Group Behaviour And Types
What is group behaviour?
By group behavior, we mean the collective action of individuals in response to something or an experience. Such an incidence or incident must attract the interest and concern of the group’s members.
In other words, without a cause, there can be no reaction. Furthermore, no two persons can behave identically or react identically to an incident. As a result, group behavior is determined by the group members’ collective interests.
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Typically, collective behavior is motivated by self-preservation and the advancement of group interests. As a result, anything that contradicts this results in unpleasant behavior or reaction on the part of members.
As a result, group behavior can be beneficial, constructive, and ultimately in the public interest. It could also be detrimental to society’s values.
Types Of Group Behaviour
Group behavior is classified into two types: mass action and communal action.
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1. Mass Action
It may take the shape of a protest against perceived injustice or an unpopular government or established authority policy.
Mass action can occur as a result of the activity of secret cult members. It could also be a result of students’ protests against school officials.
Hoodlums and miscreants frequently hijack mass movements, resulting in undesirable results such as death, injury, property destruction, and disturbance of societal order.
Characteristics Of Mass Action
- It is almost always impromptu and unplanned.
- It may lose sight of its purpose or objective.
- It has the potential to be detrimental to society.
- It may result in the death or destruction of property.
2. Communal action
Generally, communal action or communal labour is constructive and oriented toward the greater welfare and advancement of society. It generates positive values, and its acts or efforts are typically aimed toward achieving a purpose or objective.
Communal labor entails sacrifice and a philanthropic mindset on the part of members. Communal labor could be used to accomplish the following projects:
- Construction and upkeep of roads.
- Establishment of a civic center.
- Market stall construction.
- The construction of health care facilities.
- Water or electrical supply.
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Characteristics Communal action
- The purpose is community development.
- It is well-structured and coordinated.
- It requires members to make sacrifices in order to accomplish the goal.
- It promotes togetherness and peaceful coexistence.
Advantages Of Group Behavior
When group behavior is constructive, it can be advantageous to society.
- It promotes social harmony and peace.
- It contributes to development.
- It has the potential to foster good governance.
- It can contribute to the general welfare.
