Chapter 6

Groups and Organizations

Chapter Outline Using the Sociological Imagination Concept of the Group Types of Groups Social Interaction in Groups Formal Organizations Dynamics of Formal Organizations Formal Organizations in Japan

Groups Members of groups:

Interact Share culture Consider one another’s behavior Have some common interests and

goals

Characteristics of Primary and Secondary Groups

Primary SecondaryNature of Relationship

Close social interaction

Impersonal

Function Emotional support, socialization

Help achieve group goals

Examples Family, soldiers, street gang

Class, team, law firm

Conditions Favoring Primary Groups Small group size. Face to face contact. Continuous contact. Proper social environment.

Size of State Bureaucracies

Social Network Links a person with a wide variety of

individuals and groups. Provide a sense of belonging and

social support and help in the job market.

Types of Social Interaction

Theoretical Perspective

Type of Social Interaction

Functionalism Conformity

Conflict theory Coercion

Symbolic Interactionism

Social exchange

Social Interaction and Group Life

1. Cooperation2. Conflict3. Social exchange4. Coercion5. Conformity

Cards for Asch’s Experiments

Major Characteristics of Bureaucracy A division of labor based on the

principle of specialization. A hierarchy of authority. Organizational affairs are based on a

system of rules and procedures.

Major Characteristics of Bureaucracy Members of the organization

maintain written records of their organizational activities.

Statuses in the organization, especially managerial ones, are considered full-time jobs.

Major Characteristics of Bureaucracy Relationships within the organization

are impersonal, devoid of favoritism. Employees of bureaucratic

organizations do not own their positions.

University Organization Chart

Problems with Bureaucracy Dehumanizing social environment Wastefulness. “Peter principle” - Once reaching a

level of incompetence members shift their concern to sustaining organization values.

Goal displacement Trained incapacity

Military Bureaucracy

Inter-organizational Relationships Involving the Police

Organization and Oligarchy How organizational factors encourage

oligarchy:1. Organizations need a hierarchy of

authority to delegate decision making.2. Advantages held by leaders at the top

allow them to consolidate their power. 3. Membership tends to defer to the

skills possessed by their leaders.