Functions of work groups and informal subgroups in relation to their members: Relative salience and connection with group effectiveness

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the study is twofold: (a) comparative analysis of the degree to which work groups and informal subgroups implement six functions in relation to their members and (b) examination of both direct and indirect associations of these functions with social effectiveness and performance effectiveness of the respective groups (subgroups). The following functions were studied: (a) creating possibilities for realization of individual goals and needs; (b) protection from external social threats; (c) informing members; (d) teaching members; (e) adaptation of members; and (f) providing control and regulation. Study design. The study was conducted among 49 work groups, which included 290 employees. A formal algorithm for identifying informal subgroups and three questionnaires were used to measure, respectively, functions of group or subgroup and two types of group effectiveness. Findings. It was revealed that the subgroups implement five functions (except for the function of control and regulation) with higher strength than the work groups do. The functions of both groups (except for the function of control and regulation) and subgroups are positively associated with their social effectiveness. Group size moderated the association of the four functions with group social effectiveness. Two of the six functions of work groups have an indirect effect on group performance effectiveness, mediated by group social effectiveness. Value of the results. This study makes the first step toward: (a) comparative analyses of the functions work groups and informal subgroups carry out in relation to their respective members and (b) understanding of the role these functions play in the overall effectiveness of groups or subgroups. Practical implications. The ideas and results of this study can be used by supervisors, human resource managers and organizational psychologists for strengthening group functions and group effectiveness.