Functions of Informal Subgroups in Relation to Work Groups and Group Effectiveness

• Published in: Integrative psychological & behavioral science Vol. 59; no. 2; p. 48
• Main Authors: Sidorenkov, Andrey V., Borokhovski, Eugene F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 03.06.2025
• Subjects: Anthropology; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Psychology; Sociology; Informal subgroup; Social effectiveness; Work group; Subgroup functions; Performance effectiveness
• ISSN: 1932-4502; 1936-3567; 1936-3567
• DOI: 10.1007/s12124-025-09917-4

This study is grounded in the ideas of the micro-group theory about the four key functions that informal subgroups implement in relation to the work group they are included in. These functions are: streamlining and stabilizing intragroup activities, performing group tasks, organizing group activities, and positioning and influence within the group. The study pursues the following. (1) Further development and strengthening of conceptualization of the four functions informal groups implement in relation to their members and (2) Exploration of direct in indirect associations of the three out of these four functions with group social (SE) and performance (PE) effectiveness. Forty-four work groups, containing 63 informal subgroups, took part in the study. A formal algorithm for identifying informal subgroups and three questionnaires were used to measure, respectively, three subgroup functions, member interdependence, and two types of group effectiveness. It was found that subgroups better implement the function of performing group tasks in work groups with low work-related interdependence among members and, substantially weaker – in groups with high interdependence. The functions of organizing group activity and positioning of subgroups have positive relationships with group SE, while the relationship between the function of performing group tasks and SE is negative. The association of the functions of organizing group activity and positioning with group PE is mediated by group SE. The study expanded our understanding of subgroup functions and demonstrated their important role in the effectiveness of work groups, thus, contributing to the theory and practice in the field of small groups research.