6: Groups and Organizations

Introductory Sociology 3e · LibreTexts

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    • 6.1: Introduction
      Over the past decade, a grassroots effort to raise awareness of certain political issues has gained in popularity.
    • 6.2: Types of Groups
      Groups largely define how we think of ourselves. There are two main types of groups: primary and secondary. As the names suggest, the primary group is the long-term, complex one. People use groups as standards of comparison to define themselves—both who they are and who they are not. Sometimes groups can be used to exclude people or as a tool that strengthens prejudice.
    • 6.3: Group Size and Structure
      The size and dynamic of a group greatly affects how members act. Primary groups rarely have formal leaders, although there can be informal leadership. Groups generally are considered large when there are too many members for a simultaneous discussion. In secondary groups there are two types of leadership functions, with expressive leaders focused on emotional health and wellness, and instrumental leaders more focused on results. Further, there are different leadership styles.
    • 6.4: Formal Organizations
      Large organizations fall into three main categories: normative/voluntary, coercive, and utilitarian. We live in a time of contradiction: while the pace of change and technology are requiring people to be more nimble and less bureaucratic in their thinking, large bureaucracies like hospitals, schools, and governments are more hampered than ever by their organizational format. At the same time, the past few decades have seen the development of a trend to bureaucratize.
    • 6.5: Key Terms
    • 6.6: Section Summary
    • 6.7: Section Quiz
    • 6.8: Short Answer
    • 6.9: Further Research
    • 6.10: References

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