certain people might push back W r i t i n g

In need of (2) substantive replies of 125 words each to (2) different post. MGMT 310 Topic: Formation of Groups

Peer replies to further the conversation

Student replied to at least two (2) classmates’ posts and each reply includes at least three (3) to four (4) sentences relating the classmate’s post to at least one (1) question/point of the Discussion Prompt.

Responses are substantive and encourage discussion by proposing a different point of view supported by an attribution to a source, personal example, or personal application. All responses include related follow up questions to promote continued discussion.

Forum Post 1:

A formal group is one that is established by someone at the company for a specific purpose. There may or may not be an end date of the group. The group will have two or more people, and there is usually an identifiable end goal. There is usually a hierarchy in formal groups, whoever is most senior or whoever is leading the project is in charge of the group. The group members behave in a culturally defined appropriate manner.

Informal groups are more like a clique. They are not organized, do not have a specific purpose, and do not conform to any one specific defined appropriate manner. It is more about groups of employees who may share a common interest, are friends outside the workspace, or who just like to get together and complain. The normal hierarchy of a business relationship is irrelevant in this situation.

Managers should pay attention to the informal groups because while they allow social interaction and break up the humdrum of the day. They are also more likely to be the catalyst for the rumor mill. Employees are more likely to hear news about the company, policies, other employees through the grapevine. In a survey 47% of employees said they would put more credence in the grapevine than their senior leadership. (Goman, 2019) When asked the question, “Would you believe the grapevine or your most trusted co-worker if there were big differences in the messages from each?” 89% said they would trust their co-worker. Which is why managers need to be able to take the pulse of the company and tap into the grapevine to see what’s really going on.

Goman, C. (2019, January 24). I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Forum Post 2:

Classmates,

Groups of people discussing different topics happen all over the workplace. Formal groups are when a group of people are organized in order to discuss a specific thing. An informal group is a group of people that were not organized, and are just shooting the breeze or talking about, not much of anything. This could be sports, gossip, how life is going with anyone in the group, etc.

Managers, in some cases, should pay attention to the informal groups because I feel this is where people are the most honest. If you are in a meeting, you might disagree with what is being discussed, but are unwilling to share your opinion with everyone in that specific setting. This could be for a variety of reasons, like you don’t want to be the only person with that opinion, certain people might push back on your ideas, or maybe you just don’t prefer to speak in front of groups of people, especially in a professional setting.

When you are in an informal setting, you are choosing who is in that group. You do not have to be apart of it if you so choose. It is much easier to open up more with your true opinion in an informal group, because the others in that group probably share the same views as you. Because it is voluntary, you are more likely to be around people that you like and are willing to share opinions with because you like and trust those others.

I also believe that there is a time for subordinates to voice their opinions in an informal group, without the managers knowledge as long as it is appropriate and not harmful. Your workers need to be able to feel comfortable at work, and hopefully comfortable enough to come to their manager with any issues without feeling like they will be scrutinized. It is good to know your subordinates true, honest opinions, and informal groups are usually where that comes out.

Prompt W6: Formation of Groups

What are the differences between formal and informal groups? Why should managers pay attention to informal groups?

***I have attached the textbook for this course for this week’s lesson it goes over Chapters 12 and 13. ***