Large and small social groups are a collection of individuals who interact with each other. The basis of the relationship is the shared expectations of each member in relation to others. Let us consider in more detail the socio-psychological content, characteristics, patterns, classification of small groups, as well as the importance of a leader in them.
Characteristic
In the process of communication, each person interacts with others. The concept of a small group includes the union of people who have personal direct contact with each other and are united by joint activities, kinship or emotional closeness. Its main feature is the awareness of one’s affiliation and recognition of this by other members.
Socio-psychological content
A small group consists of a small number of individuals. Its composition may be different, which is determined by social characteristics (by sex, age, nationality, education, religion, and so on) and number. The group structure is not always the same. It can be determined by functional responsibilities in joint activities between members, a set of social roles (we are talking about expected actions from a person who is assigned specific responsibilities), norms (requirements, requirements, wishes of socially approved behavior).
Classification
A small group may vary for different reasons.
- according to the method of occurrence, formal (arising in order to fulfill certain duties) and informal (they appear on mutual sympathies and interests) are distinguished;
- according to the degree of development of relations between members, a small group can vary from differential to the whole collective;
- separately distinguished reference types in which each individual will relate to its standards, norms, opinions, values and assessments in self-perception and behavior.
Patterns of development
Any small group functions in accordance with group processes, which include cohesion or its separation, the formation of social norms, leadership, dislikes and sympathies, and other phenomena. Thanks to this, social pressure on each member is carried out and intensifies. The group with the help of the introduced norms and rules will force all individuals to follow them. This process is necessary so that the small group is holistic and integrated.
The Importance of Leadership
One of the main processes in group dynamics is the selection of a leader. As a rule, he is a member of this society, which has a significant influence on all aspects of his life. Emphasis is based on authority, that is, recognition of a person’s personal and social qualities. Practice shows that any small group needs management, thanks to which goal-setting, decision-making, coordination of joint actions, control over compliance with norms, rules of conduct and the implementation of necessary decisions are carried out.