Compose a 200- to 300-word response to the following:
o Describe a social group and a formal organization that you are currently part of or
were a part of in the past.
o Review the categories in the Summing Up table on p. 121 in the text.
o Using the categories in the table, outline the main differences between the social
group and the formal organization you belong to. For example, explain how each
group or organization establishes membership, or describe how leadership is
exhibited in each group.
If you reread the assignment, it should be crystal clear that YOU are the only one who can write it: "... organization that you are currently part of..." Once you've written up your thoughts on this assignment, please post them.
Please remember that we do not do your homework for you. Someone here will be happy to comment on YOUR IDEAS, however.
To compose a response to the given prompt, you should first identify a social group and a formal organization that you are currently or were previously a part of. This could be any group or organization that you have interacted with in a social or professional capacity. Once you have chosen your examples, you can review the categories in the Summing Up table on page 121 of the text.
The Summing Up table provides various categories, including membership, leadership, norms, cohesion, communication, and goals. Using these categories, you can outline the main differences between the social group and the formal organization you have chosen.
For instance, you can describe how membership is established in each group. In a social group, membership is often based on personal relationships, shared interests, or common experiences. People join such groups voluntarily and are typically encouraged to participate based on their social connections. On the other hand, in a formal organization, membership is usually determined by a process of application, evaluation, and selection. It may involve interviews, screening processes, or meeting specific qualifications.
Next, you can explain how leadership is exhibited in both the social group and the formal organization. In a social group, leadership may emerge naturally, often based on personal popularity, expertise, or charisma. There may not be any formal hierarchies or roles, and influence can be distributed informally among the group members. In contrast, a formal organization has clear leadership roles and hierarchical structures. Leaders are appointed or elected, and their authority is based on their position in the organization's hierarchy.
Furthermore, you can examine how norms, cohesion, communication, and goals are established and maintained in each group. A social group may have informal norms and expectations that are understood and followed by its members, while a formal organization often has written policies, rules, and guidelines that guide behavior and conduct. Cohesion in a social group may rely on personal relationships, shared interests, or a sense of belonging, whereas a formal organization may rely on shared goals, values, or a structured mission. Communication methods also differ, with social groups often using informal and relaxed channels, while formal organizations rely on official channels and protocols.
By using the categories in the Summing Up table, you can effectively outline the key differences between the social group and the formal organization you have chosen. This approach will help you provide a detailed and accurate response to the given prompt.