TYPES OF GROUP

Introduction

Within many organisations different groups are formed at different levels, formal groups, informal groups, primary groups and secondary groups. Some groups maybe deliberately formed, some groups are formed through an informal setting. Below we discuss briefly four forms of groups which are found within a company.

Types of groups

Formal Group

A formal group is created within an organisation to complete a specific role or task. This may be a one off objective such as the launch of a particular product or service or a permanent/ongoing objective such as the provision of Information Technology (IT).

Informal Group

Informal groups are established by individuals who decide they want to interact with each other. Informal groups usually do not have a specific purpose; often the group forms because the group members regularly happen to be in the same location or because they enjoy each other's company. For example people may form a group becuase they sit close together in an office or live together in a house.



Primary Group

A primary group is made up of a small group of people who interact regularly. A small team with a leader is an example of a primary group. A family can also be called a primary group. Within the primary group, values, beliefs and culture are all very important.

Secondary Group

When a large number of people get together (who do not normally get together) it is called a secondary group. Secondary group members do not get the opportunity to get to know each other as well as primary group members because the interaction with each other is less than in a primary group. When a secondary group is formed, individuals usually have their own agenda and goals. The relationship they form is not long term and social interaction within a secondary group is likely to be low.

Types of Social Groups: Primary, Secondary and Reference Groups

The study of social groups is a main focus of many sociologists. In this lesson, we define social groups and differentiate between several different types including primary, secondary, and reference groups.
Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it's a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more.
Primary Groups

No two groups are created equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson, we'll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal identity with the group.

The nuclear family is an example of a primary social group Nuclear Family Illustration
nuclear family

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term 'primary' is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.
Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.
A classroom project group is an example of a secondary social group Classroom Social Group

Types of Social Groups: Primary, Secondary and Reference Groups

The study of social groups is a main focus of many sociologists. In this lesson, we define social groups and differentiate between several different types including primary, secondary, and reference groups.
Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it's a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more.
Primary Groups

No two groups are created equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson, we'll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal identity with the group.

The nuclear family is an example of a primary social group Nuclear Family Illustration
nuclear family

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term 'primary' is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.
Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.

A classroom project group is an example of a secondary social group Classroom Social Group

Types of Social Groups: Primary, Secondary and Reference Groups

The study of social groups is a main focus of many sociologists. In this lesson, we define social groups and differentiate between several different types including primary, secondary, and reference groups.
Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it's a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more.
Primary Groups

No two groups are created equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson, we'll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal identity with the group.

The nuclear family is an example of a primary social group Nuclear Family Illustration
nuclear family

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term 'primary' is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.
Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.

A classroom project group is an example of a secondary social group Classroom Social Group

SOCIAL GROUPS IN FOCUS

The study of social groups is a main focus of many sociologists. In this lesson, we define social groups and differentiate between several different types including primary, secondary, and reference groups.
Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it's a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more.
Primary Groups

No two groups are created equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson, we'll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal identity with the group.

The nuclear family is an example of a primary social group Nuclear Family Illustration
nuclear family

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term 'primary' is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.
Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.

A classroom project group is an example of a secondary social group Classroom Social Group

Types of Social Groups: Primary, Secondary and Reference Groups

The study of social groups is a main focus of many sociologists. In this lesson, we define social groups and differentiate between several different types including primary, secondary, and reference groups.
Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it's a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more.
Primary Groups

No two groups are created equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson, we'll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal identity with the group.

The nuclear family is an example of a primary social group Nuclear Family Illustration
nuclear family

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term 'primary' is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.
Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.

A classroom project group is an example of a secondary social group Classroom Social Group

What Is the Meaning of a Focus Group?

What Is the Meaning of a Focus Group?
by Ruth Mayhew, Demand Media

Focus groups are small-group meetings that give employees an opportunity to interact with a manager, human resources staff member or workplace expert about workplace conditions, company leadership and other employment matters. Employers choose focus groups because they eliminate the need for costly employee opinion surveys, demonstrating personal and individualized attention to employee concerns.
Purpose

Focus groups are not intended to become gripe sessions for employees, yet they sometimes evolve into complaint forums for employees to sound off, particularly when there has never before been an employer-sponsored program for voicing opinions. Whether the purpose of a focus group is to effect positive changes or get employees to open up about changes that would make their work lives more enjoyable, the meaning of focus groups – their basic principles, components and functions – are the same.
Structure and Time

Focus groups are relatively small. On average, they consist of four to seven participants. Any more than that makes it difficult for the facilitator to control the discussion. Small groups encourage an open exchange, especially when participants are reluctant to talk about certain topics without support and validation from coworkers.

Because focus groups are conducted with small numbers of employees, they take time to complete. Conducting dozens of focus groups for an employee base of, say, 200 could take a week or more. Add to the actual discussion time the task of analyzing feedback, and the entire process can consume two weeks of staff time to produce a comprehensive summary. This is far more time than it would take to administer and analyze responses from a computer-based employee opinion survey. Nevertheless, the information gleaned from focus group participants is usually more useful.

Related Reading: Focus Group Technique
Similarly Situated Participants

Focus groups generally comprise participants who have similar – if not identical – views about typically controversial or sensitive issues, such as opinions concerning ineffective working relationships or overall job dissatisfaction. Participants may represent a cross-section of employees. However, groups made up of employees from similar jobs or occupation levels may have similar attitudes about certain topics, which makes it simpler to detect common themes within feedback. A group composed of four management-level employees and two to three front-line employees may not yield the type of candid feedback a facilitator receives from a group of seven front-line employees.
Yes to Anonymity, No to Confidentiality

Focus group meetings are conducted face to face to elicit the most truthful and candid responses to facilitators’ questions, making anonymity a must. It is impossible to guarantee confidentiality. Anonymity means the facilitator will not disclose the identity of a specific employee’s responses. The individual providing specific information may be kept secret, yet the information collectively shared by the group does not remain secret. Thus, a focus group meeting to discuss employee dissatisfaction with company wages would produce a summary about employees’ sentiment; individual employees' specific complaints about personal circumstances or dissatisfaction with pay never become part of the focus group summary. The facilitator must provide participants with assurances that their names and identities will not be used to determine which employees provided specific responses.
Trusted Facilitator

Along with confidentiality and anonymity, trust is an important factor in facilitating focus groups. Employees who have implicit trust in the focus group facilitator – in large organizations, usually the employee-relations specialist – feel comfortable sharing opinions that may seem disloyal or, at the least, critical. Employee relations staff members who already have employees’ trust and confidence are capable of facilitating fruitful discussion sessions.

On the other hand, when an outside facilitator leads the focus group discussion, the information employees share could swing one of two ways. Employees inherently distrustful of outsiders may simply refuse to participate or they might provide false or misleading information. A more desirable scenario is that focus group participants create a tell-all setting that indicates their comfort level with a facilitator who in no way is connected to the organization and, therefore, doesn’t know the identities or roles of focus group participants.
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About the Author

Ruth Mayhew began writing in 1985. Her work appears in "The Multi-Generational Workforce in the Health Care Industry" and "Human Resources Managers Appraisal Schemes." Mayhew earned senior professional human resources certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute and holds a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.