Large and small social groups are a collection of individuals who interact with each other. Relationships are based on the shared expectations of each of its members in relation to others. Let us consider in more detail the socio-psychological content, characteristics, patterns, classification of small groups, as well as the significance of the leader in them.
Characteristic
In the process of communication, each person interacts with others. The concept of a small group includes an association of people who have personal direct contact with each other and are united by joint activities, family or emotional closeness. Its main sign is the awareness of one's belonging and the 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 (gender, age,nationality, education, religion, etc.) and numbers. 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 (prescriptions, requirements, wishes for socially approved behavior).
Classification
A small group may differ for various 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 a whole team;
- reference types stand out separately, in which each individual will correlate himself with its standards, norms, opinions, values and assessments in self-perception and behavior.
Development patterns
Any small group functions in accordance with group processes, which include cohesion or its separation, the formation of social norms, leadership, antipathies and sympathies, and other phenomena. Thanks to this, public pressure on each member is carried out and intensified. The group, with the help of the introduced norms and rules, will force all individuals to follow them. This process is necessary for the small group to be whole and integrated.
Meaningleadership
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 impact on all aspects of his life. The selection is based on authority, that is, the recognition of the personal and social qualities of a person. Practice shows that any small group needs management, through which goal-setting, decision-making, coordination of joint actions, control over compliance with norms, rules of conduct and implementation of necessary decisions is carried out.
