A research shows that fourth, sixth and eight graders were combined either with a close friend or with a classmate whom they neither strongly liked, nor strongly dislike. The pairs of children were observed while they were doing two assignments that provided them with the vision for kind and helpful behavior among each other.  On one of the challenges, children distributed presents to themselves and to their partner. On the second task, children were allowed to help their partner get his/her present, when the partner was placed on a disadvantage. In the end the results showed an increase in age with differences between friends’ and classmates’ behavior. Eight graders were more helpful and more generous towards friends then towards other classmates. On the other hand, fourth and sixth graders threated their friends and classmates equally. This research shows that group behavior changes within ages.   

            

               Another example of group behavior is the organizational behavior that explains how people, individuals and groups acts in organizations. Its purpose is to build better connections by accomplishing human, organizational and social goals.

 The workers see that, as this is a characteristic of work life, which leads their level of motivation.  A good example of group behavior among work environment is illustrated among the corporate environment. Employees have their cliques; just like in high school teenagers have their cliques. Moreover, there is a tendency to obey an authority figure. Employees are divided hierarchical and they act differently when they are within their level circle and when they are outside of it. Also, every individual in the group can be influenced by the direction of an authority figure.

               Group behavior changes within the age and the different group participation. Almost every person once in his/her life has been a part of a group. It could be a small or a large one. It could be a different kind of a social group. But this group will illustrate a point of view, influenced by our own opinion, the opinion of others participants, or an authority figure.