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The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between formal and informal groups.
The role of every member is specified and one has to behave according to the expectations of the group and the freedom is less. However in the informal group the freedom is more and one can behave and act more or less according to his own choice, according to the norm or value congenial to him.
In a tea party, before the meeting starts the members may behave very freely, may indulge in informal talks, jokes and gossips. But once the meeting starts every one becomes silent and formal to start the business of the meeting.
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Sociologists like Tharasher, Shaw and Whyte Bales, Elton Mayo, Moreno, Lewin and Sherif have studied about the characteristic of small informal groups. While informal groups are transitory formal groups are more or less permanent. In the beginning certain groups however may start as informal groups, but develop subsequently to formal groups.
Different political parties, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Seva Dal or social, cultural and psychological organisations, voluntary organisations initially start as informal groups and gradually become formal groups after they have their own rules and regulations and alter they register themselves as an organisation.
The interaction in small informal groups is very intimate and personal. There is face to face relationship and communication while in formal groups the matter is not same. In formal groups the communication may be mainly through mass media like news paper, TV and radio etc.
Difference in flexibility is also another factor which differentiates the formal group from the informal group. With specific norm, rules and regulations a big formal group looses its dynamism and flexibility.
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Once the rules and role status are framed and clearly defined, it would be illegal and difficult to modify them or overlook them. But small groups have lot of flexibility since the status and role are in the formative stage and hence easy to modify.
The structural properties of the formal groups being compelling, many informal groups are in the formative stage ad study of such informal groups helps in knowing the process through which a group is formed. Informal groups play a very important role in social and psychological life. They are found for all ages and all groups.